Shay Williams

Shay Williams is an interdisciplinary writer, educator, editor, and scholar whose career bridges literature, psychology, theater, and creative expression. With nearly two decades of experience in academic and creative writing, teaching, and editorial work, she has built a reputation for combining rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling. Growing up between Israel and England, Shay began teaching English at just ten years old and later became one of the first women to teach English and Hebrew in the Israeli military. Her career has since spanned multiple countries, reflecting a lifelong commitment to education, cross-cultural communication, and the transformative power of language.

Academically, Shay has pursued an extensive and interdisciplinary educational path, earning five degrees, including a BA in Psychology, an MA in Cultural Studies, an MFA in Creative Writing, and an MA in English Literature. Her scholarship explores the intersections of Shakespeare, classical studies, psychology, horror, popular culture, and performance, while her teaching emphasizes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and creative engagement. As a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant at the University of New Hampshire, and previously as a Teaching Specialist at the University of Baltimore, she has taught courses in composition, Shakespeare, Victorian literature, and creative writing, mentoring students while developing innovative curricula and fostering inclusive classroom environments.

Beyond academia, Shay's professional experience extends into theater, digital content, event production, administration, and community leadership. Trained at the Stella Adler Studio in New York, she has worked as an actress, director, producer, and playwright, bringing a performance-driven perspective to her writing and teaching. She is also an accomplished fiction and academic writer, with published research and creative works, including her short story collection OFFSPRING and scholarly publications examining literature, horror, and popular culture. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Shay founded and led LGBTQIA+ initiatives and organizations, creating safe spaces, educational programming, and campus traditions that continue to foster community, visibility, and belonging. She is currently pursuing opportunities in higher education with the long-term goal of becoming a professor, where she can continue integrating research, teaching, and creative practice.