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The Program for Acceleration in Careers of Engineering (PACE) and AT&T helped Uneeda Williams '96 discover her interest in and affinity for engineering. Both played a role in her college success, helping her graduate as Lafayette's first African-American woman electrical engineer. Now she's giving back to both, as a manager in AT&T's network security organization and instructor and mentor to minority high school students with PACE, where she teaches an engineering course.
“Everything I learned at PACE I saw again at Lafayette,” says Williams. “Through PACE contacts, I was offered summer internships at AT&T, and after graduation they hired me and provided the means for me to earn a master's degree in information management at Stevens Institute of Technology.”
In her current position, Williams has been responsible for the revision of AT&T's network security policy and was instrumental in the design of the new policy web site. Williams is currently developing a security awareness program to communicate and promote security information, such as how to deal with viruses and how to maintain security while working from remote locations.
PACE, a Saturday morning enrichment program stressing science and engineering awareness, draws primarily African American and Latino students from Monmouth County, Newark, and Central Jersey areas.
“I'm doing exactly the same as others did for me,” says Williams, who gives four hours each Saturday to the 15-20 students who attend her class. “We teach problem-solving techniques, a taste of electrical and mechanical engineering, and web design. In addition, we take the students on college tours and hold events like a Math Bowl and a Think-a-Thon.
“As a mentor, I work closely with the juniors as they go through the college application process,” she adds. “It's rewarding when they stay in touch and tell me how they're doing in college.”
Uneeda Williams ’96