Mr. Edwards brings with him over a decade of experience in business and enterprise technology and a passion for increasing diversity and equity through higher education and workforce development

SACRAMENTO, CA—January 26, 2021—Kwesi Edwards, of Amazon Web Services (AWS), has joined the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) Board of Directors (Board). The motion to approve his appointment was made by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis during the January Board of Governors meeting and was unanimously approved.

Mr. Edwards currently works with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and brings with him over a decade of experience in business technology. In his role with AWS and in past opportunities with Oracle and Informatica, he has worked to inspire the efficient use of information technology to drive business results for a variety of organizations including educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and startups. 

For more than ten years, this included bringing enterprise technology to colleges and universities, which gave him a deep understanding of Student Information Systems and usage across the California Community Colleges.

“Mr. Edwards’ deep understanding of business technology solutions and ways they can be used to increase diversity and success rates across higher education will be incredibly valuable as a FoundationCCC Board member,” said Keetha Mills, President and CEO of the FoundationCCC. “We know he will continue to bring his passion and expertise to the organization, and are thrilled to officially welcome him in his new role as a Board member.”

Prior to his formal appointment to the FoundationCCC Board, Mr. Edwards volunteered as a member of the FoundationCCC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Advisory Committee, on which he will continue to serve. This role aligns with his current efforts at AWS, in which Mr. Edwards has taken on extended responsibilities to support Amazon’s belief that the future of technology is diverse, inclusive, and accessible, across every color, gender, belief, and origin. He plays a key role on Amazon West’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Team and supports the company’s efforts to increase representation of underrepresented groups at AWS and in partner and customer groups. Mr. Edwards brings a passion for increasing equity in higher education to help the FoundationCCC build a more diverse, successful workforce. 

Mr. Edwards is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in BSE systems engineering. He currently resides in San Francisco, California. 

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The Foundation for California Community Colleges works to benefit students, colleges, and communities by accelerating paths to economic and social mobility, strengthening communities, and reducing barriers to opportunities for all Californians. FoundationCCC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 1998. It serves as the official statewide nonprofit organization supporting the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation. For more information, visit www.foundationccc.org.