Ann-Marie Harrington founded Embolden Design in 1998 following successful careers in public policy and social services. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, from project development to operations to sales.

It was back in the mid ‘90s when she was working as a research analyst and social worker at a nonprofit organization that she discovered the world wide web. Her passion about the Internet spurred her to start her own web development firm, initially focusing on helping nonprofits market themselves online.

Over the past eight years, Harrington has built Embolden into one of the leading web firms in New England, servicing the philanthropic sector, consistently growing its business, talent, and capacity. She has developed a client roster of more than 150 active customers through an unmatched expertise in new and emerging Internet technology, highly personalized service, deep first-hand knowledge of the philanthropic sector and a sound business development strategy.

Harrington earned both a degree in business administration from Bryant College and a Master of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College. As an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College, she has taught courses in basic computer skills and developed and taught a course about information technology in social work practice.

At Embolden, she has created a very progressive work culture. In May of 2006, the company was awarded the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility ranking it as one of the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of flexible work programs, policies and culture, and establishing Embolden as one of the best places to work in Rhode Island.

With roots in the nonprofit world, Harrington brings a sense of social commitment to her company and staff. Embolden gives both financial donations and in-kind services to local organizations. In addition, she lends her time to various social service agencies and schools in Rhode Island and speaks to groups about social issues she cares about. 

Harrington lives in Providence and, in her spare time, can be found fiddling with electronic gadgets, shooting hoops, working out, enjoying Providence’s cultural scene, spoiling her dogs Theo and Ruthie and playing monster with her nephew Jude.