During the week you can find this Lady Panther on the move determined to make her mark in the world. Ms. Shanelle Williams is a fashion merchandising junior that hails from San Jose, Ca. but has chosen to not only attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) but the wonderful institution of Clark Atlanta University (CAU). The question is how is she living up to what it means to be a Lady Panther and what type of egacy will remain upon graduation.



A HBCU brings on its on unique experiences and rich cultural roots that can not be found anywhere else. Ms. Williams spent most of her life living in a predominately Latino neighborhood, which is the primary reason she chose to attend a HBCU. "HBCU's instill you with a sense of pride that I don't think a public institution would have been able to provide for me" says Williams. She uses the unique CAU experiences to motivate her also, "I enjoy seeing so many young people of color working toward gaining an education. It's inspiring to see so many student that are beating the odds and breaking stereotypes on a daily basis".



Believing that a Clark Atlanta panther is "intelligent, charismatic, poised, honest, a leader, a trend setter, and resilient" is determined to represent her institution and showing what separates them from all the rest. Currently holding the position of secretary on the E-board for H.E.A.R.T. (Hearing Every Ache and Responding Thoroughly), not only possesses the characteristics of a Panther but uses them to uplift her fellow Panthers. "I feel like the student body has alot of work to do. However, this to be expected. I have not come across a situation where all parties involved had everything together and was picture perfect." Regardless of what some non-panthers think Williams believes wholeheartedly in the potential of the CAU student body "As the student body continues to learn, grow and mature I sincerely believe we will become better people and better institution as a result". Although she is in agreement with many that certain things need to be improved in order to make this happen she believes "the morale comes from the heart of students so it is ultimately up to each person to take this responsibility on".



Ms. Williams isn't just a firm believer in Panther unity but also in Atlanta University and College Consortium (AUC) unity. The AUC is the only center of this nature in the world of HBCUs, but it is no secret that rivalries have at time become more of a hindrance. "Students need to realize that outside of the AUC no one really cares which of the three schools you went to, if you can't compete in the job market". Seeing the Atlanta University Center as more than a group of schools but rather "an awesome networking opportunity", Ms. Williams is once again using her leadership skills and the well known motto of "find a way or make one" to try and unite the student bodies. "Sometimes it only takes a faithful few to really set the groundwork to fix the problem." Williams goes on to say "if someone thinks less or does not like me simply because of the school I attend and not based on my character that is not someone that I would like in my life anyway".



After living behind a permanent mark at CAU and in the AUC she plans to show the fashion world just what a Lady Panther is. Her current plan upon graduation is to move to New York and use her love of shopping and clothes to make the world beautiful. Her ultimate career goal is to become a fashion director. Shanelle Williams is definitely a great example of what a Clark Atlanta Panther is and leaving behind a legacy for the baby Panthers that have yet to come to be able to follow.