When Tiyana Williams looks back on her College Now journey, one phrase comes up again and again: finding her voice. It’s a skill that first took shape in high school, carried her through college debt-free and now defines her work in philanthropy and marketing.
Tiyana’s relationship with College Now began at John Hay Early College High School, where she worked closely with her advisor, Erica Henderson. While college planning was woven into the John Hay experience, Erica’s mentorship went deeper than deadlines and applications. “She asked me what story I actually wanted to tell,” Tiyana recalls. “Not just what I thought colleges wanted to hear, but what mattered to me.” Through countless conversations and Common App drafts, Erica helped Tiyana hone her narrative and understand why her voice was important to share.
That foundation proved critical as Tiyana navigated the college-going process as a first-generation college student. “I didn’t really know what was happening,” she says. “Things like financial aid letters, choosing the right school, understanding the real cost – those were huge hurdles.” College Now helped demystify those decisions, from school selection to scholarships, and eased the financial fear that once made college feel out of reach. “I was afraid I couldn’t go because I couldn’t afford it,” she says. “College Now helped remove that barrier.”
Tiyana ultimately chose the University of Akron — a decision shaped not only by academics, but by fit. That’s where her mentorship with Jimmy Malone became transformative. “At first, I was just looking at different universities,” she says. “Jimmy helped me think about where I would actually thrive.” From professional development and campus involvement to networking with people in her field, Jimmy supported Tiyana both personally and professionally. “I don’t know if I’d be the same professional without him,” she reflects. “He helped me stay connected to my ‘why.’ Even now, after graduating, we still keep in touch.”
That consistent support mattered most during the in-between moments — the ones students don’t always plan for. When Tiyana faced financial pressure during college, College Now’s emergency fund helped her afford an apartment and manage unexpected expenses. When stress made her question whether she could finish, mentorship helped her push through. “Without College Now, I don’t think I would have made it,” she says. “They put me on the path to graduate.”
Graduating completely debt-free was a goal Tiyana named early — and one she achieved through partnership. By openly sharing that vision with College Now and the University of Akron, and combining institutional scholarships with College Now support, she crossed the finish line. “It took a lot of legwork,” she says. “But it was truly a partnership.”
Today, Tiyana is putting those same skills — storytelling, relationship-building and curiosity — to work as a marketing intern at The Cleveland Foundation. Her interest in marketing began in high school through an after-school art program and evolved through business and leadership experiences. “I loved learning about people — the psychology, the research, connecting strategy with impact,” she says. “I enjoy taking calculated risks and seeing the return.”
No matter the role, her motivation stays the same: giving back. “I love connecting people with resources,” Tiyana says. “That’s what philanthropy is about — and it’s what was done for me.”
For students just beginning their College Now journey, Tiyana offers simple but powerful advice: ask for help. “If you have a goal, tell someone,” she says. “Stay curious. Ask questions. You don’t get brownie points for suffering.”
Looking ahead, Tiyana envisions herself continuing to support students and organizations that invest in opportunity — just as College Now invested in her. By finding her voice early, she’s now using it to make sure others are heard, supported and empowered to succeed.