GIRLS WHO GET IT- VANESSA WILLIAMS

As the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America, Vanessa’s career showed nothing but promise in the early eighties. With the words, “Here she is: Miss America” written on her birth announcement, her parents seemed to have a sixth sense for what the future would hold. Yet, Vanessa’s 1983 reign was unfortunately short lived. Following a series of hate mail and death threats, the first in pageant history, she was forced to relinquish her title 10 months after her win when nude photos of her taken in her earlier years surfaced.

In true survivor form, however, Vanessa rebounded by launching her career as an entertainer. A former student of the piano and French horn, she always had an ear for music. Vanessa followed her passion for singing and song writing, releasing eight albums since 1988. Over the years, her talents have not gone unnoticed – she has earned an array of Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations, winning both an Academy Award and a Grammy for the 1996 song “Colors of the Wind”, which she had a hand in writing for the animated movie Pocahontas.

Since her foray into show business, Vanessa showed the world that she can do more than just sing, parlaying her music success into an acting career. Starring in movies like Soul Food and Shaft, Vanessa is best known for her role as villainess Wilhelmina Slater in the comedy series Ugly Betty. As if one hit show wasn’t enough, she has also joined the cast of Desperate Housewives for its seventh season.

Similar to her professional life, Vanessa’s personal life hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Like her professional life, though, she’s managed to overcome her challenges to find happiness and inner peace. Divorced twice with four children, Vanessa balances motherhood and a career in front of the cameras beautifully, taking the obstacles thrown at her in stride.

For making a mountain of hurdles look like an insignificant molehill, Vanessa Williams is a Girl Who Gets It.

Profile by: Daina Astwood-George

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