Dyana Williams

Dyana Williams’ career exceeds limitation. Whether showcasing her talents in broadcasting, print journalism, community activism, television producing, media coaching or lecturing, she’s remained a constant force in the entertainment industry for over three decades.

Currently, Williams hosts “Soulful Sunday,” a weekly show broadcast via the Radio One adult contemporary station, WRNB-FM, which won the “Achievement in Radio Award” for Best Weekend Show in Philadelphia for 2006. Each Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm, she can be found at 100.3 on the FM dial, deftly weaving the musical history born from her adopted hometown Philadelphia, along with other classic music ranging from Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Teddy Pendergrass and every R&B artist in between.

Affectionately named "The Ambassador of African-American Music" by American Express’ Departures magazine, the Harlem native began her career at WHUR-FM in the Nation’s Capitol and later, journeyed back home to New York to the top-rated station, WBLS-FM. After making history as the first African-American woman to join an on-air team in rock radio at WRQX-FM, she landed her first on-camera position as an entertainment reporter on “PM Magazine,” which aired on Washington, D.C.’s CBS affiliate, WUSA.

Williams made Philadelphia her home in 1980 when she accepted a coveted on-air position with WDAS-FM. Along with organizing the station’s community-based activities; she moonlighted as a News and Entertainment Reporter for BET as well as a Music Consultant for VH1’s “The Soul of VH1.” After co-founding the International Association of African-American Music (IAAAM) in 1991, she furthered her commitment to her community by rallying alongside Congressman Chaka Fattah to pass House Concurrent Bill 509, which she co-authored as a means to give credence to the contributions of African-American music as a viable cultural and economic entity.

Continuing her passion for television, Dyana has also delved into the realm of documentary film with “Message in the Music: Gamble & Huff’s Sound of Philadelphia,” a project she’s producing with noted writer/director, Nelson George. Williams has appeared as a commentator on TV One's successful music series, Unsung. Williams also served as the co-executive producer for the NAACP Image Award winning season opener on Teddy Pendergrass.

Dyana was spotlighted on CNN Headline News as one of the top African-American leaders in the country and has also appeared on PBS, MTV and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Williams frequently lectures at major college and university campuses throughout the United States. Among them, she has spoken at such illustrious institutions as Howard, Hampton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University. In June of 2007, she was acknowledged by President George W. Bush, for her outstanding work as a music activist and cultural advocate, at a special White House Black Music Month reception. Over the fifteen years, Williams has expanded her portfolio as a celebrity strategist/media coach to the likes of Justin Beiber, T.I., Chris Brown, Rihanna, Usher, superstar model/actress, Selita Ebanks, members of The Dave Matthews Band, three American Idols, one Housewife of Atlanta, and many others who benefit from her “Influence System.”

Dyana is a certified PADI scuba diver and avid art collector. She splits her time between her home in the Philadelphia area and her sanctuary in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans.Ever mindful of the importance of family, Williams is most proud of her role as mother to her three children from her former union with acclaimed producer and songwriter, Kenny Gamble – Caliph, Salahdeen, and Princess Idia.