David Steward Pioneer Technology Philanthropy

Press Release Apr 27, 2024 89 Add to Reading List

David Steward is an American billionaire businessman who has made significant contributions to the fields of technology and philanthropy. As the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT), one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States, Steward has played a pivotal role in shaping the global IT landscape. He is also a passionate advocate for social justice and has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and economic development.

Early Life and Education

David Steward was born on July 2, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a working-class family and attended public schools. After graduating from Clinton High School in Clinton, Missouri, Steward went on to study business administration at Central Missouri State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management in 1973.

Career Highlights

After college, Steward worked as a substitute teacher and a sales representative for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. In 1979, he joined Federal Express as a senior account executive. He was recognized for his outstanding performance and inducted into the company's Hall of Fame in 1981.

In 1984, Steward founded Transportation Business Specialists, Inc., a company that audited and reviewed freight bills for the railroad industry. He?later founded Transport Administrative Services, which was hired by Union Pacific Railroad in 1987 to audit three years of freight bills for undercharges.?These experiences provided Steward with valuable insights into the IT needs of the transportation industry.

In 1990, Steward founded World Wide Technology (WWT) with the vision of providing world-class IT solutions to businesses of all sizes. Under his leadership, WWT has grown into a global technology solutions provider with over $17 billion in annual revenue. The company employs over 9,000 people and has offices in over 20 countries.

Steward is a recognized leader in the IT industry and has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Horatio Alger Award, and the Trumpet Award. He was also inducted into the Missouri Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2003.

Philanthropic Efforts

Steward is a passionate philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various causes. He is a co-founder of the Steward Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic development. The foundation has awarded over $200 million in grants to organizations across the United States.

Steward is also a board member of several other philanthropic organizations, including the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation. He is a strong advocate for social justice and believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for young people from underserved communities.

Personal Life

David Steward is married to Thelma Steward and they have two children. He is a private person and does not share much about his personal life.

David Steward is a remarkable individual who has made a profound impact on the world. He is a pioneer in the technology industry, a visionary leader, and a generous philanthropist. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Hobbies and Interests

David Steward is an avid golfer and enjoys playing with his friends and colleagues. He is also a passionate collector of African American art and has amassed an impressive collection of works by renowned artists.

Controversies

Steward has been involved in a few controversies over the years, mostly related to his business dealings. However, he has always maintained a good public image and is widely respected for his business acumen and philanthropic contributions.

Charitable Work?

In addition to his work with the Steward Foundation, Steward has also donated generously to other causes, including:

The David and Thelma Steward Institute for Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri-St.?Louis
The David and Thelma Steward Center for Diversity and Inclusion at St.?Louis University
The David Steward Scholarship Fund at Central Missouri State University
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Health Issues

David Steward is in good health and has not publicly disclosed any major health issues.

Education?

In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Central Missouri State University, Steward also holds a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Harvard University.

Early Career?

Before founding World Wide Technology, Steward worked as a substitute teacher and a sales representative for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. He also worked as a senior account executive for Federal Express.

Upcoming Projects

Steward is no longer actively involved in the day-to-day operations of World Wide Technology, but he remains the company's chairman and a major shareholder. He is also involved in a number of philanthropic projects and continues to advocate for education, healthcare, and economic development.

Style and Fashion

David Steward has a classic and understated style. He typically dresses in business casual attire and is known for his neatly trimmed beard and glasses.

Fan Base

David Steward is a respected figure in the business and philanthropic communities and has a loyal fan base of people who admire his accomplishments.

Political or Social Activism

Steward is a vocal advocate for social justice and has been a major supporter of the Democratic Party. He has also spoken out against racial discrimination and has been a strong supporter of affirmative action programs.

Trivia

David Steward is a pilot and enjoys flying his own plane.
He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Missouri-St.?Louis.
He is a co-founder of the National Association of Black Owned MicroBusinesses (NAOMI).