Meet the Team.
Who we are, and what W4W means to us.
Head of Legal Compliance and VP of Operations, Clare Diaz ‘20 (Economics)
“For me, W4W is a way to bridge the town and gown divide. It’s about loyalty to Williamstown, a place I’ve come to love and consider home. Additionally, I’m a huge foodie, so I’m deeply invested in my favorite Berkshire restaurants, from Williamstown classics like Tunnel and Spring Street market to sports a bit further from campus, like Renee’s Diner. It feels great to be able to do something to help them out!”
Founder and CEO, Eliza Bower ‘20 (Economics)
“The Williams and Williamstown communities have given me so much for the past four years and it’s a place that I love and that welcomed me with open arms. I wanted to find a way to give back that was scalable and sustainable throughout the pandemic, and connect the Williams community from around the world in the process. The Berkshire County community has been hurt tremendously by the pandemic, and W4W allows us to support medical workers, essential workers, local restaurants and businesses, those facing food insecurity, and others who have been affected. “
Head of Athletic Relations and Engagement and VP for Special Events, Daiana Takashima ‘20 (Psychology)
“During difficult times like these, I think about how grateful I am to be a part of the Williamstown community, a place that truly feels like my second home. I miss all the wonderful people. W4W enabled me to continue to feel connected to the community even from my hometown in California, and to be part of a larger initiative where I can give back to the community I love so much during these unprecedented times!”
CFO, Cole O’Flaherty ‘21 (Math and Economics)
“Williamstown and the surrounding area have become a second home for me these past three years, and W4W has given me an opportunity to help give back to the community and to many of the businesses that have helped make my Williams experience so special.”
COO, Gabby Martin ‘21 (Biology)
“I was nine years old the first time I came to Williamstown to drop my brother off at college. Immediately, I fell in love with the town so much so that years later I decided to attend Williams as well. I am excited to join W4W because I want to give back to the individuals and communities that have always supported us. This past semester I took a course called town and gown where I saw first hand the disconnect between Williams and Williamstown. I am excited to utilize this opportunity with W4W to strengthen the town and gown relationship!
COO, Emily Tibbetts ‘20 (Political Science)
“Williams and the Berkshire County community has given so much to me over the years. When Eliza told me about the W4W initiative it felt like the perfect way to give back— I feel so grateful to be a part of this loving community through these hard times!”
Co-CTO and VP of Special Events, Haley Jefferson ‘23 (Political Economy)
“To me, W4W means having the opportunity to help essential workers who are doing tremendous work on the frontlines during this pandemic and being able to express my gratitude for their incredible service.”
Head of Social Media and Branding and VP of Tech, Yu Quan Ng ‘23 (Psychology and Neuroscience)
“The welcoming community Williamstown provided me during my first year is what really made the adjustment to living in the Berkshires easy. I am grateful to be a part of W4W because it allows me to use my interest in design to help promote our support for not only the individuals who are in need, but also the local businesses who have been impacted by the pandemic.”
Co-CTO and VP of Special Events, Isabel Kelly ‘23 (Statistics)
“Williamstown has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From accompanying my mom to her college reunions, to squash camps, to now being a student here, I owe a lot to Williamstown. It is truly the people and their businesses that make Williamstown so welcoming. I love W4W because it is a chance to give back to the people that have given so much to me.”
Head of Student Engagement, Caroline Galo ‘21 (Psychology and Neuroscience)
“W4W to me means a chance to connect to the greater Williamstown/Berkshire County community in ways that I hadn’t even thought I could. Getting to explore and give back to local businesses and different communities across the region as well as engage more deeply with the Williams student body is such a wonderful opportunity that means so much to me!”
Communications Team and Head of Relations Specialist, Julia Ward ‘21 (Geoscience)
“I am part of the communications team for W4W. W4W, for me, has been an amazing opportunity to help and engage with the community that has become like home these past 3 years. In difficult times it’s so important to work together and W4W promotes this with teamwork and engagement.”
