Johns Hopkins APL National Security Analysis Executive Director Angela Thompson Inspires EMPOWER Students

On Wednesday, December 3, Indian Creek’s EMPOWER club was thrilled to host ICS Trustee and parent Angela Thompson. Ms. Thompson, National Security Analysis Mission Area Executive Director at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL), was an inspiring guest speaker for this Creek club that provides students who identify as female a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and uplift one another.

During their meeting, Ms. Thompson shared her journey from earning her electrical engineering degree at North Carolina State and a master’s in systems engineering at Johns Hopkins University to joining APL in 2007. Over the years, she has held a wide variety of technical and leadership roles, and now, as Executive Director, she leads teams who use cutting-edge engineering and analysis to tackle major national security challenges. 

EMPOWER Executive Committee member Casey Roth ’28 asked Ms. Thompson several thoughtful questions about her career—ranging from her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field to her leadership style and how she balances motherhood with a demanding work life. Her questions opened the door to an open conversation, giving students space to share their own experiences with pressure, confidence, and finding their voices in challenging environments. 

Ms. Thompson spoke to the group about the importance of carrying themselves with confidence and remembering the value of their voices. She encouraged students to recognize their own worth, especially in moments when they may feel underestimated. She reminded them that they always have choices and should never allow others to define or limit them, stating, “You are bigger than what people say you are.” 

When asked about her role on the Indian Creek Board of Trustees, Ms. Thompson expressed how grateful she is to be a Trustee at the school her children attend. She shared that she believes in Indian Creek’s mission to inspire authenticity, connection, and curiosity in every student, and she is excited to help bring that vision to life. Reflecting on balancing motherhood and her career, she noted that she didn’t fully appreciate the importance of a supportive community until later in life, saying the phrase “it takes a village” has proven true. She finds comfort in knowing that the Indian Creek community is one she can always rely on. 

Ms. Thompson left EMPOWER students with valuable advice to carry with them: Build a strong network, be confident in yourself, and trust in your capabilities.  She encouraged students to keep pushing past barriers and reminded them that their voices, ideas, and talents deserve a place in every STEM space.