Hannah Elizabeth Williams

Hannah Williams, 19, is an activist and writer. Having received a Certificate of Recognition award from the City of Poway for her "courageous actions during the Chabad of Poway shooting," she now spends her time helping sexual assault and domestic violence survivors, seeking justice for women. As a survivor herself, Hannah uses her experiences and writings in the hope of forging a better future for women everywhere.

5 minutes with Hannah…

1. Who were you named after?

ESPN Sports Caster Hannah Storm. Ironic, seeing as I aspire to be a journalist one day.

2. What was the first item you splurged on and what age?

A silly Ben Solo sweater because I'm a huge Star Wars/Kylo Ren fan. Age 19.

3. What book are you in the middle of (or last read)?

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

4. What is your favourite space to be in?

Peaceful park on a rainy night.

5. What’s your fave food?

Mozzarella Sticks!

6. What's in your bag right now?

Pen and a notepad, because it's a journalist's habit and pepper spray because girls today don't mess around. 

7. What does a typical day in your life look like? 

When I'm not at school or work I volunteer at women's shelters and picking up trash at beaches. Other than that you can find me at Barnes and Noble buying a stack of books that will be finished in a weeks time. 

8. Chocolate - milk, dark or white?

Milk/white 

9. Where did you grow up? Tell us a bit about it...

I grew up in Boston, MA. Go, Patriots! I moved away when I was very little out to San Diego so I can't tell you much, but all my family lives back there so it's one of my favourite places to visit- the history and the weather are my favourite parts. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself moving back there one day. 

10. Who is your fave blogger/ writer and why?

I'm not a big blog reader, honestly. 

11. What makes you feel beautiful?

Being my dorky myself.

12. You can take one person to a deserted island - who do you take?

If we're talking celebrities, it's Adam Driver because WOW, what a man! If not, then my best friend Khala, because she's like my sister and has always been there for me and me annoying her with nowhere to go wouldn't be that much of a challenge for her.

13. What is your all-time favourite piece of clothing?

My orange rain jacket and I have been through a lot together. I wear it at almost every activism event I attend/speak at. It's a tradition.

14. One word you'd use to describe yourself...

Energetic.

15. Do you have a hobby?

I love to write. I need to get into the habit of journaling, but I found that I prefer blogging because it's my space to share my opinions and important pieces with the world.

16. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Living in Seattle as a published author. I'll be healthier mentally and won't let anything get me down or in my way. I’ll be working my way up in the political world as a journalist and setting myself apart because I don't fall in line with the biased media. It's one of my main principles.

17. What drives you as a person?

My stubbornness and determination. 

To find out more about Hannah you can read her bio here, or follow her on Instagram at accounts @elizaspeaks and her personal account. To read more of her work visit her blog Eliza Speaks, in which she shares her thoughts, and experiences on activism, relationships and feminism.