Fowler College of Business Council President Prioritizes Student Support

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At the start of the 2025 fall semester, Araya Williams began her tenure as the president of the Fowler College of Business Council, where she hopes to “make sure SDSU’s business students have the resources, representation and support they need to thrive.”

The Fowler College of Business Council is one of the seven student-run college councils that serve as a liaison between SDSU’s student government, Associated Students (A.S.), and the college-affiliated student organizations. As president, Williams is responsible for setting policies, providing funding, and facilitating communication between the business council, A.S. and the college’s administration.

“I ran for president of the organization because I’m passionate about serving the student body,” said Williams, who plans to earn her marketing degree next spring. “I also wanted to step into a role where I could make a meaningful impact — not just for myself — but for all of SDSU’s business students.”

As one of her top priorities in her new leadership role, Williams said that she wants to increase engagement between students and the council, primarily by increasing support to — and visibility of — the organizations. “I want to make sure students are aware of the resources and opportunities available to them,” she said.

Williams, a native of Temecula, California, noted that it was her background and life experiences that prepared her for her new leadership role.

“I faced challenges at a young age that pushed me to become independent and to take on some big responsibilities,” she said. “It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me resilience, empathy and determination. I learned that even without traditional support, it’s possible to keep moving forward and build the life you envision.”

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As she prepares for life after graduation, Williams says that she plans to pursue a career in marketing (“ideally with a creative agency”), and she is also exploring the idea of creating additional income through Airbnb rental arbitrage.

“My hope is that I will have the freedom to travel and create, while ultimately, supporting students who come from backgrounds like mine,” she said. “I want to be an advocate for those students without traditional support who have big dreams.”