Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University, and First Lady Gwen Brown delivered the keynote address at the 20th anniversary celebration of PowerWright Technologies. The company was founded by Jaimie Wright, a 1988 graduate of Tuskegee University’s Electrical Engineering program.
PowerWright Technologies has expanded from a single-person business to a national engineering firm over two decades. Its clients include Florida Power and Light as well as Southern Company subsidiaries in Georgia and Alabama. The company is managed as a family enterprise with Wright’s wife Lenora, son Justin (an engineer), and daughter Brianna (a CPA) involved in its operations.
According to available data, about 20% of small businesses close within their first year, and only one in five survive for 20 years. These challenges are even greater for minority-owned engineering firms.
Dr. Brown spoke about his long-standing friendship with Wright, saying he has known him for 43 years and considers him “a dear friend.” He also noted that Wright’s journey demonstrates what Tuskegee University aims to foster: preparing students for success in the workforce, promoting economic mobility across generations, and encouraging service.
The university highlighted Wright’s continued involvement with his alma mater through sponsorships such as the Tuskegee Alumni Golf Tournament and described him as an example of values-driven entrepreneurship.
“Tuskegee graduates continue to solve the world’s most complex engineering challenges of our time,” Dr. Brown said during the event.
The university stated that it will maintain its commitment to developing future leaders who contribute positively to society.
