Communications Program Speaker Series guest tells students ‘Embrace the process and have fun.’

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – A South Carolina State University alumna recently gave current students advice about the world of communications after college based on her experiences.

Ciara Williams made her second visit to SC State as a guest speaker as part as the Communications Program’s Speaker Series to encourage students to think broader after graduating.

“The SC State family and just the communications team in particular-- it’s a phenomenal group of students,” Williams said. “What really sparked me about both (2022 and 2024) sessions was the drive students have to make an effective change.”

Williams is a 2016 graduate of SC State, having earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.

“I have been wanting to do communications since I was about six years old,” Williams said. “It was just a curiosity that sparked me around that age, and it led me to want to pursue a communications degree at South Carolina State University.”

Williams is a marketing, communications, and economic development professional with over seven years of experience. She is committed to creating impact via project management, leadership, and strategic marketing and communications.

She leads marketing and rebranding initiatives that position the county for long-term growth. As the project manager for Orangeburg County Development, she is responsible for workforce development and logistical support to site selection and tax incentive securing.

Williams advises SC State students to be honest about what it is that they want to pursue. She also encourages students to write out a list of things that might interest them.

More about Ciara Williams

 Ciara’s career began at Genpak, LLC, a leading food packaging manufacturer that supplies products to major restaurant chains like Zaxby’s, Panera Bread, and McDonald’s. There, she developed her skills in marketing and communications, managing sales tools, digital content, and marketing materials.

Her career truly hit its stride at Apex Tool Group, where she played a pivotal role in the relaunch of the Crescent Power Tool Accessories brand, elevating it into big-box retail stores across the country. From managing national advertising campaigns to crafting strategic in-store promotions, Ciara helped build Crescent’s presence and brand trust.

What sets Ciara apart is her unwavering belief in resilience and reliability.

She understands that success isn’t always a straight path—it’s about staying committed, adapting, and moving forward even when the road takes unexpected turns. Early in her career, Ciara thought she wanted to pursue a path in broadcasting, but her experiences in marketing and project management led to even greater opportunities. She believes that challenges and detours often shape future success, and she’s passionate about helping others recognize and embrace those moments of growth.

Outside of her professional work, Ciara gives back to the community by serving as a Board Director for the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and Claflin University’s School of Business Advisory Board. She is passionate about mentoring young leaders and helping them develop the resilience needed to succeed in their careers.

With a master’s degree in communication management from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in Communications from South Carolina State University, Ciara blends strategic thinking with practical experience. Her message to students? Success isn’t always linear—sometimes the best opportunities come from embracing unexpected turns along the way. Stay resilient, stay reliable, and trust that everything will come full circle.

Ciara’s energy is genuine, and her insights come from real-world experience. She inspires others not with lofty promises, but with the practical wisdom of someone who has navigated the ups and downs of business. Her goal is to leave people feeling motivated to take control of their own journey and pursue success with purpose.