Heather Williams,
A Hero In Our Midst

They are friends, confidantes, playmates, and most of all, “sisters.” Heather Williams speaks of Antwanette, her “Little Sister”, as one of her “biggest inspirations”. For Antwanette, Heather is not just a “Big Sister”, “she is family.”

Their friendship started seven years ago when Heather, a vice president at the Bank of Oklahoma in Tulsa, got involved as a volunteer in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ school-based mentoring program at the bank’s “sister” elementary school. She was matched with Antwanette, a 10-year-old who needed help relating to teachers and peers.

Their first project together was a science fair, an activity that initially seemed too hard to Antwanette. Heather and Antwanette worked through the obstacles and created a balloon experiment called “Up, Up and Away, “ that not only “launched” their relationship, but won an honorable mention. This was the beginning of Antwanette’s growing confidence in her ability to succeed in school and the first of many annual science fair competitions that have brought the two closer.

As the years passed, the “sisters” wanted to spend more time together and started meeting outside of school to go shopping, eat out, watch movies, get pedicures and manicures, go bowling and just “hang out.” Some of their best times together have been sharing their love of horses. Heather, who has competed in equestrian events since she was young, enjoys going with Antwanette to visit her father’s horses.

Recently, Heather taught Antwanette to drive, volunteering her vehicle, “Thelma” for the task. A few weeks ago, Heather’s phone rang at midnight (a time when adults worry that a call that late means trouble), but it was Antwanette, bubbling over with the exciting news that she had passed her driver’s test, oblivious of the time of night and eager to share the good news with her best friend.

Growing up in a single-parent home and in a crime-ridden section of Tulsa, Antwanette witnessed violence first-hand and had many challenges to overcome. “Big Sister” Heather felt that it was important for her to get to know Antwanette’s mother, Angela, her brothers, sister, and friends, so that she could understand what the teen’s daily life was like and learn what it would take to be a supportive role model and friend to Antwanette.

Over the years, they have shared their different “worlds” with each other. Heather took Antwanette to her old alma mater, Oklahoma State, to tour the campus and watch a football game. Antwanette has one more year of high school and then is college bound, hoping to pursue a career as a registered nurse.

Antwanette’s mother, Angela, feels that Heather has been the perfect role model for her daughter. “She has been there every step of the way, through good times and in bad, and her commitment has never wavered,” she explains. “I truly believe that if Heather and Antwanette had not been matched and made the connection they have been able to establish, Antwanette would not have grown into the wonderful, young lady she is today.” She continues, “If all ‘Big Sisters’ were like Heather, there would be more happy children in our community.”

Antwanette echoes her mother’s words. “Heather is the best ‘Big Sister’ I could have ever asked for…she has always been there for me and is always willing to listen to what I have to say and support me, no matter what.” She continues, “I can talk to her about anything and everything.”

Heather takes her role as mentor very seriously. “I try to show her the value of compassion, true friendship, dignity and respect,” she explains. “I think it is a must for a young lady to hold true to her values, and I hope to also instill the value and rewards of a good education and work ethic.”

While she has given Antwanette a lot, Heather feels just as lucky to have Antwanette in her life and has received just as much in return.