A Bermudian entrepreneur, author, autism advocate and mother has been recognised on the global stage after earning an Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Stephanie Williams won the accolade at the first-ever Global Autism Mom Awards 2025.

The international programme honours mothers of children with autism from around the world who are working to lead change through advocacy, entrepreneurship and lived experience.

Ms Williams is described as a “faith-driven” entrepreneur, motivational speaker, a branding strategist and confidence coach, and is based in Fort Pierce, Florida.

She is the founder and chief executive of Stephanie Speaks, LLC and Breakthrough Branding.

Her work centres around empowering women, authors and entrepreneurs to “turn pain into purpose and purpose into impact”.

A spokeswoman for Ms Williams said: “This inaugural global recognition celebrates women who are transforming systems of care, education and community support.

“To have a Bermudian woman selected among international honourees marks a powerful moment of pride for the island and its global impact.

“This year’s honourees include mothers who have built businesses and nonprofits rooted in autism advocacy, navigated complex systems to secure life-changing services for their children, shifted narratives around disability and resilience and created measurable impact locally and internationally.”

Ms Williams is an author who is known for helping people release limiting beliefs, heal from past experiences and engage a “warrior mindset” rooted in faith, resilience and confidence.

The Global Autism Mom Awards said of Ms Williams: “Stephanie’s advocacy is deeply personal. As a mother of three sons with autism, she has navigated education systems, medical spaces and social barriers while continuing to lead as an entrepreneur and woman of faith.

“Her lived experience fuels her mission to ensure families feel seen, supported and empowered — both at home and within the broader community.”

Ms Williams is pursuing dual master’s degrees in clinical mental health counselling and school counselling.

Through initiatives such as Crowned & Called: Celebrate Her, She Is Resilient, and The Write to Brand Hub, she aims to create safe, affirming spaces “where women rise from adversity and rediscover their voice”.

The awards programme added: “At her core, Stephanie believes leadership is not about titles; it’s about service, legacy and impact.

“Her message is clear — your circumstances don’t disqualify you; they equip you.”

The 2025 Global Autism Mom Awards are scheduled to take place on January 24 virtually, when Ms Williams will be honoured.