Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mulan Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Mulan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

This job quite literally fell into my lap. At the time, I was navigating life as a sex worker, doing my best to survive. One day, Angus Bradshaw, the director of Miracle of Love, invited me to lunch. During that lunch, he offered me a position to help establish Stafford House, a drop-in space for the community. I said yes, though I didn’t think too deeply about it at first—it felt like a fleeting opportunity. But just a few weeks later, I took a class to become an HIV tester, and two months into the role, I fell in love with the work. It was transformative.

This was my first job as an adult, and it opened doors I didn’t know existed for someone like me. Shortly after, the job sent me to a conference, where I met other Black trans women working in advocacy and public health. Meeting them was like looking into a mirror—I saw women who were changing lives and lifting up our community. That experience showed me I could do more, and it lit a fire in me.

When I returned, I founded Divas in Dialogue. History was made as I became the first Black trans woman in my area to establish and run an organization dedicated to supporting trans women, particularly Black and Brown trans women. What started as a leap of faith turned into a mission, a passion, and a purpose. It’s a reminder that sometimes the opportunities we least expect can lead to the greatest impact.

Mulan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Mulan Montrese Williams, and I proudly identify as a Black trans woman, advocate, and leader in my community. I am over Trans Services for Miracle of Love and the founder of Divas in Dialogue, a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown trans women through support, education, and advocacy. My journey into this work wasn’t planned—it was born out of my lived experiences and a deep desire to create change.

At one point, I was a sex worker navigating life, trying to survive in a world that often leaves trans women behind. That all shifted when Angus Bradshaw, the director of Miracle of Love, offered me an opportunity to help launch Stafford House, a drop-in center for marginalized communities. I accepted, and from there, I found my purpose. After becoming a certified HIV tester and meeting other Black trans women doing transformative work, I knew I could do more for my community. That led to the creation of Divas in Dialogue, which became the first Black trans-led organization in my area.

Through my work, I provide crucial services like HIV testing, education on PrEP and PEP, and linkage to care for those newly diagnosed with HIV. Beyond healthcare, Divas in Dialogue offers life skills training, job readiness programs, and emotional support, particularly for trans women of color who face systemic barriers every day. One of our latest initiatives is a Passport Fund to help trans individuals overcome restrictive state laws by assisting with gender marker updates.

What sets me apart is my lived experience. I’ve been in the shoes of the women I serve, and I’ve navigated the very challenges they face. This personal connection allows me to lead with empathy, understanding, and authenticity. I don’t just provide services; I create safe spaces, foster community, and inspire hope.

I’m most proud of how we’ve been able to empower trans women to see their worth and embrace their potential. Seeing my community members thrive, despite the odds stacked against them, is the greatest reward. To anyone learning about my work for the first time, I want you to know that everything we do at Divas in Dialogue is rooted in love, resilience, and the belief that trans women—especially Black and Brown trans women—deserve to live with dignity, joy, and opportunity. We’re here to uplift, educate, and empower, and we’ll continue to be a beacon of hope in our community.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession without hesitation. This work has not only transformed my life but has given me a purpose that I never knew I needed. When I started, I didn’t see myself as someone who could make a difference in my community. At the time, I was navigating survival, doing what I had to do to get by as a sex worker. But when the opportunity to join Miracle of Love came along, I took a leap of faith—and that leap changed everything.

Being in this profession has allowed me to connect with my community in ways I could never have imagined. It’s given me the tools to educate, uplift, and empower trans women who face the same struggles I once did. From conducting HIV tests to helping women access lifesaving medications like PrEP and PEP, to creating Divas in Dialogue—a space where trans women of color can find support, learn life skills, and build community—this work has been my way of turning my pain into purpose.

What makes this profession so special is the ability to see lives change in real-time. Watching someone who once felt hopeless find strength and confidence is the most rewarding experience. Knowing that I’ve been able to guide someone toward health, stability, and self-love makes every challenge I’ve faced worthwhile.

If I could go back, I’d do it all over again, not because it’s easy—because it isn’t—but because it’s meaningful. This work is my calling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and stand alongside my community every single day. It’s not just a profession to me; it’s my life’s mission.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

Funding my business started with an incredible act of kindness and belief in my vision. After attending that life-changing conference, I knew I had to do more for my community. Meeting other Black trans women in the field opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating something bigger—a space and a platform that would truly uplift and serve trans women of color.

I shared this vision with my friend Daniel Downer, pouring my heart out about what I wanted to build. A few weeks later, Daniel handed me a check for $10,000. He told me to believe in myself, reminding me that if I truly wanted this, I could achieve anything I put my mind to. That moment changed everything for me. It wasn’t just about the money—it was about someone seeing my potential and encouraging me to take that leap of faith.

That initial funding allowed me to bring Divas in Dialogue to life. It gave me the resources to create programs, secure space, and start building a foundation for something that has since grown into a transformative organization. Without that belief and support, I might not be where I am today, helping others believe in themselves the same way Daniel believed in me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Divas in Dialogue
• Facebook: Divas in Dialogue / Mulan Montrese Williams

Image Credits

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