AUSTIN, TX, March 04, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael Ward Jr., president and CEO of Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ), has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Since 2019, Mr. Ward has led AUTMHQ, a nonprofit bridging the gap between Black and Hispanic communities and the tech industry through job placement, career development, and networking opportunities. Under his leadership, AUTMHQ has grown into a multimillion-dollar organization, supporting over 350 clients annually with a team of 15 individuals.

Mr. Ward began his career in technology as an enterprise account manager at Oracle in 2015 and became a cloud account executive in 2016. During his tenure, he earned multiple top-performer awards and co-chaired the company's African American Business Leaders for Excellence resource group. Mr. Ward's experience at Oracle shaped his understanding of the challenges Black and Hispanic people face in the technology industry. His experience also revealed how the lack of diversity within the tech workforce reduces technological innovation and hinders economic development.

Following his time at Oracle, Mr. Ward joined Automatic Data Process Inc. (ADP) in 2017 as a district manager and gained extensive experience in human capital management, laying the foundational knowledge for the workforce development work he does today. In 2018, Michael entered the Austin startup scene as vice president of operations at fitness-tech startup Primal 7 before beginning his current tenure at AUTMHQ as their president and CEO.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Ward is deeply involved in civic and industry-related initiatives. He has been an advisory board member for the Texas Science and Engineering Fair at Texas A&M University since 2022, is a community partner for the Innovation & Technology Caucus of the Texas House, and board member for the Texas Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Most recently, Mr. Ward joined the Austin Community Radio (KAZI) board and transitioned from the Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem Board to the Advisory Council in 2024. Previously, Michael served on the advisory board for the Austin Forum on Technology and Society.

Mr. Ward's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being a finalist for Austin Under 40 in 2023, being named Changemaker of the Year by the Austin Young Chamber in 2024, and receiving the People's Choice Award from the Black Professionals Alliance in the same year. Mr. Ward credits his success to his faith and upbringing, which instilled in him a commitment to service and community empowerment.

Outside of work, Mr. Ward enjoys quality time with his family, watching basketball, and traveling. Looking to the future with optimism, he aims to build stronger tech ecosystems worldwide.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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