Alliance for Digital Equality Appoints Howard Wright, VP of Global Business Development at Qualcomm to Board of Advisors and Harriette Watson as Technology Officer

New Members Join Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Victoria DeFrancesco Soto Ph.D., Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis, and Marketing Executive Bill Lamar in Consumer Empowerment Coalition

ATLANTA, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), a national non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities, announced today the appointment of Howard Wright to the ADE Board of Advisors and Harriette Watson as Technology Officer. 

Mr. Wright, Vice President of Global Business Development at Qualcomm Incorporated is responsible for fostering relationship and constructing deals between Qualcomm and their partners across wireless, automotive, and retail industries. Howard is the corporate liaison for Qualcomm.

Qualcomm's business development group is a critical component in facilitating the successful launches of Qualcomm's new products for wireless network operators and such partners as AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Best Buy and Onstar.

"Howard's addition to the ADE Board enhances ADE's ability to advocate the use of wireless broadband in fostering the delivery of vital services to both underserved and un-served communities," said Julius H. Hollis, ADE Chairman.  "The ADE Digital Empowerment Councils established in nine major urban centers across our nation will gain accessibility to innovative digital technology applications as a result of Howard's involvement with our organization."

Following completion of his Economics Degree from Stanford University in 1989, Wright began his athletic career in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks. Wright then brought his competitive drive and teamwork skills to Qualcomm in 2001 managing business development with application developers for Qualcomm's BREW platform. 

Wright is active on several national Charitable Boards including serving as Chairman of Pro Kids Golf Academy and Learning Center which was founded by his Father former NFL Lineman Ernie Wright. Howard was inducted into the Stanford Hall of Fame in 2001, is an avid golfer, and enjoys time with his daughter Alyssa in San Diego. 

Harriette Watson's overall responsibility as Technology Officer is to strategically develop, plan and manage ADE's information systems and technology platforms in conjunction with ADE corporate sponsors to strengthen ADE's Programs and Services to underserved and un-served communities.

"The addition of Harriette to the ADE team is a tremendous asset as we develop strategic digital advocacy plans that will facilitate affordable broadband technology in chronically underserved communities," said Chairman Hollis.

Previously, Ms. Watson served in the capacity of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Florida Memorial University with more than 20 years of progressive experience in the design, development and deployment of large technology projects in the education, utility and entertainment arenas. Her background includes extensive knowledge of Financial/Banking Systems, Data Analysis, Web-based (Portal) systems, Project Management and various methodologies in consulting and corporate settings. 

Ms. Watson's responsibilities included the planning and strategic direction of all major host systems, technology projects and purchases. As a member of the executive team, Ms. Watson defined the vision and strategic direction of the university's technology in alignment with the goals and mission of the enterprise.

Additionally, Ms. Watson has held various leadership positions supporting and managing projects for companies such as Bank of America, Walt Disney World Resort, AT&T, Citicorp Information Resources, General Electric and the University System of Georgia where she won awards for successful project implementation and was a key player in completing and giving direction to projects, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity.

Ms. Watson holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.

She is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Advisory Council for United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (Technology Committee), Business Advisory Council, National Association for Female Executives, and past recognition as Business Woman of the Year (2004).

As part of its mission of "empowering communities across the digital divide," the ADE will continue to bring together elected officials, consumers and the business community to educate minority communities about the importance, as well as, benefits of broadband usage.  This national effort will continue in cities across the country to ensure that all Americans – regardless of their race, ethnicity or income – are empowered to join the digital revolution.

The ADE has launched Digital Empowerment Councils in Charleston, South Carolina; Houston, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, DC; and Los Angeles, CA. Over the next 24 months, the ADE will expand its Councils in 18 additional cities across the country.

About The Alliance for Digital Equality-The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), headquartered in Atlanta, GA is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities.  The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.  For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.    

SOURCE Alliance for Digital Equality