We were lucky to catch up with Rosie Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rosie, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
During my first year of university, I was awarded an incredible grant to work at an NGO in the Middle East. Little did I know that my journey would coincide with the rise of the Arab Spring in Egypt, which brought about an immense sense of uncertainty in the region. During this period, I naturally gravitated towards individuals who shared a deep curiosity about democracy, and what it meant to be a citizen of a country and the global community. Surprisingly, most of my new friends were artists, playwrights, poets and filmmakers. Engaging in conversations with them about the impact of these socio-political events on our world defined my experience in the region, and set forth one of the biggest leaps of faith in my life to date.
When I returned to the United States, I realized my responsibility to share these various stories, while highlighting the importance of art as a tool for personal and communal contemplation and development. I began researching the Arab Spring art movements that helped reveal the circumstances and perspectives of those affected by the political unrest. I used my platform as a student to amplify their messages at academic conferences and symposia. I came to understand that the preservation of narratives can shape our identities and influence our society on a global scale.
Reflecting on those transformative years, I am grateful for the opportunity to delve into what inspired me the most. The experiences I encountered and the friendships I forged instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of art and the importance of sharing stories that shape our understanding of the world. It became a pivotal chapter that catalyzed my passion for exploring the complex tapestry of human existence and the lasting influence of the stories we choose to preserve.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I continue to support positive change by fostering collaboration among ideas, people, and concepts. Currently, as a philanthropic advisor and fundraiser, my role is to serve as a catalyst for such change, facilitating the synergy between visionary ideas and those who have the means and passion to make them a reality. Whether it’s celebrating remarkable human creative achievements or preserving natural biodiversity, my role is to bridge the gap between what needs to be accomplished and those who have the capacity to help solve it.
There’s a phrase I wholeheartedly embrace: “The world is broken, come fix it.” I recognize that no matter how influential or resourceful an individual may be, addressing any issue—whether global or local—requires the collective participation of many. As a specialist in individual giving, I consider myself a matchmaker, connecting individuals with the means to make a difference—be it through financial resources, time, expertise, or skills—with projects and programs where they can maximize their impact.
By connecting the dots and forging partnerships, I endeavor to create a stronger, more compassionate society that is capable of addressing the complex challenges we face. Only together can we drive transformative change and build a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world, and I hope through my work to help make those pivotal connections more obtainable.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
My father is a geriatric-specialized physician. He devoted countless hours to caring for individuals during their final stages of life. As a child, I keenly observed the unease that the topic of end-of-life evoked in many people when I mentioned my father’s profession. Yet, my father selflessly spent holidays, graduations, and birthdays tending to the needs of other families’ beloved ones. These experiences taught me an invaluable lesson: a profession holds a sacred significance—it presents us with an extraordinary opportunity to invest our time in bettering our world and the lives of those around us.
For many of us, the concept of a career has been deeply ingrained as a pursuit of a job—an avenue to achieve financial gains. However, as we evolve and become more conscious of the world around us, there arises a need to unlearn this narrow perspective and embrace a broader understanding of what a career truly means.
Reimagining a career as a pursuit of doing the most good for both people and the planet involves a shift in mindset and priorities. It requires recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on society and the environment. It means aligning our professional endeavors with a sense of purpose, focusing not just on personal profit, but on creating positive change and leaving a lasting, meaningful legacy.
This shift in perspective empowers us to seek career paths that are not solely driven by financial rewards or societal expectations, but rather by the desire to make a difference. It encourages us to explore avenues where our skills, talents, and passions intersect with the pressing needs of the world. By embracing this new paradigm, I find fulfillment in knowing that my work is contributing to a greater purpose, and that my career is a vehicle for promoting social and environmental well-being.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience holds a special place in my heart because its true essence often reveals itself only in hindsight. The path of resilience is often gritty and unassuming. An example of this from my personal journey takes me back to my graduate school days in London, where I was studying art history.
During that time, financial struggles were a constant presence in my life, leading me to take on odd jobs like dog walking to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, my unwavering determination to forge a career in the arts fueled my every move. It was during my studies that news of Britain’s departure from the European Union broke out, stirring up a wave of uncertainty and turmoil. The atmosphere in London became thick with suspicion and mistrust between Europeans and Brits, leaving many of my friends questioning their futures in their adopted home.
In the midst of this unsettling political climate, my friends—both British and European—turned to their art as a means of both documenting and finding solace from the moment’s intensity. Recognizing the significance of this historical chapter, my flatmate and I decided to curate our first exhibition featuring works from emerging artists. Titled Private Spaces, the exhibition delved into the paradox of home—exploring who is granted entry, what conversations take place within its confines, and the complexities of the boundaries separating insiders from outsiders. We didn’t have much money, so often the pieces were hung by quite literally a thread. We wore multiple hats, serving not only as curators but also as bartenders, videographers, marketers, and art installers.
From our humble flat in Hampstead, we continued to showcase thought-provoking artworks until we returned to the United States. Looking back, I am struck by the transformative power of that space for dialogue held during that tumultuous time. It served as a reminder of the role art plays in sparking conversations, challenging norms, and fostering understanding. It was a testament to the resilience of both the artists and the community that embraced their work, proving that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of creative expression can ignite change and cultivate connections that endure.
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Rosie Williams, 2023
Photo Credit(s): Rosie Williams, POP FIFTY TWO, 2017