Celebrating the Journey of Ayesha M. Wilson: Urban College Alumna and City Councilor
When you meet Ayesha M. Wilson, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. She exudes dedication and passion for community work. Her journey from the Urban College of Boston to the Cambridge City Council is a remarkable story of perseverance, dedication, and the power of education.
A self-described “non-traditional learner,” Ayesha first discovered Urban College while navigating a complex job market. She was working part-time but struggling to find a full-time career path. Knowing that she wanted more for herself, she started considering college. A connection with Nancy Daniel, a familiar face in the community, steered her toward Urban College, and the flexible evening classes solidified her decision.
“The hours were a big part of choosing Urban College. Classes were in the evening, so I could get off work and then attend. This allowed me to maintain my life and work schedule, and personal things that matter, too. As an adult with bills to pay, I couldn’t take off work to attend school, so it worked well.”
Initially enrolling with the intention of focusing on Early Childhood Education, Ayesha quickly found her passion in Human Services. She reveled in the idea of studying alongside a diverse group of adults, many of them professionals on a mission for personal advancement.
She recalls, “It was a breath of fresh air to be in class with adults, where everyone was there for a purpose. It created a motivating and welcoming space for growth.”
Ayesha earned her Associate Degree in Human Services at Urban College, and it was here that she began to hone her advocacy skills, an essential foundation for her career. Urban College’s classrooms were a safe space where Ayesha and her peers felt confident to speak up.
“It was both the coursework and the people in those classes,” she reminisces, “that empowered me and built that skill.” By the time she graduated, she felt equipped to take on bigger challenges.
Building on her achievements at Urban College, Ayesha continued her education at Wheelock College, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work. Continuing her education wasn’t originally part of her plan, but a classmate and friend mentioned she had been accepted. Feeling both competitive and inspired, Ayesha impromptu decided to follow suit.
It was a great decision. She was accepted – although originally as a sophomore, not a junior. Thanks to her fine-tuned advocacy skills and bolstered confidence, Ayesha negotiated to get 68 credits transferred, admitting her into the program as a junior.
After completing her master’s, she took on various roles, including working in a Boston mental health clinic and developing programs for youth through the Cambridge Housing Authority. During that time, she recognized the injustices that so many young people were facing, a catalyst that drove her to volunteer for a coworker’s City Council campaign.
What started as an unexpected interest in politics blossomed into a full-fledged calling to serve her community.
In 2019, Ayesha joined the Emerge Massachusetts program, which trains Democratic women to run for office. And since December 2024, she holds the title of Executive Director of Emerge Massachusetts. She ran for the Cambridge School Committee and won. In 2023, she stepped up again to run for the City Council amidst a challenging race, where she emphasized the importance of representation and advocacy for all communities in Cambridge.
Today, Ayesha stands as a city councilor, where she champions important causes such as affordable housing, the expansion of universal preschool, and policies that uphold the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for all. She is not just making policies - she’s paving the way for the next generation of leaders, especially women of color in politics.
Reflecting on her journey, Ayesha says, “Urban College was definitely a stepping stone that fueled my passion for advocacy. I love how my voice can make a difference, and I have the opportunity to influence positive change in my community.”
As she seeks re-election, Ayesha remains dedicated to building a Cambridge that works for everyone. Her accomplishments inspire those around her, and her story reflects the transformative power of education and community support.
Ayesha M. Wilson is not only an Urban College graduate but also a force for good in her city, demonstrating how determination and the right educational environment can empower individuals to achieve their dreams and uplift their communities.
About Urban College of Boston:
Urban College of Boston is a two-year private nonprofit higher educational institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Online courses are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Urban College opens new pathways to opportunity through individualized, supportive, and multilingual education that prepares a diverse community of learners to pursue career advancement and transform their lives. Our multilingual community and affordable online classes provide a supportive learning environment that guides students every step of the way.