Ann W. Cramer, Director of IBM Community Relations, recently spoke to our members at The Carter Center Holiday Event, where she announced the IBM/NSHSS Innovation to be Greener Awards. She told the group that IBM is very excited to work with NSHSS because of our extraordinary students and potential for innovation and global competitiveness. NSHSS is very pleased to partner with IBM to present this academic competition and to highlight Ms. Cramer, who was recently selected by Atlanta magazine as its “Power Woman of the Year.”
A dynamic personality with an amazing energy level and enthusiasm, Ann Cramer directs IBM’s citizenship and corporate affairs for North America. As she indicates in her Atlanta magazine profile, her philosophy in both her career and her life is that “We are all citizens of the world, and as such we should all be there for each other.” She adds, “It’s all about building trust relationships and as one goes and opens a door, another one enters and then helps the next. It’s all about people working together for each other.” This philosophy is also reflected by NSHSS; as one member moves on in the world, we encourage that member to help another one through the door. Cramer has helped guide IBM through a commitment to K-12 education, job training and employment, community and family services, literacy programs, and support for the disabled and disadvantaged.
IBM Executive Ann W. Cramer announces NSHSS academic competition with Mr. Nobel at The Carter Center
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Cramer was a college mathematics major at a time when few women were graduating with math degrees. She persevered, and advocates that “We must keep establishing urgency that education is the key to success. It is the critical link to economic health. Education is the code of entry.” Although named “Power Woman of the Year,” she modestly affirms that “I don’t have power. I affirm others to use their talents wisely. I just believe that each of us has the power within us to care, to be compassionate, and to work hard.” She has served not only on a number of arts boards in Atlanta, but also on a number of critical education tasks forces for the Governor of Georgia.
Congratulations to Ann Cramer, and NSHSS says, “More power to her!”
For corporate executives interested in connecting with our students, please contact Carla Maxwell Ray in Corporate Relations.