People
AT&T Executive Named Chairman of JA Worldwide
By HE
Nov 10, 2009, 16:38

Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, has been named to a 2-year term as chairman of the board of directors of JA WorldwideŽ (Junior Achievement). JA Worldwide drives economic development in 125 countries by providing youth-targeted educational programs in work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

De la Vega will work with JA Worldwide's leadership team to leverage the organization's global footprint and optimize efficient, sustainable operation.

 "Education is the foundation of success. No one can take it away from you, no matter what happens. With a good education, even if you lose everything else, you will be able to rebuild what you lost," says de la Vega, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba at age 10. "Inspiring kids to learn and reach their potential is what Junior Achievement is all about. I am proud to serve as JA's chairman and look forward to leading JA Worldwide's ongoing effort to provide students with the skills they need to be successful in their future careers and lives."

"Through his extraordinary business experience, leadership skills, and commitment to youth and financial education, Ralph will help us develop into a more dynamic and impactful organization," says Sean C. Rush, president and chief executive officer of JA Worldwide.

De la Vega started his career in 1974 with BellSouth (then Southern Bell) as a management assistant and rose through the ranks to his current position. AT&T is one of JA Worldwide's top providers of volunteers; in 2009, nearly 1,150 AT&T volunteers have taught Junior Achievement classes, reaching more than 26,000 students. Currently, AT&T and JA are partnering to implement the AT&T/JA Job Shadow Initiative, which provides students across the United States with the opportunity to experience a day at the office firsthand and learn about their career potential. The initiative will reach 100,000 students over five years (2008-2013), with $5.5 million in AT&T funding and an estimated 50,000 AT&T employee-volunteers.

De la Vega has had a major role in the AT&T/JA partnership. He also has served on the JA Worldwide Board of Directors since 2005. Prior to being named chairman, he was board co-chair and chairman of the JA Hispanic Initiative.

De la Vega holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a master's degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University, and he has completed the Executive Program at the University of Virginia. He also is the author of the just-released book, Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity into Advantage in Business and Life (Thomas Nelson, 2009).