ESP: Tell us about your family.
Suntrease: I’m married to my amazing husband, Stephen Maynard. We’ve been together nearly twenty years, and every season has strengthened our bond. We’re raising two incredible children, Dareon and Destiny, who are truly the center of everything we do.
My husband and I have one of my favorite love stories. We met in a grocery store. He clearly picked up more than groceries that evening. He asked me out the very next day, and we have been on this journey ever since. In true full-circle fashion, he later proposed in that same store. I still have the dress I wore that day he first saw me, and I pull it out from time to time. And yes, I can still fit it.
As a family, we value quality time, supporting one another’s passions, celebrating milestones, and staying grounded in faith and service. I’m incredibly proud of the life we’ve built together.
ESP: What first inspired you to pursue a career in law?
Suntrease: Becoming a lawyer was a childhood dream shaped by my upbringing in Farmville, Virginia, a town that played a pivotal role in the seminal Brown v. Board of Education decision. I am only one generation removed from the school closures in my hometown between 1959 and 1964. That history left a lasting impression on me. It shaped my understanding of justice and equity and instilled in me the importance of using my education and voice to advocate for others.
ESP: What does a typical day look like for you?
Suntrease: Busy, but in the best way. No two days are ever the same. In my role as Deputy City Attorney, I manage the legal department and oversee three divisions, working alongside a team of remarkable professionals who are deeply committed to public service. The pace is fast, and the work is demanding, but it is meaningful, and that makes all the difference.
ESP: What has been the most challenging and most rewarding part of being a woman in the legal field?
Suntrease: The most challenging part has been navigating spaces where women, especially women of color, have historically been underrepresented while remaining authentic to who I am.
The most rewarding part is knowing that my presence matters. I have the opportunity to open doors, challenge perceptions, and serve as an example for someone who may not yet see themselves reflected in the profession.
ESP: How did becoming a mom change the way you approach your career?
Suntrease: I often say being a lawyer is not who I am; it is what I do. Being a mom is who I am. As an only child married to an only child and living far from our hometowns, we have had very little extended family support. Because of that, our children have traveled with me to conferences, trainings, and even military duty. They have learned how to engage in meaningful conversations, witnessed professionalism firsthand, and seen the value of hard work up close. I consider that a blessing.
No matter how demanding my career has been, my children were not raised by technology. I raised them. Even on the days I was exhausted, I was committed to their well-being in every way. Motherhood has always been my priority.
ESP: What is one misconception about hardworking moms in high-pressure careers?
Suntrease: That you must sacrifice one for the other. I believe they can coexist. I have had a fulfilling career with meaningful opportunities, and I have also been fully present in my children’s lives. Balance may not look perfect every day, but it is possible.
ESP: What inspired you to found the Maynard 4 Foundation?
Suntrease: Advocacy has always been part of me. As a child, I organized younger kids in my neighborhood, took them to the library, and had them present what they read to build comprehension and confidence. That seed was planted early.
On June 19, 2020, our family of four officially founded The Maynard 4 Foundation. It is also a continuation of my grandmother’s legacy. She believed deeply in hard work, gratitude, class, and giving back. She taught me that to whom much is given, much is required. I live by that.
ESP: What legacy do you hope to leave?
Suntrease: A legacy of service, integrity, and meaningful impact. I want my children and my community to see that you can be accomplished and compassionate, driven and grounded. True success is not measured only by personal achievement, but by the lives you uplift along the way.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Early Riser or Night Owl? Night owl
Date night out or in? Both. I am spontaneous and love the mood of the moment.
Heels or flip flops? Flip flops and a cute dress.
Superpower? Teleportation.
One word to describe yourself: Purpose-driven
Suntrease Williams-Maynard is a woman rooted in service, faith, and family. She and her husband, Stephen, are raising two beautiful children, Dareon (18) and Destiny (13), building a life grounded in purpose and commitment.
Both serve their country as active Reservists. Stephen is in the U.S. Navy Reserve and Suntrease is in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Professionally, she serves as Deputy City Attorney for the City of Mobile. As a family, they also founded and operate the Maynard 4 Foundation, reflecting their shared dedication to uplifting communities.
When time allows, Suntrease enjoys traveling, being near the water, trying new foods, and spending intentional time with her family. When she needs to recharge, a spa day does the trick.
