Thelma Steward serves as Executive Vice President and Executive Director of The Steward Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of World Wide Technology (WWT) co-founded by her father, David Steward. Her work advances strategic initiatives in education, workforce development, and social equity across underserved communities.
Key Responsibilities & Impact Areas
- Foundation Strategy: Directs funding and partnerships toward STEM education programs, community health initiatives, and economic mobility projects in St. Louis and nationally.
- WWT Integration: Aligns foundation goals with WWT's corporate social responsibility framework, leveraging technology resources for scalable impact.
- Board Leadership: Holds board positions in multiple organizations, including the Saint Louis Art Museum and United Way of Greater St. Louis.
Educational Background & Recognition
Steward holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. She has received accolades such as the St. Louis American Foundation's Excellence in Leadership Award for advancing educational access.
Focus Priorities
- Tech equity expansion in K-12 schools
- Workforce upskilling for underrepresented groups
- Sustainable funding models for nonprofit partners
Under her stewardship, the foundation has invested over $30 million in community grants since 2013. Her approach emphasizes data-driven solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term capacity building.
