Carl Howard II

As a developer, Carl Howard II sought to contribute more and have the opportunity to be the director of the technology department of a company. He found the perfect program to help him reach that goal — the technological entrepreneurship and management program in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.

Howard II says he was surprised and pleased at how quickly he was able to apply his classroom knowledge to his job. As an MIS supervisor, he has leveraged the innovation and management skills he has gained in his degree program to empower his data team. Due to this quick turnaround, he believes it has helped improve his leadership skills. He makes sure to remain accountable, pose strategic solutions and lead with empathy.

While at ASU, Howard II worked on a project related to autonomous vehicles, an experience that helped him to appreciate the convenience of these automobiles.

“I remember having mixed emotions about AI-driven cars’ moral decisions in certain situations,” he says. “Then I took a trip to San Francisco and rode in one, and after the trip, I gained a new respect for them.”

Howard II says his greatest achievement at ASU is pursuing his entrepreneurial venture, which aims to provide access to technology and creative spaces to underserved communities. He adds that he appreciates ASU staff and faculty members whose support boosted his confidence in seeing his idea through to completion. 

And while he states everyone he’s encountered has been supportive, one faculty member in particular  stands out.

“I have to say thank you to Professor Aram Chomina-Chavez. His advice and mentorship have been inspirational and life-changing,” Howard II says. 

Chomina-Chavez is an assistant teaching professor in The Polytechnic School, part of the Fulton Schools.

After graduation, Howard II plans to continue his education at ASU in the program evaluation and data analytics master’s degree program. 

Before he starts, though, he plans to take a well-deserved vacation to Mexico, Hawaii, or Japan to celebrate his accomplishments. His long-term goals are to be an executive in a company and find continued success in his entrepreneurial ventures.

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2025 class here.