Olympic Medalist Calls Dallas Home

Name: Lauryn Williams

City: Dallas

Neighborhood: I live between Preston and Hillcrest, just north of Interstate-635 (LBJ).

Company/Title: Worth Winning, Founder and 3x Olympic Medalist

When did you move here? From where?
May 2013, from Houston and previously Miami, Florida

Where else have you lived?
I was born in Pittsburgh and raised in both Pittsburgh and Detroit. I went to college in Miami and stayed there for 12 years before moving to Houston.

When did you start running track?
I started running track when I was 9 years old. My mom will tell you it started with me beating the family German Shepherd. My dad will tell the story of me racing a Flo-Jo hologram at the Carnegie Science Center. They both agreed they had to get me into a track program.

I accepted a track scholarship at the University of Miami. After just 3 ½ years, I graduated with my finance degree and just so happened to run into this thing called the Olympics.

How did your college career lead you to the Olympics?
My junior year of college, I ran the second fastest time in the world at the national championships and had to turn my focus towards the 2004 Olympic Games. Made the Olympic team, went on to Athens, Greece to get a silver medal in the 100m. It was such an awesome opportunity.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas?
I was in between jobs, so I was open to moving anywhere. The man I was dating, now my husband, had a great job opportunity here, so we moved. I have never regretted moving to Dallas.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
I originally moved to Plano because of the proximity to my boyfriend’s job. After a year of getting to know the area, I moved in to Dallas.

What is the one thing that you could have done to make your move easier?
It would have been nice to know someone in town who I could have consulted about a place to live. Dallas is so big that it can be hard to orient yourself.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?
I was under the impression that if I liked Houston, I wouldn’t like Dallas. I was concerned I wouldn’t enjoy Dallas, but I do! My favorite thing to do is try new restaurants — my goal is to eat my way through town! There are so many great food options.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
I live in an area of old homes. People are proud homeowners, have settled in, and look after one another. It’s one of those places where everyone knows your name.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?
My passion is helping young professionals organize their finances. Dallas caters to young professionals and entrepreneurs, so there are many opportunities to meet new friends or prospective clients.

What would you miss most about the area if you had to leave?
The hospitality! I love the values people here hold.

Tell us about the work environment here.
Everything is bigger in Texas. No matter your industry, Dallas has a large community to foster your professional growth. I am a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), and the DFW chapter is the largest in the country. There is also a large NexGen community, so I am in touch with other young financial planners.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?
For someone my age, the options are limitless. I work virtually, so I can work from anywhere with an internet connection. I work primarily in Trinity Groves, Bishop Arts, on Greenville, and in Addison. They all have plenty of cool places to hang out, work, and play.

Do you have kids? How is the experience of raising them in the Dallas Region?
I don’t have children, but I love that everywhere I turn I see free kid-friendly activities.

What is your favorite restaurant?
I have to pick one?! How about my “Top Five:” True Foods, Whiskey Cake, Neighborhood Services, Tippy’s Thai, and Elote en Vaso.

What is your favorite outdoor activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
Riding my bike or running at White Rock Lake.

What is your favorite festival/event?
Kaboom Town! I lived in an apartment in Addison, and I was able to watch from the rooftop.

Where do you like to shop? Why?
99 problems, but a mall ain’t one. The Galleria is closest to me, NorthPark is the best, Willowbend has my favorite Apple Store, and Stonebriar Centre is great too.

How do you interact with your community?
I do as much as I can to meet people and enjoy their company. I joined Junior League and a really nice church that has several activities.

Do you travel often? Is it easier or harder to do here?
Yes! It is awesome. My number-one amenity is being in an American Airlines hub.

Photo Credit: Jane Martens