The award was presented at the Waves of Change STEM Global Competitiveness Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 24, 2025

A legacy of leadership and impact

The Women of Color STEM Awards, sponsored by Women of Color Magazine and Apple, celebrate trailblazers who have driven innovation, elevated others, and reshaped the landscape of science, technology, engineering, and math. For those who know Angela, this recognition comes as no surprise – it’s a fitting acknowledgment of a career defined by bold leadership, deep technical expertise, and unshakable commitment to empowering others.

Angela has built a remarkable career leading transformative cybersecurity initiatives across industries—from healthcare and medical technology to global safety and compliance. Her journey from leading critical security operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to architecting world-class cybersecurity programs at Hill-Rom and now UL Solutions has been a masterclass in resilience and strategic vision

In her own words, Angela reflected on the honor:

“Receiving a Career Achievement Award is deeply meaningful because it represents more than personal success—it reflects years of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to making a lasting impact. It honors the challenges overcome, the innovations driven, and the relationships built along the way. This recognition is not just about what I have accomplished, but about the collective progress we’ve made together and the legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire others.”

Beyond the boardroom

Angela’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. As an active board member for both the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and Lumity Chicago, she plays a pivotal role in helping these organizations fulfill their missions of empowering youth and expanding access to STEM education. Her involvement isn’t symbolic – she actively shapes programs, mentors emerging talent, and drives initiatives that connect education, opportunity, and real-world impact.

At Lumity, Angela helps guide strategy to prepare teens and young adults from underrepresented communities for careers in technology, cybersecurity, and engineering. Her leadership has helped bridge the gap between education and employment – inspiring hundreds of students to pursue STEM pathways they once thought were out of reach. Through the Girl Scouts, she champions digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness, ensuring that girls not only dream big but also have the tools and confidence to lead safely and boldly in a digital world.

Beyond her board service, Angela is known for lifting others as she climbs. Whether mentoring young professionals, advocating for equity in leadership forums, or bringing her children and their peers to conferences to broaden their horizons, she embodies the spirit of inclusive leadership – one that multiplies opportunity rather than hoarding it. Her authenticity, accessibility, and willingness to share both her successes and struggles have made her a trusted mentor to countless emerging leaders.

Her peers describe her as a “force multiplier” – someone who doesn’t just achieve success but ensures others rise with her. As Nana Ahwoi, a close colleague and industry peer, wrote in her recommendation:

“She’s the leader who brings a junior colleague to a senior forum, gives team members the mic during organizational events, or brings her children and their friends to conferences to expand their worldview. She doesn’t just talk about inclusion – she lives it.”

Advice from a trailblazer

Angela’s journey is a roadmap for aspiring leaders who seek to make an impact with purpose and authenticity. Her story isn’t just about rising to the top — it’s about how she did it: by staying true to her values, leading with integrity, and constantly reinventing herself in the face of change.

She often reminds others that leadership is less about control and more about growth. The best leaders, she says, are those who know they don’t have all the answers – but are always willing to learn, listen, and evolve. Throughout her career, Angela has modeled that belief by leaning into feedback, welcoming diverse perspectives, and turning challenges into catalysts for innovation.

When asked what advice she’d share with the next generation of leaders, she said:

“The best leaders never stop growing. Stay curious, seek feedback, and adapt to change with resilience.”

It’s more than a mantra – it’s how she leads. Angela’s curiosity fuels her ability to anticipate what’s next in technology and business, while her resilience has carried her through times when the path forward wasn’t clear. She encourages future leaders to embrace discomfort, because that’s where real growth happens.

Her approach has inspired a generation of rising professionals who’ve worked under her guidance. Many describe her as a “leader’s leader” – someone who challenges others to think bigger, act boldly, and never settle for average. Angela believes that success isn’t measured by titles or accolades, but by the number of people you’ve helped reach their potential.

Through that lens, her legacy is already extraordinary — not just in what she’s built, but in who she’s lifted.

A well-earned celebration

As UL Solutions’ CISO and a trusted advisor to acceligence, Angela continues to shape the cybersecurity landscape with vision, empathy, and purpose. Her recognition by the Women of Color STEM community is not just a personal milestone – it’s a celebration of what’s possible when leadership, integrity, and innovation converge.

Please join us in congratulating Angela Williams on this extraordinary achievement and in celebrating the legacy she continues to build for future generations of leaders.