Ms Sally-Ann Williams has extensive experiences within the technology sector, including in her current role at Cicada Innovations. Cicada Innovations is Australia’s home of deep tech ventures tackling some of the world’s most pressing problems, like the future of human health, food security and the climate crisis.

Previously Ms Williams spent over 13 years on the engineering team at Google leading work on research and development (R&D) collaborations with universities, startup and entrepreneurship engagement and pioneering work on computer science (CS) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. An experienced non-executive director currently serving on the boards of Qudos Bank, Data61, and AusOcean, she has led several cross-sector working groups to drive change in policy and culture, with the goal of growing a thriving technology driven economy.

She has also served on several University Industry Advisory Boards in engineering and computer science departments and is a frequent keynote speaker on topics such as deep tech, technology transformation, innovation and entrepreneurship, inclusion, business development, commercialisation and transformation. Ms Williams is a strong advocate for diversity, acknowledging the importance of diversity in the design of technology to ensure it is fit for purpose across groups of people.