Nikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer and award-winning author whose works span fiction and journalism. Her debut novel, "Four Women," earned critical acclaim, receiving the 2018 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Award for Adult Contemporary/Literary Fiction and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Outstanding Literary Work Award. Her follow-up novel, "Beyond Bourbon Street," was honored with the Black Caucus of African-American Librarians’ Best Fiction award in 2021 and the NABJ Outstanding Book Award in 2020.
A Chicago native, Williams graduated from The Florida State University with a degree in Communication: Mass Media Studies and Honors English Creative Writing. Her writing career blends journalism and fiction, with bylines in prominent outlets such as The Washington Post, ESSENCE, and VOX. She also hosts and produces the "Black & Published" podcast, further amplifying Black literary voices. Williams’s work often explores contemporary themes with a focus on nuanced storytelling.
Now based in Florida, Williams writes full-time while mentoring aspiring authors as a writing coach. Her contributions to literature and media continue to garner recognition, solidifying her reputation as a compelling voice in both fiction and journalism.