Alice Wang

Alice’s childhood dream to be an engineer eventually led her to earn a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT and build a career at the forefront of the semiconductor industry.  But her story didn’t stop with technical achievements.  Today, in what she calls her “retirement job,” she’s discovering that the most meaningful work of her career may be mentoring and teaching others.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Opportunity

After completing her doctorate, Alice began her career as an individual contributor at Texas Instruments, helping design chips for smartphones.  Over time, her responsibilities expanded.  At MediaTek, she stepped into leadership, eventually managing more than 250 people.  Later, she served as VP of Hardware at Everactive, a startup focused on innovative energy-harvesting technology.

Today, she brings decades of industry experience into the classroom as an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Dallas.  Teaching, she says with a smile, is her “retirement job” but it’s clear that it's much more than a way to wind down. It’s a chance to invest in the next generation of engineers and leaders.

Learning by Being Thrown In

Early in her career, she experienced a moment that many young professionals can relate to: being asked to do something she felt completely unprepared for.  Her manager once assigned her to serve a sa project manager over several engineers who were far more senior than she was.  The problem? She didn’t even know how to run a meeting.
“I was terrified,” she remembers.

There wasn’t much guidance.  Instead, she learned he hard way: by moving forward, making mistakes, and figuring things out as she went.  That experience shaped her perspective on growth: confidence often comes after we step into something challenging, not before. 

When a Setback Changes Everything

One of the most significant turning points in her life came unexpectedly: a cancer diagnosis.  At the time, she had spent years in high-pressure management roles and often joked tha tone day she would simply quit and step away from the grind. When the diagnosis came, her first thought, “Oh, now I can quit.”

But the pandemic complicated everything.Instead of stepping away, she continued working, even while undergoing chemotherapy.  That season forced her to reflect deeply on what mattered most. Out of that reflection came a shift in direction: she eventually moved into teaching, discovering a renewed sense of purpose in helping students grow.

What Young Adults Are Teaching Her

Mentorship, she believes, is never one-sided.  One of the surprising lessons she learned from young adult mentees is the importance of self-care.

“When I was their age, that concept was completely foreign to me,” she admits.

Their willingness to talk openly about boundaries, mental health and balance has reshaped her own perspective on leadership and life.

A Daily Practice of Gratitude

One habit keeps her grounded: a shared gratitude practice with friends.  Each day, members of the group add one thing they’re grateful for to a shared Google Sheet. Over time, the list has grown in a collective record of appreciation, encouragement and perspective. 

“It’s a simple practice,” she says, “but it reminds us every day of the good things in life.”

Advice for the Next Generation

If she could give one piece of advice to young professions, it would be this: build relationships beyond your workplace.  

“Work is important,” she explains.”But companies ultimately look out for their b business.  The relationships you build with people - those are the ones that last.”

That means investing in both professional networks and personal communities - people you learn with, grow with and simply enjoy life with.

The Voice That Matters Most

If Alice could speak to his 21-year-old self for just one minute, her  message would be:

“The voice that holds you back is often your own. Don’t believe the negative self-talk. Don’t let it turn into self-sabotage.”

Why She Mentors

Today, one of the things she enjoys most about mentoring is the moment when a real connection forms with a mentee.

“The thrill,” she says, “is helping someone reframe their situation to see new possibilities and encouraging them forward.”  

It's that desire to invest in others that led her ot mentor with Nexus, where she continues doing what has become the most meaningful part of her life: helping others discover their path.

After decades of designing chips, managing teams and navigating life’s unexpected turns, she has discovered something profound: Success may be measured in projects completed or technologies built. But significance is measured in people invested in.