Connecting People with Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams

SA Youth Week 2024

Youth Week 2024 is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of South Australia’s trailblazing youth!

Whether you are completing studies, involved in spreading social justice, starting your own business, or simply being you, now’s the time to celebrate. 

Jessica Williams wants to put an end to loneliness. For new migrants especially, it can be quite difficult to find your own community and people. Many younger migrants face higher levels of social isolation. This inspired Jessica to create Small World Networking.

Small World Networking is a networking agency that helps connect people, migrants, and anyone looking to find meaningful social relationships. Its initial launch ‘The Youth Multicultural Networking Event’ was a massive success with over 70 people finding new connections.

Zane LeBlond: So, describe yourself, who are you?

Jessica Williams: My name is Jessica Williams. I’m a 22-year-old migrant from India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I play the electric guitar, produce my own rap music, dance, write, and I LOVE meeting new people! I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders University, where I also volunteer on the Student Council as the People of Colour Officer, as well as a Student Representative on the Student Appeals and Board of Inquiry Committee, and as an Enrolment Support Officer. Additionally, I am the Engagement Officer of the City of Marion’s Youth Collective Committee.

ZL: Quite the impressive background, what are some achievements you’re proud of?

JW: I helped host an event with the City of Marion’s Youth Collective Committee called ‘The Youth Multicultural Networking Event’, where over 70 individuals registered. It was held at Casuarina Asian Bistro, which was reported to be run by and hiring international students, as well as providing cuisine that reminded many of home. The aim of this event was not only to help international students make friends but also provide a free dinner in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, and to connect them to professionals such as chaplains, English teachers, migration agents, landlords, and employers. We also organised ‘Welcome to Australia’, goodie bags which contained information about the YCC and upcoming events, free services provided by the Council, crocheted koalas, and other fun merch. 

Additionally, I was recognised by the City of Marion, in which I was co-recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award. I was also nominated by the Mayor of Marion for the Governor’s Multicultural Awards, in which I was the highly commended finalist for the Youth Award.

ZL: With all these things you do, what inspires you to continue?

JW: I wanted to start my own business, Small World Networking, with the focus on assisting new migrants to connect with vital services to ensure a smooth migration process, as well as feeling connected to the local community to overcome struggles such as homesickness, isolation, feeling lost or anxious, and adjusting to life in Australia. The need for this was inspired by my own experience as a migrant to Australia in 2018, as well as the stories I’ve heard from my international friends. Hearing about people struggling financially, missing their families, feeling homesick, as well as anxious and lost after moving to Australia really pulled my heartstrings! I wanted to use my relational skills to help the wider community in any way I could.

ZL: What organisations do you volunteer for?

JW: As mentioned previously, I volunteer for the YCC, and well as the FUSA Student Council and the Student Appeals Committee at Flinders University.  

ZL: What other things have you done to help others?

JW: I have gone to a Balaklava Primary School to speak and perform activities on self-care, positive self-talk, caring for others, and how it can impact their wellbeing. Many students found this both fun and helpful. I have also helped international students build up their resumes and given advice on how to apply for and get jobs. I have helped individuals connect with different communities and groups. I have promoted small businesses and assisted with increasing their client intake.

ZL Q6: If you could achieve anything in the world, what would it be?

JW: I would set up a shelter for homeless women experiencing period poverty! Here, they can have access to clean clothes, period products, period pain management products, food, and a place for them to sleep, and if I had unlimited resources, perhaps a permanent home for them too. 

ZL: What advice to you have for other young people?

JW: You are never too young to create a huge impact on the people and communities around you!

Zane LeBlond, Cultural Trends Reporter.