Chanel Williams

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Engaged and Public Humanities?

I have a deep passion for making arts and culture institutions more accessible, inclusive, and resonant through storytelling. Growing up in the DMV, I saw firsthand how D.C.’s memorials, museums, and performing arts venues enrich communities nationwide, and I became completely enamored with them. The Engaged and Public Humanities program at Georgetown offered an opportunity to explore that passion in new ways. Much of the program felt like a deep dive into the work I was already doing professionally, but it also pushed me to think more creatively and expansively about that work.

What was the best career advice you received while in the ENPH program?

Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities that may not seem directly aligned with your current interests. The humanities equip you with the agility to contribute in a wide range of spaces—often in ways you might never have imagined—so lean into that flexibility.

What was your Public Humanities Report (PHR) on and what inspired it?

My PHR examined how cultural institutions could serve as equitable “third spaces” to bridge both the learning and social gaps created by COVID. I was inspired by my grandmother’s home, where my love of museums began. Her house served as both the historical record of our family—with pictures, books, and antiques—and a gathering place where traditions were passed down. Cultural institutions remind me of that role, and my goal was to provide frameworks to help them develop integrated communications plans that could tell those stories more effectively.

Do you have any advice for current ENPH students?

Stay curious, even if a topic doesn’t seem to connect to your specific focus. You’ll often find valuable insights in unexpected places.

What was your favorite ENPH course at Georgetown?

Digital Humanities ended up being one of my favorite courses. I hadn’t initially given it much thought, but it challenged me in new ways, and I learned more than I expected.

What advice would you give to someone considering the ENPH program?

Align your PHR with something you’re genuinely passionate about. It makes the writing and ideation process much more engaging, and the research flows more naturally.

What were some of your best experiences at ENPH, both inside and/or outside of the classroom?

Some of my best experiences were the conversations with classmates—exploring our readings, exchanging ideas, and learning how each of us approached the humanities differently. I also loved taking museum studies courses, which included visits to a variety of museums and exhibitions. I never pass up an opportunity to be in a museum space.

What was your favorite project that you worked on?

My favorite project was the grant writing proposal. It’s such a crucial skill in the humanities and for cultural institutions, and I’m grateful we had the chance to develop it in a real-world context.