Anna Ruth Williams

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- University of Alabama senior Anna Ruth Williams was elected national programs director for College Democrats of America at a convention held this summer by the organization in Washington, D.C.

Williams, a public relations and political science major at UA, was elected at the CDA Convention where some 700 students from across the country met to receive campaign training, hear speakers, network and elect national officers.

Originally from Huntsville, Williams’ hometown is now Denver, Colo. Her platform included three specific programming goals she has for this year -- implementing a summer networking program, launching a charity challenge, and creating an internship database.

While at UA, she has served as Freshman Forum historian, vice president of College Democrats, and programs director of the Alabama State Federation of College Democrats. Currently, she is involved with the Blackburn Institute, The XXXI, Anderson Society, Alabama Students for Constitutional Reform, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Forensics Team through which she has obtained three national championships in public speaking events.

She also currently serves as president of College Democrats and president of the Alabama State Federation of College Democrats. While in college, she has interned for the Colorado Democratic Party and U.S. Rep. Artur Davis of Alabama.

As programs director, Williams will be in charge of implementing programs at the national, state and chapter level, which will include Campaign Invasions where college students will travel to neighboring states to assist in campaigns. In addition, she will facilitate the exchange of program ideas so the more than 1,200 chapters of College Democrats across the country can share ideas.

Delegates at this year’s CDA Convention received campaign training at Democratic Grassroots Action Institute and Network training sessions, participated in a rally at Capitol Hill and heard speeches from top Democrats such as Sen. Hillary Clinton and DNC Chair Howard Dean, as well as a video address from Sen. John Kerry.