She is Inspiring (Randi Williams)

Happy Monday Fam!

It all started when I was in seventh grade. I was leaving my grade school to go to a new junior high and I was soooo nervous. I remember crying all night the night before because I thought no one would want to be my friend lol. I did however get a new cute hair cut to start school with so I was excited about that. My first day there I met Randi. She and a few of my other current BF’s have been my close friends ever since. Even in seventh grade Randi was kind, embracing, and brilliant. I am so proud of all of her accomplishments and I always tell her that I am one of her biggest fans. When she told me she was launching a new venture to help people get in shape I knew I had to get her on she-blogs.

Thanks again Ran!

You’re a Rockstar
xoxo
Ally

She-blogs: Who is Randi Williams?
Randi: Randi Williams is a 26 year old Maryland-native who is blessed to have a fabulous, fashion-forward mom and a beautiful, role model of an older sister. I have been lucky enough to live in 3 different cities in my lifetime and feel very fortunate to have had a wide variety of exposure to people, places and things growing up.

She-blogs: Tell me a little bit about your position as a Project Coordinator in the Department of Oncology at Lombardi’s Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Randi: As a Project Coordinator, I am responsible for managing the day-to-day aspects of a large research project about prostate cancer. The project that I manage is testing the effectiveness of two educational materials (a booklet and a website) designed to inform men about prostate cancer testing. I talk with patients on a daily basis, conduct telephone interviews with them, and manage 5 research assistants. I also spend a lot of my time writing papers on what we are finding in our research studies.

She-blogs: Why do you think what your doing is so important?
Randi: I really believe in what I do. I come from a family full of educators and so I believe that education at any age, on any topic is invaluable. I have been able to combine my love for good health and my passion for educating others by doing health education research. I hope the studies I am involved in will help to inform the best ways to assist others to be healthy and prevent disease.

She-blogs: I see you have your Masters in Health Education. What was your inspiration for choosing this field and where did you go to grad school?
Randi: I do in fact have a Masters of Public Health in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University (Atlanta, GA). I have always been a health conscious person and was exposed to research early on in college. The combination of those two things made me really excited about finding out more about public health. Once I understood that the field was all about helping individuals, groups and populations prevent disease – I was sold! It is a field where you truly feel you are helping to make a difference. We all have been impacted by someone who has cancer or who struggles with their weight. My job is to help these people live healthier lives and hopefully prevent disease.

She-blogs: Not only do you help inspire men to be healthy everyday but you are now an “inspirational walking coach” in the DC metro area. Why did you decide to do this?
Randi: I believe in doing things that you love to do. I have found that I love to exercise and I want to help others do the same. I should say though there are times that I do not want to get up to go to the gym, but I have friends and others who have motivated me along the way. I want to be that same motivation to others by helping them get into a regular exercise routine.

She-blogs: What are the types of services you offer and how can people get in touch with you?
Randi: I am offering my services as an Inspirational Walking Coach to help individuals get into a routine of walking or running. I offer 6 1-hour walking or running sessions ($20 per session). I meet my clients at a central location and provide them the motivation, support and guidance they need to begin a regular exercise routine. If anyone is interested in my services just shoot me an email anytime: randimwilliams@gmail.com

She-blogs: Do you consider yourself a pretty healthy person?
Randi: While there is always room for improvement I think I make pretty smart choices when it comes to my health. I also think because I work in the health field, I am a huge believer in practicing what you preach. I do not diet but rather make smart food decisions. I also work out regularly. One thing that has helped to keep me motivated has been variety. For the past several years, I have taken group aerobics, kickboxing, bikram yoga and a host of other classes. Currently I run, take pilates and go to the gym regularly. I have also run 2 half marathons and smaller races in the past few years. Trying new things has kept me going and energized about working out.

She-blogs: What are your thoughts on some really basic steps someone can take to lead a healthier lifestyle?
Randi: The services I offer as an inspirational walking coach is a really simple approach to help people take the right steps towards a healthier lifestyle. If you are someone who wants to start incorporating exercise in your routine – start with attainable goals. Do not fool yourself by saying Monday morning I am going to wake up everyday at 6am and go to the gym. On day 3 most of us would be ready to give up. Instead, start with walking one day a week after dinner or on a Sunday morning. Once you get into the habit of doing this then up your regimen to 2 to 3 times a week and so on. Doing something is better than doing nothing at all!

She-blogs: What advice would you give to a woman who is reaching for her dreams? Do you suggest internships or finding a mentor?
Randi: I am huge advocate of great mentorship. If you can find a person who is willing to inform you of the things needed to make strides in your respective field, you will have an upper hand on the rest of your competition. If you have mentors that can speak highly of you they will be willing to put their reputation on the line to get you some awesome opportunities.

She-blogs: Why do you think it is important for women to stick together and genuinely help one another?
Randi: Women should be other women’s biggest cheerleaders. If we are not supporting each other, who will? I believe that the power of women is like nothing else, so if we can band together we can do a lot as a group.

She-blogs: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Randi: In five years I hope to be happy and healthy. I see myself in a job that I love, making a difference in health-related policies that impact our health care and our health outcomes. I hope that I am surrounded by the same wonderful family and beautiful friends I have in my life now. I also wish to be establishing my own little brood ?

She-blogs: Name one place that you have never been that you want to travel to and why?
Randi: There are so many places I would love to go, but most immediately I would like to go to New Orleans. I have not had an opportunity to visit this great city and I would really like to see it in person. During my visit, I would want to help with the ongoing rebuilding projects that are still going on there due to Katrina.

She-blogs: What is your mantra on life?
Randi: I feel I have a very laid back vibe and so my outlook is when you think things are so bad, so difficult, take a step back and think about how blessed you really are. When you are able to put things into perspective it helps get through the rough spots.

She-blogs: When was the last time you laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe?
Randi: Hmmm…I laughed pretty hard yesterday when my co-workers sent me a you-tube video of a Denny’s commercial of their Nanerpus character (a stack of pancakes with a banana peel on top that sings and dances). It is kind of hard to explain – just google it ?

She-blogs: What do you do to stay balanced?
Randi: Pray and run.

She-blogs: What do you like the most about the way you look?
Randi: I like that as I get older I get more secure with exactly who I am and how I look. I specifically love my height, I am 5’8 and sometimes wish I were even taller.

She-blogs: What do you like to do for fun?
Randi: I am very lucky to have some of the best girl friends in the world and so dinner, going out, or talking with any one of them is always a great time.

She-blogs: Who is your favorite artist and what kind of music do you like?
Randi: MARIAH CAREY!! While I love Mariah, I tend to enjoy rap(eg Jay-z) over R&B

This entry was posted on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 4:53 pm and is filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.