Margie R. Vela, Ph.D., is a strategic partnership leader and higher education innovator currently serving with Amazon Web Services, where she leads academic partnerships focused on advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning education. She has developed and scaled national programs that strengthen collaboration between industry and higher education, including initiatives supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and expanding pathways into the technology workforce.
Dr. Vela brings extensive experience in program leadership, research, and institutional governance, including prior roles with New Mexico State University and service as a Regent for the university system. Her work centers on building inclusive, high-impact programs that improve access, student success, and workforce development.
She holds a Ph.D. in Water Sciences and Management from New Mexico State University, along with an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business.
