Professional NASCAR driver and autism advocate Armani Williams will travel to Stanford University later this month to take part in a filmed conversation with Condoleezza Rice, one of the nation’s most respected leaders in public service, education, and global affairs.
The conversation will take place in Dr. Rice’s office on Stanford’s campus and will be filmed in support of a PBS education project being developed by Citizen Film. The project explores American ideals through personal stories and thoughtful dialogue, with an emphasis on leadership, resilience, and performance under pressure.
“I’m truly honored to meet with Dr. Rice and take part in this conversation,” Williams said. “Her career and leadership speak for themselves, and the chance to learn from her while sharing my own experiences is something I deeply value.”
A Conversation on Leadership and Resilience
The filmed dialogue will focus on the shared demands of leadership across different disciplines, from public service and education to professional sports. Topics will include preparation, decision-making, accountability, and how individuals perform when expectations are high and outcomes matter.
“Racing has taught me how preparation, focus, and trust in your team can carry you through high-pressure moments,” Williams said. “Talking about those same ideas outside of racing, in an educational setting, is an opportunity I don’t take lightly.”
The project is part of an education partnership with PBS LearningMedia through its American Creed initiative. Following its broadcast release, the film will be distributed for classroom use in more than 10,000 elementary and middle schools across the United States.
Advocacy Through Visibility
Williams is widely recognized as the first professional NASCAR driver to openly share that he is on the autism spectrum. Throughout his career, he has focused on showing what is possible when neurodiversity is understood, supported, and integrated into high-performance environments.
“Being on the autism spectrum has shaped how I prepare, how I compete, and how I lead,” Williams said. “This conversation is about showing that high performance looks different for everyone, and that support systems are a strength, not a weakness.”
Beyond racing, Williams continues to engage with fans through public appearances, partnerships with autism-focused organizations, and daily interaction on social media. His goal extends beyond awareness to representation, showing young people that they belong in high-level spaces, including those traditionally associated with pressure and competition.
Bridging Sports and Education
Dr. Rice currently serves as Director of the Hoover Institution and as a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her career spans public service at the highest levels, including serving as U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.
For Williams, the project reflects a broader mission to connect sport, education, and purpose.
“If my experiences in NASCAR can help students see leadership from a different perspective, especially students who may not always see themselves represented, then this conversation matters,” he said.
The filmed discussion will take place on January 21, 2026, with broadcast and educational distribution to follow.