The
National Society of Black Engineers recently named Spelman alumna Rochelle L. Williams, Ph.D., C’2003, senior director of programs.
In this new role, Dr. Williams, a scientist, engineer, executive, and advocate for inclusive academic and workplace environments, is responsible for working with NSBE’s student leadership, as well as the programs staff and executive leadership team to align the organization’s strategic outcomes with its mission. Her appointment became effective on Nov. 18.
“I’ve built my career with one goal – to change the world one woman and Black engineer at a time, unapologetically,” said Dr. Williams.
Dr. Williams brings 11 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector and higher education to the post, most recently from the Association for Women in Science, in Washington, D.C., where she had been project director and co-principal investigator for the ADVANCE Resource Coordination Network since April 2018.
In addition to her work with the Association for Women in Science, Dr. Williams’ track record includes successful tenures as a manager and director for ABET; as a science and technology policy Fellow with the National Academy of Engineering; and as a research scientist with Prairie View A&M University’s Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, Academic Affairs. Dr. Williams has three academic degrees: a Bachelor of Science in physics from Spelman College, a Master of Engineering from Southern University and A&M College, and a doctorate from Southern in science and mathematics education.
Of her new appointment, Dr. Williams said, “I’m excited to build a culture of continuous improvement that enables us to systematically expand our efforts to achieve our vision,”