Cynthia Williams

Bio

Cindy A. Williams is the Stanford Precourt Institute for Energy assistant director for external engagement where she is responsible for growing a portfolio of policy, technology, and regional global engagement programs including Stanford’s flagship energy programs: Global Energy Forum, Energy Solutions Week, Energy Innovation Day, Global Energy Roundtables, and Global Energy Dialogues. She runs the Global Energy Heroes prize which awards $20k prizes to young people who are impacting their communities with sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, she works to launch Stanford's newest initiative, the Net-Zero Alliance. The Net-Zero Alliance (NZA) at Stanford is established as a vehicle for large global companies to form research and educational relationships with Stanford University that could provide strategic direction and technology solutions toward a net-zero future. Prior to joining the Precourt Institute for Energy she served 13 years at the Stanford University Office of Public Affairs where she led corporate engagement efforts as director of Stanford Executive Briefings (2007-2016), programming for Stanford University’s 125th Anniversary (2015-2017), and as co-producer of Stanford’s largest community outreach effort, Community Day at Stanford (2004-2006). She served as a board member of Ishimwe Center, a Rwandan aid organization that serves orphaned children (2008-2019), and as executive producer and director of Silicon Valley Night to Shine (2016-2018).

Current Role at Stanford

Assistant Director, External Engagement, Stanford Precourt Institute for Energy

Honors & Awards

• Excellence in Service - Community Service Award, Santa Clara County Fire Department (2017)
• Community Treasures Award, Stanford University (2008)

Service, Volunteer and Community Work

• Board Member, Ishimwe Center (January 1, 2005 - Present)

  Strategic planning for Rwanda aid organization. Providing homes for abandoned children in Rwanda. Supporting sustainable fish farming business, high-standard education, and farmer training in one of the poorest rural areas of Rwanda.

  Location

  Bugasera, Rwanda

• Executive Producer, Silicon Valley Night to Shine (6/1/2016 - Present)

  Providing a prom-like experience for young people with special needs in Silicon Valley.

  Location

  Campbell, CA