Chairman & Founder of World Wide Technology & Kingdom Capital; Billionaire Philanthropist
David Steward Biography
David Steward is the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology and Kingdom Capital. He is a dedicated philanthropist whose remarkable journey took him from having his car repossessed to becoming one of the nation's few Black billionaires.
After graduating from Central Missouri State University in 1973, Steward relocated to St. Louis. He was the first person of color hired by Missouri Pacific Railroad Company to sell rail services. After leaving the railroad, he joined Federal Express as a senior account executive. During his tenure at FedEx, Steward was recognized as Salesman of the Year and inducted into the company’s Sales Hall of Fame in 1981.
Following the launch of two successful startup companies, Steward founded World Wide Technology in 1990. Under his leadership, what began as a small logistics and transportation audit company grew into a global systems integrator and supply chain solutions provider with more than 5,000 employees and $13+ billion in revenue.
Steward has been married to his wife, Thelma, for 43 years. Their son, David L. Steward II, is CEO of Polarity Ltd. He is married to Mary, and they have two sons, Trey and Julian. Their daughter, Kimberly Steward, is CEO of K Period Media.
Steward is a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and serves on its board of directors. He also serves on the boards of the National Academy Foundation, United Way of Greater St. Louis, Washington University, Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis, the Boy Scouts of America Greater St. Louis Area Council, and other organizations.
Under Steward’s leadership, WWT has become the most successful business in the history of the federal government’s 8(a) disadvantaged and small business program. The company has partnered with the Department of Defense, security agencies, the National Institutes of Health, and other civilian agencies. WWT holds top-level government security clearances.
In addition to earning his degree from Central Missouri State University, Steward holds an honorary Doctor of Laws from Washington University and honorary doctorates in humane letters from several other institutions. He was the first non-engineer to receive the Black Engineer of the Year Award. In 2018, he received the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service.
Steward and his wife are deeply involved in philanthropic and community efforts. “I don’t have a business philosophy and a personal philosophy. They are one and the same that I live by 24/7,” Steward said. “My wife, Thelma, and I come from humble backgrounds, and we have been blessed with more prosperity than we could have imagined when we were young. It is a blessing for us to give to others.”
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David Steward Videos
David Steward's Road to Riches: Car Repo to Road to Riches!
David Steward's Road to Riches: Car Repo to America's Richest Black Billionaire.
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What are the speaker fees for David Steward
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What topics does David Steward speak about?
David Steward is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, Business, Business Leadership, Computer Science, Culture, Cybersecurity, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Leadership, Personal Growth, Philanthropy, Social Activism, Technology -
Where does David Steward travel from?
David Steward generally travels from St. Louis, MO, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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David Steward is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book David Steward for your event is available upon request. David Steward generally travels from St. Louis, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Kristie Kennedy, Janice Howroyd, Dr. Kimberly Harden and Orlena Nwokah Blanchard. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling David Steward for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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