Carnegie Mellon University

Marachel Knight is an INI alumna.

April 12, 2018

Marachel Knight, alumna and AT&T technology executive, to speak at INI graduation ceremony

By Jessica Corry

Marachel Knight (MS07) will deliver the keynote speech at the Information Networking Institute’s (INI) graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 20.

Knight is a senior vice president of technology planning and engineering at AT&T. She has responsibility for technology planning and engineering of AT&T’s wireless and wireline network, managing the multi-billion-dollar capital plan and integrating acquired network assets.

“I am completely humbled and honored by the opportunity to speak with this year’s graduating class,” said Knight. “Graduation is such a pivotal milestone in life and being asked to participate in this moment by sharing my thoughts on what will positively affect the future careers of this talented, smart and dynamic group of individuals is simply humbling.”

Knight holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Florida State University and received her Master of Science in Information Networking (MSIN) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in 1996. Today, she gives back to the INI community by serving on the Alumni Leadership Council (ALC).

“Marachel is a fearless leader and a talented executive who has risen up the ranks at AT&T over the past two decades to become a remarkable role model for INI students,” said Dena Haritos Tsamitis, director of the INI.

“Her journey is inspirational, and I am confident the Class of 2018 will walk away with important lessons for success in their futures as leaders in technology," she added.

Knight says the INI has been a game changer in her life. Beyond the value of INI’s reputation opening doors, the vast and diverse knowledge gained in the program has enabled her to make invaluable contributions to AT&T and the tech industry. Over the past 20 years, Knight has served in a variety of technology leadership positions at AT&T while honing her specializations in technology operations, project management and network architecture and design.

“The interdisciplinary nature of INI empowered me to develop into a leader that has business acumen, understands technology policy implications and at the same time can participate in detailed technical discussions with the best engineers and scientists,” explained Knight. “It’s a powerful combination to bring to any table.”

For her achievements, Knight received the 2016 Top 100 under 50 Diverse Executive Leaders Award from Diversity MBA Magazine, the 2014 Women of Color Professional Achievement Award and the 2013 Black Engineer of the Year President's Award. In addition to her longstanding career at AT&T, Knight gives back to the community by serving on the board of directors of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. and on the advisory board of After School Matters. She is also a co-founder and national advisor for AT&T Women of Technology.

Knight is eager to share her insights with the INI’s Class of 2018 and says the underlying message of her keynote is inspired by Nelson Mandela – “May your choices reflect your dreams, not your fears.”

Get to know Marachel before the ceremony by connecting on LinkedIn.


The INI Diploma Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 20 at Rodef Shalom at 4905 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Students must arrive at 2:30 p.m. and the class photo will be taken at 3:30 p.m. The diploma ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m. and is followed by a reception at 5:00 p.m. 

For more information and to RSVP to attend