As part of the Rams' celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage this month, the organization wants to inspire Angelenos through stories of AANHPI staff changing the game on and off the field.
We wrap up this year's series with Senior Manager of Analytics and Consumer Insights Amber Williams.
Being a first-generation American has carried significant influence throughout Amber Williams' life.
Not only is it what motivates her every day, it has also played a major role in who she is today.
"It not only drives me, but through education and actually being able to travel back to my mom's homeland of the Philippines was I really able to understand that the traditions of my family extend beyond my immediate loved ones, and they represent the cultures and traditions of so many Filipino families who live across the globe," Williams said. "We are family-first, hardworking, respectful of our elders, and one of the most welcoming communities who will go out of our way to make you feel at home - and I am so grateful to have had those principles instilled in me. I am Filipino but also mixed with African American and Native American, and I think my unique background gives me a unique lens through which I approach the world, allowing me to understand and empathize with people of all walks of life and value the diversity of perspectives in any space I'm in."
Williams' current role at the Rams is Senior Manager of Analytics and Consumer Insights. She first joined the organization seven seasons ago, and her involvement expands beyond her day-to-day responsibilities.
"I actually joined as the LA Rams first ever business analyst, so I've gotten to play an integral role in laying the foundation for how we track and use data to think about our fans and business," Williams said. "I also serve as a Chair for our DEI Council, where I help lead efforts to foster a culture here at the Rams based on diversity, inclusion and belonging."
The significance of her job extends beyond establishing the framework for how the Rams capture, interpret and apply data on the business side of the organization – especially because of her first-generation background.
"For me, (what motivates me is) knowing that I am a first generation American, coming from a family of immigrants who came to the United States in pursuit of a better life," Williams said. I know going to college and having a job like this at the Rams is paving the way for my brother, cousins, and generations to come. And it drives me every single day."
According to Williams, the best part of her job is how involved the Rams are in the community and the opportunities provided to staff to be as well.
"I've never been part of an organization that values community service as much as the LA Rams," Williams said. "Every week we are given countless opportunities to give back to the community whether its rebuilding homes after the Woolsey fires or serving food at teen shelters, and it's been one of the most rewarding and special parts of the job."
When it comes to celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month, Williams recommends supporting local businesses within that community.
"Try going somewhere new and bring a friend," she said.
As Williams' own upbringing shows, the AANHPI community has a wide range of unique cultures. She said that recognizing rich, diverse tapestry is one of the best ways to becoming a better ally for that community.
"Culture, religion, language, food, etc. do not unite us," Williams said. "Every country, every group, is entirely different and unique, so it's important to recognize that we all have different experiences and perspectives."
