Aicha Evans is one of the most accomplished and influential women in tech.
She is best known for leading Zoox—the autonomous vehicle startup—to a $1.3 billion acquisition by Amazon.
Her journey from Senegal to Silicon Valley is not just a story of personal ambition but of vision, resilience, and industry-defining impact.
Early Life and Career Foundation
Aicha Evans was born in Senegal and raised in Paris, France, before moving to the United States for college.
She earned her degree in Computer Engineering from The George Washington University, setting the foundation for a future at the intersection of technology and innovation.
Rising Through the Ranks at Intel
Evans spent more than a decade at Intel, where she built a reputation for technical excellence and strategic leadership.
During her time at Intel, she held senior roles in engineering and product development, eventually serving as Chief Strategy Officer.
Her work on wireless technology, connectivity, and product planning helped shape the evolution of modern devices and networks.
She became known for bringing both vision and execution to some of Intel’s most ambitious projects.
Taking the Helm at Zoox
In 2019, Evans was named CEO of Zoox, a California-based autonomous vehicle startup.
Zoox stood out in the industry for its bold vision: building autonomous vehicles from the ground up, rather than retrofitting existing cars with self-driving technology.
Her appointment made her one of the very few Black women ever to lead a billion-dollar Silicon Valley company. It was a breakthrough moment for representation at the highest levels of tech.
Leading Zoox Through a Historic Acquisition
Evans’ leadership was quickly put to the test by the challenges of the autonomous vehicle space—one of the most capital-intensive and competitive sectors in tech.
She guided Zoox through technical milestones, expanded its patent portfolio, and strategically positioned the company to attract interest from global giants.
In June 2020, Amazon announced its acquisition of Zoox for $1.3 billion, marking Amazon’s largest investment to date in autonomous mobility.
Importantly, Zoox would continue to operate as an independent subsidiary, with Evans remaining as CEO.
Impact and Representation
The Zoox–Amazon deal was historic—not just for its size, but for what it represented in the industry.
Evans navigated the company through uncharted territory, delivering a generational win for her team and investors.
She became a prominent voice for innovation, equity, and representation in tech, inspiring a new wave of talent to pursue leadership roles in STEM.
What’s Next for Aicha Evans?
Today, Evans continues to lead Zoox as it advances its vision of autonomous mobility.
Under her guidance, the company is piloting its robotaxi service and playing a key role in Amazon’s future logistics ambitions.
She also serves as a mentor and advocate, regularly cited as a role model for underrepresented talent in technology and business.
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