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Fall 2002 Spotlight Issue
October 28, 2002

Williams credits family

By Misty P. Salaz

williams at the UNM School of Law.Heather Williams came to UNM with one thing on her mind — education. The past three years have provided more than she ever hoped for.

In June 1999, Williams began working at the UNM School of Law as an administrative assistant I while attending school full-time. In 2000, she transferred to the Medical School Admissions Office, but went back to the law school as an administrative assistant II. In July, Williams was promoted to administrative assistant III.

Growing up in Gallup proved to be an influential portion in her life. Someone who still lives there makes the city special.

“My grandma, Josephine Chavez, worked really hard to take care of the family and did whatever she had to do, whatever job it took to support the family,” Williams said.

Although Williams always appreciated her grandmother’s responsibility and love, one life-changing event would exemplify the elder’s strength.

“My uncle was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1991, which was the year I graduated from high school, and she took his kids,” Williams said.

After taking in the 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, Chavez also had to deal with a down turn in her husband’s health.

“She just never gives up,” Williams said.

When Williams left Gallup, she and her family had to adjust to a new environment.

Although moving can be a hassle, she said UNM gave her a warm welcome.

“I got into Anderson and now I am graduating in May,” she said.
Williams will earn a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in human resources.

Williams said part of her inspiration comes from her husband, Manuel, always a positive force in her life.

“He stuck by me when we moved from Gallup, which was kind of hard because this is a big city,” she said. “He encourages me, he doesn’t mind me working all the time and he helps me so much with the kids.”

Showing the same determination as her grandmother, not only does Williams attend school and work at the law school, she also has three children — Andrew, 12, Betty Jo, 7, and 17-month-old Sarah. Williams’ schedule is tight, but she always sets aside time to spend with her kids.

Although Williams hasn’t decided what she wants to do after she graduates, she said having the opportunity to work at the UNM School of Law has been a memorable experience.

“I love it because it is a great place to work and it is a good community,” she said. “Everyone is really nice and we try to take care of each other.”

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