Written by Kathryn Lekas, Editor-in-Chief
Photography by Paul Buceta
Hair & Makeup by Monica Kalra
A Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and a Candidate for a Doctorate in Health Administration with a focus on advocacy and policy working at Johns Hopkins, Ebony Williams is no stranger to the spotlight.
Or the STRONG studio. In fact, doing this cover shoot was not the first time she ever stepped up to share a bit about her journey in a big way. It was, however, the first time she’s really felt like herself while doing it.
“I was a part of the STRONG 10-year anniversary group cover in 2023, which was such an honor and incredibly fun to shoot, being with all the other women included on the cover. But at that time, I didn’t have to put myself front and center. With so many people to hide behind, I didn’t entirely have to be seen. Tucked up in the corner of the photo, I could shrink away just enough to still feel part of all the celebration, without really testing my grit,” admits Ebony.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, you can do everything you set your mind to. It’s not about toxic positivity, it’s about possibility.”
Fear of being seen is something she has struggled with since she was young. “I didn’t grow up in the most supportive or inspiring environment. My birth father passed away when I was 13 and although, as a single parent, my mom worked tirelessly to provide the basics—which I’m grateful for—my younger self couldn’t ignore that some Important things seemed to be missing. Like ensuring my mindset was positive, my spirit was light, my confidence was soaring. Where I grew up in Detroit, these types of things just weren’t prioritized given the circumstances and it shaped who I was becoming. Especially when I was in my mid-teens and I started to experience inexplicable physical symptoms. No one listened,” says Ebony. Until she went to college and learned to advocate for herself.
“I could barely walk up the stairs. I couldn’t focus on my classes. I had to stop running track because of heart palpitations… but the doctor didn’t believe me or recognize what I was trying to express,” shares Ebony. “It was really hard, feeling so isolated and lonely. I gained 40 pounds, and people started asking all about my business, what I was into… as though I had picked up questionable habits.” Feeling dismissed, attacked and accused set Ebony off on a path to find answers for herself, and create health accessibility for others going through similar experiences.
“My dad used to say, ‘Go big, or Go home.’
This is me living up to that. For myself and all the young girls who felt like I did growing up.”
“It took me being very vocal,” says Ebony. “I pushed and pushed. If I needed to get a second, third, or fourth opinion about what I was experiencing I did that.” Since she also studied and worked in health care, Ebony learned how to work with her doctor to get what she needed. “I learned to listen to my body, journal my symptoms, look at my blood results… piece the puzzle together. I really recognized that this was happening in my life. It was affecting me physically, mentally, emotionally, and the process was impacting my conditions, so I started really paying attention and not being afraid to tell the doctor, ‘I hear what you’re saying is normal, but this isn’t normal for me. I’ve lived in my body my entire life, so I’m the expert on it.’” Eventually, Ebony was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
Feeling dismissed, attacked and accused set Ebony off on a path to find answers for herself, and create health accessibility for others going through similar experiences.
“It was awful,” says Ebony. “Consider your worst days when you’re tired, then multiply that by 10. That was how bad my fatigue was. My chest felt like it was popping out. My joints were enflamed and swollen. I had light sensitivity, horrible anxiety, my hair was falling out, and I couldn’t eat anything. My nails were breaking. I was losing weight and gaining weight. I had mood swings… all this at just 21 years old.”
As she learned to manage her condition, Ebony found herself intrigued by the science of it all. She went from studying neuroscience to designing her own major; exercise physiology. Fascinated by things she was discovering in the lab while examining skeletal tissue ignited her interest in exploring how lifestyle choices play a role in how our bodies respond to stress. She considered how high blood pressure and heart attacks run in her family and how she could impact others by providing the type of guidance that alluded those around her growing up.
“I became obsessed with human movement,” says Ebony, who’s academic background lent itself more than well to eventually acquiring her PT and nutrition certifications. Followed by specialties in aromatherapy, plants, and more to round out her skill set. College is where she also got introduced to weights. “My body completely changed with lifting. It was really incredible to see that during a time when I didn’t have a lot of control. It was something that made me strong and able to keep going. Even now, weight training still carries that same power,” says Ebony.
Over the years, movement proved to save Ebony again and again.“Whether it was sports, a walk, or lifting heavy, fitness is the thing that has consistently been there through all of the agonizing moments,” says Ebony. When her dad passed away. When she went through a divorce and she began the process of unmasking herself. And when her best friend, her stepdad—the person she called dad since she was 15—passed away last year, forcing her to unpack a lot of built up grief.
“I was in a very different place during the group cover shoot. I couldn’t really appreciate it and celebrate as much as I wish I could have. As much as I can in this moment. But that’s sort of the beauty of it all—looking back and seeing how much I’ve grown since then. How authentic I feel now after going through so much struggle. I have finally come to realize, I’m worth the celebration. I’m worth the fuss. Me boldly front and center on this cover (and in a power stance at that!) Is quite literally like a launching moment for all of the years of hiding and healing from trauma,” says Ebony. “This really is my STRONG moment. I’ve decided that I can’t continue to live in my mind, especially while encouraging others to show up for themselves as a coach. I have to live out loud. I have to own it,” she explains. “My dad used to say, ‘Go big, or Go home,’ and this is me living up to that. For myself and all the young girls who felt like I did growing up. Who didn’t feel seen. For all the women like me, who still need to feel seen now. I want them all to know you can be strong physically, mentally, and emotionally—and it’s okay to be seen.”
Continuing her work as a Coach and an advocate for health, Ebony is determined to help women understand more about their bodies and the effects lifestyle and stress can have, while addressing structures and systems to empower them. “Me being sick, knowing what that looks like, to struggle with what feels like your body betraying you, gives me a unique perspective to really affect change. I’m bringing all of my experiences together, and it’s coming full circle stepping out on the cover of STRONG, to remind people what’s possible. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, you can do everything you set your mind to. It’s not about toxic positivity, it’s about possibility. From this moment, I’m living on purpose.”
Advocate For Yourself
It took years to learn to speak up for myself. Learning how to do so changed the trajectory of my life, and as a result, the lives of so many others. Below are a few key things to remember when you don’t feel heard.
1. You know your body. Your intuition is going to steer you. Your gut is your second brain— when you think something is going on, believe it.
2. You can speak up for yourself without being abrasive. You can take note, but you can also do a quick Google search. Don’t forget the power of social media—you can easily find people in a similar boat so you can build that community of support.
3. Never be afraid to ask what your options are.
