Frank Howard Distinguished Lecture and Reception

The School of Engineering and Applied Science is honored to host Tenisha "Ava" Williams BS'13, an engineer by training, experienced consultant, and Equity Warrior, to deliver its annual Frank Howard Distinguished Lecture & Reception.

In the field of Engineering, we're taught how to design and build everything from structures to devices. But, what's possible if we applied that same thinking and design process to build a more inclusive world?

In this unique presentation, "From Engineering to Equity Warrior: How An Engineering Student Turned Equity Warrior Makes a Difference", Tenisha "Ava" Williams will share how from her experiences as a first-generation college student pursuing an engineering degree to her corporate career, she spent much of her time serving as one of the only people of color in the room trying to "earn" her seat at the table.

She will explain how the engineering design process can empower equity-centered design, which is critical to disrupting and dismantling racism and creating systems and structures that build equitable and inclusive cultures.

The Frank Howard Distinguished Lecture Series is an endowed lecture fund established in 1945 by a gift from its namesake to bring outstanding leaders of science and industry to GW to discuss timely topics in engineering and allied subjects.