Cynthia Williams, the 2024 Recipient of ELI's Environmental Achievement Award

For over thirty years, Cynthia Williams has worked at the intersection of transportation and sustainability. She began her tenure at Ford in 1992 as part of the Ford College Graduate Program in the Automotive Emissions and Fuel Economy Office, and is now the Global Director of Sustainability, Homologation and Compliance.

Cynthia plays a central role in advancing Ford’s Road to Better strategy, a roadmap for creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable transportation future. While her primary focus is achieving carbon neutrality for the company, Cynthia’s impact extends beyond Ford, driving industry-wide efforts to meet the nation’s clean vehicle standards and playing an integral role in developing responsible international supply chains.

While the scope of Cynthia’s work is global, she is equally dedicated to local communities, working to ensure that a sustainable future is accessible and attainable for all. Both within and outside of her role with Ford, Cynthia is committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation of leaders. She is a member of the Michigan Governor’s Council on Climate Solutions, which focuses on the implementation of environmental and energy solutions to tackle the climate crisis. She also serves on numerous Boards, including those of CALSTART and VELOZ, nonprofit organizations working to develop and promote clean and efficient transportation solutions, as well as the Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc., which aims to improve and promote education across the U.S.

We are thrilled to acknowledge Cynthia’s global leadership in sustainable transportation and invite you to join us as she receives ELI’s Environmental Achievement Award this fall.