Aniyia Williams

uh-NEE-uh

she/her

Director, Programs

As a director, Aniyia works to help the tech world live up to its promise of changing lives for the better.

Prior to joining Omidyar Network, Aniyia founded Black & Brown Founders, a nonprofit that helps Black and Latinx entrepreneurs launch tech businesses. She continues to serve as the organization’s board chair, as well as serving as a convener of the Black Innovation Alliance. Previously, Aniyia co-founded of Zebras Unite, an entrepreneur-led movement focused on creating a more ethical and sustainable startup ecosystem through capital, culture, and community. Aniyia also co-founded the Firefly Alliance, a women’s leadership community, and founded Tinsel, a fashion technology company. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Aniyia held roles in marketing, business development, and nonprofit fundraising.

Aniyia holds a B.A. in music, with minors in business and Italian, from Penn State University. She was a Bunton-Waller Fellow and graduated with honors in Italian and musicology, as well as the Josephine Rhea Award for Excellence in Italian studies. In 2019, Aniyia was honored by Penn State with the esteemed Alumni Achievement Award, presented to prominent alumni 35 and younger.

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