Stumbling into Buda, Texas, by accident more than 20 years ago, LaVonia Horne-Williams had no idea she would be making history as the first African American woman to serve on the Buda City Council.
“I am beyond excited to know that all of my good deeds would lead to an opportunity for me to be that representative,” Horne-Williams said when asked about how it felt to be the first black woman elected to Buda’s City Council.
Horne-Williams moved to Buda in 2001 in hopes of starting a family; five children later, she decided to contribute to her community in ways that she felt could have a significant impact. She soon realized she could leave a mark by running for public office.
Horne-Williams was a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer for 10 years. This role was very “important” for her, as it allowed her to communicate with children to instill in them their voices mattered. Her volunteer work at CASA greatly influenced Horne-Williams’ decision to become a public servant.
“[Serving as a CASA volunteer] culminated in trying to understand how I could have a greater impact and how I could provide better opportunities for my neighbors and for my friends and the people that live around me,” LaVonia said. “So getting involved in local government was the opportunity for me to do that.”
Horne-Williams said she hopes to facilitate a bridge that offers the opportunity for people to see their government working for them.
“I have not received a lot of positive feedback from my African American community about being well represented in Buda, and what I want to do [while in office] is ask the question: what can we do differently to make you feel part of the community, to make you feel supported in the community?”
Horne-Williams said she looks forward to serving her community by asking the “right questions” and helping to uplift the voices of the African American community and any other members of the community that feels marginalized.
