Dr. Hector Ruiz and Felicia Keeney Join Breakthrough Austin's Board of Directors

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Hector Ruiz and Felicia Keeney have joined the Board of Directors of Breakthrough Austin, a local non-profit that creates first-generation college graduates. With academic preparation, mentorship, leadership and college guidance services to low-income students, Breakthrough Austin's students and their families make a commitment, beginning in their middle school years, to complete high school and enroll and graduate from college. 

A native of Eagle Pass, Dr. Ruiz is a first-generation college graduate, with a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. from Rice University in Houston. He is also a globally successful technology executive. Currently the CEO of Bull Ventures LLC, Ruiz advises individuals, corporations and governments worldwide on complex technology initiatives.

Dr. Ruiz is a 30-year luminary in the field of technology.  Beginning his professional career in the research laboratories and manufacturing operations of Texas Instruments, Dr. Ruiz moved to Motorola where he rose to become president of Motorola's semiconductor division.  In 2000, he joined Advanced Micro Devices as their COO, and two years later became the CEO. 

"I am proud and honored to join the Board of Breakthrough.  Thanks to my own mentors, who believed in me and the power of education, and who challenged me, I was able to expand my horizons – from wanting to become an auto mechanic to actually leading a Fortune 500 company," Dr. Ruiz said.  "I want to impart the same lessons to these young students that others shared with me.  Education is the key that opens the door to opportunity."

Felicia Keeney, a senior manager at Ernst and Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, is also a first-generation college graduate.  Ms. Keeney is currently a leader of Ernst and Young's diversity initiatives, which promote and advocate for a diverse work culture and environment, top talent from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and long-standing diversity and strategy development efforts.

Breakthrough Austin's Executive Director, Barry Aidman, stated, "we are pleased with the announcement that both Hector and Felicia will be joining our Board of Directors.  Dr. Ruiz brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in successfully growing companies and Ms. Keeney's financial and accounting expertise will be critical to Breakthrough as we grow and serve more students.  They will both be a great addition to our family."

Dr. Ruiz and Ms. Keeney will work with their fellow board members and the staff to ensure that these programs are effective, the vision and mission of the organization are met, and the students of Breakthrough Austin become successful first-generation college graduates.

Breakthrough Austin is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping low-income students become first-generation college graduates. Breakthrough currently serves more than 500 students including students in grades 6-12 as well as our students in college. Breakthrough was founded in 2001 in partnership with Applied Materials Foundation. To learn more about Breakthrough visit http://www.breakthroughaustin.org.

SOURCE Breakthrough Austin