Teresa Askew has been named as the Culture Champion for the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Georgia Tech. 

The College of Engineering (CoE) Staff Culture Advisory Council established the Culture Champion Awards Program to recognize staff members in each of the CoE schools who advocate for a positive and productive culture in their school and in the College. These individuals work to support and/or develop successful cultural practices and strive to make a difference. 

Askew is ECE’s administrative manager and assistant to the School Chair, a position she has held since 2012. She leads the ECE Diversity and Inclusion Council, which was established at the beginning of this fall semester. This group is made up of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty and staff members, and ECE Advisory Board members. Its mission is to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers feel valued and appreciated in all departments, programs, and worksites. They also work to promote an academically enriching and supportive climate that allows all members to thrive and succeed.

Prior to joining ECE, Askew worked in two other units at Georgia Tech. She was the project manager in the Office of the Vice Provost for International Initiatives from 2006-2012 and an administrative manager with the Yamacraw Initiative from 2001-2005. Askew and her family relocated to Georgia in 1996 during the Olympics, and she was employed as a banking officer/manager with SouthTrust Bank before joining Georgia Tech.

After high school, Askew joined the U.S. Army, where she served as a personnel management specialist. The military laid the foundation for Askew’s career path, where she used the opportunity to travel and meet people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It helped shape her views of the world and formulate strategies to help lead to a perfect union. Upon completing her military service, Askew relocated to California, where she was employed at Stanford University as an office manager in the Sponsored Projects Office for 13 years. Askew has also been able to earn her educational degrees and work in various administrative areas throughout her career.