MSG speaker Autumn Rose shares message of self-love and empowerment

Autumn Rose Miskweminanocauq smiling for a photo in front of city buildings

Mercyhurst Student Government welcomes motivational speaker and educator Autumn Rose Miskweminanocauq Williams to campus on Monday, Feb. 12, at 8:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. An offering of the MSG Speakers Series, her talk is free and open to the public.

Williams was born and raised on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, New York. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and a minor in Business. Being immersed in her culture from birth has given her pride in her black and indigenous heritage that is the foundation for the work she does today.

“Her heritage and work with indigenous and black communities is crucial to the continued communication, equity, and celebration of all people. She is truly inspiring, and I am honored to welcome her to Mercyhurst,” said Matti Trimbath, MSG events coordinator.

When Williams was crowned Miss Teen Shinnecock at the age of 16, it allowed her the opportunity to travel across the United States and learn about the indigenous experience outside of her Shinnecock community. Following college, she was crowned Miss Native American USA 2017/2018 and began yet another journey to learn more about her people. Being Miss Teen Shinnecock, attending college, and being Miss Native American USA were important growing periods of her life that allowed her to learn about the world and people around her as well as look within. After completing her reign as Miss Native American USA, Williams was signed to STATE Management as a plus size model.  Plus size modeling was a way Autumn Rose helped to face her body image issues head-on and continue her message of self-love and empowerment!

Williams utilized her skillset in her communications career to advocate for accurate representation and inclusivity of indigenous communities. Currently, she is the public relations and media coordinator for Indigenous Peoples Day Phoenix and is a cohort in Arizona State University’s Indigenous Leadership Program.