SFSU love story leads to 25 years of marriage and success
Alumni Paris and James Williams built careers, a family and a business from a partnership that began on campus
- By Jamie Oppenheim
Paris (B.A., ’02) and James Williams’ (B.S., ’02) courtship was a classic “opposites attract” tale that began at San Francisco State University. Both Gators, she was the bubbly free spirit; he was thoughtful, reserved, studious and driven. Even their majors reflected their differences: She studied Speech and Communications; he studied Accounting.
Yet they clicked, and after dating for six months, they married while still working toward their degrees. On Aug. 18, 2026, they celebrated 25 years of marriage.
Paris and James WIlliams attend SFSU's Commencement together in 2002.
Since college, they’ve built a life together, raising three children and making moves to Sacramento, Chicago and, most recently, Atlanta. They each built successful careers — James in finance and Paris in education — before joining forces to launch the CFO and accounting firm Next Level Financial.
In honor of their anniversary, they shared memories of the early days of their relationship, reflected on how SFSU helped them achieve their goals and revealed what has kept their marriage strong for 25 years.
What was your first impression of James?
Paris Williams: He used to study in the library quite a bit. I had never been to the library. ... He was studious and always wore the same leather jacket, no matter the temperature.
When did you first REALLY notice Paris?
James Williams: She was with her friend at a party at a roller rink. We ended up dancing together for the first time. She was a wild dancer, so that was a little bit of a moment for me. The next time I saw Paris, she was stepping in a step show. I saw her up there and afterwards I said, “Let’s connect,” and she gave me her number. ... That same week, I called her and we got together and went on our first date to an ice cream shop in Oakland — Fenton’s Ice Cream.
When did you know he was THE ONE?
Paris: We are people of faith, so looking back, God was working it out for us. … James was serious and studious, and he knew what he wanted. I was partying, having a good time, and realizing this is not going to lead anywhere. I think I was also just having a transition point in maturity. The timing to connect with someone who was serious about life and the future was perfect. [Once, after I complained that I didn’t have time to clean my car, James] came to my work and washed my car for me. That’s one of the things that stood out. He’s super-consistent, thoughtful and he takes care of things that need to be taken care of.
How did you propose?
James: I knew I wanted to, but I didn’t know when. When I did it, it was kind of spontaneous. We were at Paris’ apartment together, and I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me.
How did your experience at SFSU change your life?
Paris: Helping me to just enjoy life and see what it was like to be, like, in a more urban environment. I took a lot of Black Studies classes and made a lot of good friends. The University was leading the way in that. There was just a good community in the Black Student Union. I had a good time with that. I also found great connections through the communications department. There were so many professors who encouraged me along the way.
James: I was part of NABA — National Association of Black Accountants. I joined that organization while I was in school. I was on the board of the school chapter, and we would do things with different other schools like Hayward or Berkeley. [SFSU] gave me a lot of exposure and helped open the door for my career. Because of these contacts I went on to intern and work for one of the big five accounting firms.
What’s the secret to long-lasting love?
Paris: Keep God first, and making sure our values are aligned. I’m not trying to over-spiritualize it, but marriage and family life get hard. We’ve been through some really difficult seasons, and apart from my faith, I’m not sure that I would have what it takes to be committed on the level that I feel called to be committed. Additionally, keep working on yourself.
James: Having God as our foundation is critical but also having an appreciation for her and how she is different. I had to grow into this [idea] — that there is a different perspective, and that’s not wrong. There is beauty that comes from having different perspectives and approaches to life.