At BLK Resumes, we know that HBCU leadership is an apprenticeship for a lifetime of impact. While the campus crowns and ceremonies belong to a specific era, the lessons forged in those positions are the blueprint for your professional legacy. For Courtney Williams, Miss WSSU 2009–2010, the journey to the throne didn’t begin with a campaign slogan or a cheering crowd. It began in the silence of a dorm room, during a moment of profound doubt that nearly ended her journey before it started.

The Decision to Run 

Courtney had already proven her commitment to the campus, having previously held the titles of Miss Freshman and Miss Junior, but with visibility came the inevitable weight of public opinion. She began hearing the whispers “Is she doing it again? People are tired of seeing her.”

These seeds of doubt grew quickly. Days before the application deadline, she sat in her room, paralyzed. Should she step back to avoid the criticism, or step forward into her purpose? In that quiet moment, she heard a still, small voice: “Stop running and run.” She realized then that her hesitation wasn’t about the position; it was about the fear of perception. That night, she stopped avoiding the challenge and submitted her application.

Leadership Isn’t Always Ready

Titles often suggest a finished product, but leadership is about the person willing to grow while being watched. “I learned that I can do anything God has assigned me to do even if I have to do it afraid,” she reflects. There were days she questioned if she could sustain the pressure of being the face of WSSU. Yet, she discovered that true leadership is rarely about feeling “ready.” It is about understanding that your purpose is larger than your comfort zone.

Her takeaway for every student leader: When you understand your purpose is bigger than you, you don’t wait for perfection. You show up, and you do the work.

The Legacy of WSSU Ramily

When asked how she wants her era to be remembered, her answer is a pillar of the WSSU experience: “Real. Relatable. Ramily.”

Courtney hopes to be remembered not just for the glamour of the title, but for being an approachable leader who remained authentic to the culture.

Why Your Story is Resume-Ready

Thousands of HBCU alums share these same moments: the fear, the pivot, the growth. At BLK Resumes, we believe these stories are the missing pieces of your professional narrative. Whether you were a campus queen, an SGA leader, or an organization president, those experiences are high-level management training. They taught you how to:

• Manage public reputation and crisis communication.

• Navigate high-pressure environments.

• Build consensus across diverse student groups.

Don’t let your leadership story stop at graduation. It is a vital part of your career trajectory, and it deserves to be front and center on your resume.