Najya A. Williams
Najya A. Williams
Najya A. Williams (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist who floats along the U.S. East Coast. She graduated from Harvard College, and is a 2025 M.D. and Narrative Medicine Program Graduate from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Temple University).
Najya is devoted to the liberation and healing of all oppressed peoples, and this passion is reflected in many of her projects, service efforts and literary works. Her poetry, essays, and other writings have been accepted and/or published by a number of organizations, including POETRY Magazine, Black Youth Project and Healing Points. Currently, she is also a Managing Editor for the Katz Journal of Medicine and Board of Director Member for Girls Health Ed, Inc.
Looking ahead, Najya hopes to inspire full-body wellness across the world, one word and patient visit at a time.
Website: najyawilliams.com
Instagram: @NajyaWilliams
What excites you about writing? How has it affected your life?
I am most excited by the wonder and play of writing. I view the page as a blank canvas and my words as paintbrushes that gently bring my vision to life in a tangible way.
Writing has brought so much depth and healing to my life — it has carried me through storms and into blooming fields. I truly can’t imagine a version of myself that is happy and healthy without it.
What mindset does a writer need to continue to grow and learn?
In order to continue to grow, a writer needs to remain curious about the risks, boundaries and opportunities present in their writing. With this intention, they can constantly fashion a new literary experience for themselves and their audience.
What three words describe you as a mentor?
Three words to describe me as a mentor are caring, consistent and committed!
What makes a good writing mentor?
A good writing mentor is someone who understands how to shape your skills and talents in a way that best serves your vision for your career (and not theirs).
What is your style of feedback?
When providing feedback, I enjoy asking questions about what the intent and purpose of the project’s approach and sharing my thoughts on how successful I feel that is at the time.
What was the most recent “standout” book you read and what drew you to it?
The most recent standout book I’ve read is Never Catch Me by Darius Simpson. It is an unflinching examination of Blackness in the US, and truly gut punch me with every single word.