Regina Williams arrived in a new country—pregnant, with only $50 in her pocket, and armed with nothing but a dream. With no support, family, or friends, she possessed only the fierce determination to forge a better life. This journey of hardship and bold resilience forms the heart of her story.
Today, Regina stands as an award-winning author and an Amazon Best Seller in British Autobiography. She has shattered glass ceilings as an entrepreneur and earned the BEFFTA Best Author Award 2024. She made history as the first Black East African female politician in London by the year 2000, paving the way for countless others.
“You will believe her when she tells you, don’t ever give up”
About Me
Welcome to ‘Blessed Struggles’ with Regina Williams a testament to overcoming adversity and creating success from nothing. Born in Kisii, Kenya, and having built a new life in Great Britain, Regina embraced every challenge. From a difficult childhood in rural Kenya, through the struggles of being a foreigner in Morocco and the UK, to the trials of single parenthood all while proudly honouring her Black heritage she refused to be defined by circumstance.
Like a beautiful lily flourishing in a field of obstacles, Regina rose above every hardship with unwavering strength and grace. Holding dual nationalities Kenya, her birthplace, and the United Kingdom, her adopted home she has earned two IT-based degrees, served as an elected London Borough councillor (2000–2010), and built a career spanning several European countries as a certified Microsoft Technology Specialist and project management practitioner. Her journey is a living testament to the power of persistence.
Regina is not here to boast; she is here to inspire. Her life proves that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements. She invites readers to experience her story, feel the spark of hope and resilience, and embrace the idea that regardless of where one starts, success is within reach. Never give up.
Project Management Awards
MOR Management of Risk
MSP Managing Successful Programmes
Prince2 Practitioner
Microsoft Certification
Professional
Technology specialist
IT Professional
Political Awards
London award
Academic Achievements
MSc information and knowledge engineering (artificial intelligence)
BSc Information System and Information systems
1998
Community leader
With Minister for Communities Beverley Hughes when I was a community leader. An awesome picture of two beautiful ladies. I was on course to improve the life of ordinary people in the community, and we made it after that 10-year initiative.
1998
Community Representative
With Hilary Armstrong, the Minister for Local Government, at the 1998 Labour Party Conference in Brighton, where I represented my community. We believed in a good life for all. Our joy can be seen in our relaxed arms. It was announced that £54 million would be granted for regeneration of the New Deal for Communities (NDC) area in Plaistow and West Ham. This was after tireless work that included many meetings and walkabouts identifying issues and collecting evidence to enable us to make our case to the central government.
The NDC funded capital projects included, among others, knocking down tower blocks and building new homes, improving schools, reducing crime and creating resources centers for the youth.
2000
MP Dianne Abbott and the late local MP Tony Banks
With MP Dianne Abbott and the late local MP Tony Banks, who was later elevated to the House of Lords as Lord Stratford. Abbott rose to become Shadow Home Secretary (2016 to 2020) under the leadership of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Abbott and Banks helped raise my profile for the campaign of 2000.
2006
House of Commons
With Tony Banks and Tessa Jowell. Jowell, also since deceased, who served as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for the Cabinet Office between 2001-2007. I visited the House of Commons soon after it was announced that Stratford, where I had been a councilor from 2006 to 2010, would host the 2012 London Olympics.
2009
Prime Minister Gordon Brown
I welcomed Prime Minister Gordon Brown to Newham Town Hall in June 2009 and took him around to greet local people. There was a big crowd cheering him. It was beautiful and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I shook hands with the Prime Minister. I had never dreamed of such a thing, but it happened. This, to me, was big time. Primetime coverage on Sky News TV and in the local and national newspapers gave me confidence and self-belief. MP Harriet Harman (extreme left) served in several cabinet and shadow cabinet positions during the premierships of Tony Blair and Brown. Behind me is my ward councillor colleague, Richard Crawford
