A native of Cuba and living proof of the American Dream, with a career spanning executive leadership, philanthropy, and corporate boards.
Ralph de la Vega is Chairman of the De la Vega Group, which focuses on investments in entrepreneurial startups. He is the former Vice Chairman of AT&T Inc. and the author of Obstacles Welcome. He is actively focused on helping young people reach their full potential.
A native of Cuba, Ralph is proof of the American Dream. He came to the United States as a young teenager through Operation Pedro Pan and went on to build one of the most respected careers in American business, serving in numerous executive roles, philanthropic endeavors, and company boards.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering as an honors graduate, later completing a Master of Business Administration and The Executive Program at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business Administration. His decades in telecommunications culminated in senior leadership of AT&T's wireless and business operations, where he helped shape the company's mobile strategy and its vision for the connected world.
Beyond business, Ralph has devoted himself to helping young people achieve their potential worldwide, giving his time and leadership to organizations dedicated to education, character, and opportunity.
From a young immigrant to Vice Chairman of AT&T Inc. and beyond.
Born in Cuba, Ralph came to the United States as a young teenager through Operation Pedro Pan, the beginning of a story that would become proof of the American Dream.
Associate in Arts, Pre-Engineering, Honors Graduate.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Honors Graduate.
Master of Business Administration, Business and Managerial Economics.
Completed The Executive Program at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business Administration.
Led AT&T's wireless business, one of the largest mobile operators in the United States.
Oversaw AT&T's mobile and business operations, shaping its strategy for the connected world.
Served as Vice Chairman, capping a long career at the top of American telecommunications.
Awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, by Florida Atlantic University.
Authored the best-selling book Obstacles Welcome, sharing the Winning Framework that guided his life and career.
Leads the De la Vega Group, focused on investments in entrepreneurial startups, while helping young people reach their full potential.
Helping young people achieve their potential worldwide has been a lifelong commitment.
Executive Committee member (2009 to present) and former Chairman (2009 to 2013) of one of the world's largest youth-serving organizations, preparing young people for the future of jobs across more than 100 countries.
Chairman of the 2017 National Jamboree, Chairman of All-Markets Initiatives (2015 to 2017), and Chairman of Hispanic Initiatives (2012 to 2015). Recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award, Scouting's highest commendation for service to youth.
Trustee (2011 to 2016) of the historically Black liberal arts college for men, dedicated to developing leaders of disciplined mind and character.
Board member (2011 to 2016) of the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere and a leading facility for aquatic animal conservation and research.
Board member (2018 to present) of the non-profit working to advance an accurate understanding of the contributions Latinos make to American society.
Honored as a HITEC 100 Awardee, one of the 101 Most Influential Latinos in America, an Engineer of the Year, and inducted into the Great Minds in STEM and Miami Dade College halls of fame, among many other awards.
Ralph shares hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and turning obstacles into advantages with audiences around the world.
