Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Yvette Diva Williams
Dr. Yvette Diva, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been blessed to have been honored as a woman who “exemplifies muscle” not only in its physical sense, but through resilience.
In 1993, I was referred to as a sorry welfare mother who would never amount to anything, by the man who left me to raise twin baby girls alone.
I was laughed at, mocked, and ignored.
Since then:
I became an award winning journalist.
I was crowned Ms. Black Colorado USA.
I completed my Masters of Arts.
I became a bodybuilder.
I learned investing.
I authored a book.
I continued singing and released four albums.
I completed my doctorate.
I teach, inspire, and grow.
My daughters graduated high school, then college, are working in their chosen professions, started a business, and I work for them.
I run from no challenge.
I fear no one.
My music and message has reached millions.
Sing your song.
Raise your voice.
Tell your story.
I am Dr. Yvette Williams.
I am #SingerWithMuscles
To elaborate a bit, my story starts in Queens, York with two talented musical parents who introduced me to music as a baby. My mother is a classical pianist and my father was self taught on Latin percussion, violin, and flute. I was destined to love music. After my family and I left Queens and moved to Denver, Colorado, music became my love language and I still use it to teach, inspire, and heal. I was a vocal performance major in undergraduate school (later switching to broadcasting) and sang my way through college.
My music is healing. That is the genre I choose. I sing all types of music, but really do not care for being placed in a box or category. To me, music simply is. So, we must allow it to be. There is no genre that I won’t sing. I have been told that my music has saved lives and that confirms to me that I am truly walking in my purpose.
I write about real life and real world experiences that have happened to me first hand in my music and my mission is to bring love and understanding to the forefront of humanity. I believe I can do this through music.
I have four albums to my credit. My music is on all streaming platforms. I love writing about my pain and passion and watching how my lyrics and performances are able to help another person who was or is struggling with what I went through.
I go by Yvette Diva Williams on stage and earned the nickname Diva not only from music, but from 13 years on radio in Denver, Columbus, and Dayton. Initially, I was an anchor/reporter, and then switched to a Dayton radio personality, and “Diva” was born. My Dayton tenure included stations Hot 102.9, 94.5 The Beat, and KISS-FM.
As Dr. Yvette Williams, I earned my Doctorate from Walden University December 24th 2017 in Administrative Leadership for Teaching and Learning. My dissertation is “Healthy Lifestyle Changes and Academic Improvement.” With that, I also led the Dayton fitness community for 15 years as a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor. I have taught from one end of the state to the other. I currently teach small group fitness classes, and corporate contracts as an instructor, coach, personal trainer, and consultant.
My most recent endeavors revolve around community service. Last year, I retired her 9 year old nonprofit organization, that was created after losing my music producer and close friend to cancer. He was only 45 years old. I founded the organization to give relief and care to families struggling with cancer. Gifts such as grocery gift cards, clothes, spa treatments, wigs, Uber rides, restaurant gift cards, and other services were given directly to the families rather than to research. Even though the 501c3 is retired, I still work to raise funds to assist.
My next event will be my annual Viva La Diva, which will be Saturday April 12th. This will be a concert, birthday party, and fundraiser for Dayton Diabetes to honor my father who succumbed to the disease July 4, 2018.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Nothing has been smooth in my life aside of peanut butter! There have been countless challenges in my journey as a single mother, aspiring musician, and Black woman. I will say this, challenges and obstacles are only what we make them. I have been at the point where I welcome challenges because they always allow me opportunities to reinvent myself, and shut down the naysayers.
The challenges: sexual assault, sexual harassment, abandonment, doubt, workplace hostility, being held to a different standard than others, racism, misogyny, and even death/grief.
What people don’t understand is you can take everything from me. You can take everything I have, and I will get it all back again. Because my magic is not on me. My magic is IN me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an international singer and songwriter. I have been writing music for over 30 years. I remember one of the first songs I ever wrote was a song called “Take Me As I Am,” which I performed for my high school graduation. The response that I received was overwhelming and it really gave me the confidence to continue writing and sharing my story musically with others as I grew.
My music, which is written to uplift and empower all to “be your own beautiful,” can be downloaded on all online platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Google Music etc). My latest album is titled “Grounded.” The title track was written to promote self empowerment. My “Rise. Slay. Rest. Repeat.” album was written to combat my own issues of dealing with unrealistic beauty standards, insecurity, and self esteem. In the process, a hashtag movement was created that is encouraging thousands.
Diary of a Diva, my first book, contains autobiographical poetry, and politically incorrect statements and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This book was written as a “handle” to help myself, and all who read it, battle loneliness, grief, depression, deception, and other taboo subjects that many refuse to address. I am currently working on my second book of daily affirmations which will be completed in late 2025.
I am also a proud voice of Dayton as a voiceover artist. My voice has been used by Dayton Children’s Medical Center, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Community Action Partnership, The Boonshoft Museum, Cassano’s Pizza, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Interstate Ford, Harley Davidson, and many others.
As an International recording artist, vocalist and songwriter, I have opened for national acts such as Destiny’s Child, Gerald Albright, Bobby Womack and Will Downing. I proudly serve as a requested National Anthem singer for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his Arnold Sports Festival along with our Cincinnati Reds.
What sets me apart from others? Drive, tenacity, never taking no for an answer, and I have learned to always bet on myself, because I have never let myself down.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Learning to play the congas and timbales with my father always stands out as a fond childhood memory. I also loved sitting with my daddy watching the Muhammad Ali fights on Wide World of Sports on the weekends while my mommy would cook family dinner. I also loved watching and listening to my mommy play piano. I was always fascinated with her skill and still look forward to those moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.YvetteDivaWilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdiva2017/profilecard/?igsh=YmZtcXljODJmZjBq
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/SingerWithMuscles
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SingerWithMuscles
