NPower Michigan Spring 2023 Tech Fundamentals Graduation Book

TECH FUNDAMENTALS

Spring 2023 Tech Fundamentals Graduation Program

WELCOME REMARKS

Kaleena Eugene-Louis

Program Director, NPower Michigan

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMARKS

Jose Reyes

Executive Director, NPower Michigan

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Marlin (Wilson) Williams

CEO, Diversity and Inclusion Solutions, LLC

CLASS SPEAKER

Shicaira Black

NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2023

ALUMNI SPEAKER

Dawn Stanford

NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2022 Information Technology Project Coordinator, State of Michigan

PRESENTATION OF GRADUATION CERTIFICATES

Raven Krist

Technical Instructor, NPower Michigan

Dan Walters

Assistant Technical Instructor, NPower Michigan

Erica V. Peyton

Recruitment and Admissions Manager, NPower Michigan

Mishae J. Rice

Social Support Manager, NPower Michigan

Rodney Smith

Career Placement Manager, NPower Michigan

Rose Wilson

Placement Director, NPower Michigan

CLOSING REMARKS

Kaleena Eugene-Louis

Program Director, NPower Michigan

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, RECEPTION AND SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Marletta Boyd II

Development Director, NPower Michigan

Thank you to our sponsors for making this ceremony possible:

The Hoyle Family

Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget

Strategic Community Partners

Our Story

tech industry through skills training, real-world experience, support, and mentorships. The organization has helped young adults from underserved communities and veterans move from poverty to the middle

the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students

the national talent gap that exists in the high-growth technology industry.

Over the past decade, NPower has expanded its program reach and developed a robust network of Fortune partners that host its interns and hire its graduates full-time. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

National Board of Directors

Matt Horner | Chair Executive Vice President, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology

Gail Fierstein | Vice President

SVP, Global Head of People

CaaStle

Stephen M. Murphy | Secretary Sr. Managing Director, Financial Services Technology Global Lead Accenture

Viola Maxwell-Thompson | Treasurer CEO Emeritus Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)

Michael Fugett | Board Observer NPower TX Graduate - VP, Production Management - U.S. Army - Citi

Luisana Estevez | Board Observer NPower NY Graduate - VP, Data Center Production Operations Engineer - Meta

Gerald Charles Jr. VP and Head of Product for Omni Customer Servicing Capital One

HSBC

Dean Del Vecchio EVP, Chief of Operations and CIO

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

Ami Desai Chief of Staff to Founder, Chairman & CEO

Guillermo Diaz, Jr.

Founder & CEO Conectado, Inc.

Michael Fey Co-Founder & CEO Island

Kateau James

Deloitte Technology

Tony Kerrison

Bank of America

Debra King

Bunge

Jennifer Kleinert

Infrastructure Operations & Technology Citi

MICHIGAN REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Lisa Cawley | Chair Managing Director Accenture Plc.

Julian Gantt | NPower Alumn Application Development Associate Accenture Plc.

Kimika Garrett

Organizational Kimistry

Myka Burley

Associate Director, Skills

Michigan Central

Harvey Hollins III

Senior Manager

Strategic Partnerships

Human I-T

Chanel Hampton, PhD

Strategic Community Partners

Ryan Hoyle

Vice President & Outsource to America Program Executive

GalaxE.Solutions

Anita Klopfenstein

Little Caesars Enterprises, Inc.

Terrance Campbell

Cybersecurity Front Line Manger US IRS

Mark Patterson SVP, Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO

Cisco Systems

Frank Pedersen Partner

Apply Digital

David Reilly Tech Excecutive

Diane Schwarz

Johnson Controls

Dwight D. Shepherd REAR ADMIRAL (RETIRED)

Executive Strategy & Standards, BISO IBM

Anupam Singhal

Senior Vice President and Business Head

Tata Consultancy Services

Josh Sutton

Agorai

Peter Trizzino President Dell Technologies Select

Sangy Vatsa Founder Digital Insights, LLC

Bertina Ceccarelli

NPower

Spencer Lucker

Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Bryan Waldron

Partner, FBRK Brands

Founder, MANSA

Linda Schlesinger Wagner

Skinny Tees

Markeith Weldon

Weldon Global IT

Commencement Speaker

Marlin (Wilson) Williams CEO, Diversity and Inclusion Solutions, LLC

Marlin is an executive, entrepreneur, and coach with more than 20 years of experience in the intersection of -

consulting practice that provide high-level thought partnership for new and established DEI executives and praccorporations and life transformation for her clients.

Marlin is also a consummate DEI expert, with a keen understanding of how to connect DEI to strategic goals no matter the size of an organization. She was the global di-

nies. She also led DEI at two tech unicorns, helping one to build inclusive global teams in preparation for an IPO. A sought-after DEI speaker, Marlin co-authored Hard Re-

Normal, an essential handbook for executives and practitioners navigating the world through the twin crises of the racial reckoning and the pandemic.

city of Detroit, successfully coordinating the technology the founder of Sisters Code, which introduces coding and technology to thousands of women across the country. Marlin is a two-time startup founder who also supported entrepreneurs in a dual role–as the Assistant Vice President of Economic Development at Wayne State

bridge the gender and racial gap in tech entrepreneurship, Marlin created an inclusion-focused accelerator for intensive idea validation.

become more than they thought possible.

Marlin is an alum of Wayne State University and the University of Detroit, Mercy. She has presented at SXSW, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, TedX, Black Enterprise, MSNBC, Techonomy, Tom Joyner Foundation, Yes We Code, and more.

Alumni Speaker

Dawn Stanford

NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2022 Information Technology Project Coordinator, State of Michigan

tech to create a better life for my family and me. it is the best decision I made for my career thus for a FinTech company and continue to pursue a Finance degree.”

Class Speaker

Shicaira Black

NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2023

“ Because of NPower, I now feel like I have the skill sets and connections necessary to succeed in tech and provide the means needed to turn the dreams of my own family into a reality. I will forever beney in tech.”

Statistics

The curriculum for this program includes a NetAcad learning module courtesy of the Cisco Networking Academy.

46

Graduates

98% 65%

of cohort identify as people of color

Graduate Bios

Before starting NPower, I was working without any direction. I wanted to get into the tech industry but didn’t know how to get started. Joining NPower helped me make a career move for the better. Through NPower I learned a lot related to IT, obtained cer-

NPower program has changed my life for the better, and I hope it changes others as well.

20

During my search for internships, I discovered NPower and decided to apply. NPower not only reinforced my IT skills but also assisted me in complete my degree in IT at Wayne State University.

Basem Abbas 22

Bakr Al Omari

Before NPower I was newly unemployed from a state contract position as an unemployment insurance examiner. I was working for myself as a tax preparer and investing in myself more when it came to entrepreneurship roles, like being a Notary Public and studying to receive my real estate license. Before ending my contract position, I knew that I wanted to transition into tech, so I began researching apprenticeships, bootcamps, anything that could get my foot in the door while not being so costly. My cousin told me about NPower, I applied and was immediately contacted about the program. My time at NPower has

NPower is all things positive. The sense of community that we have with each other is uplifting. The training, free resources, and access to opportunities are unmatched. After graduation, I plan to be in a technical role, preferably cybersecurity, and I plan to further my education with NPower’s Cybersecurity program. I plan to use income from a tech position to invest in real estate, life insurance, and buy a home so that my family and I can be more secure.

Before this program I was lost and didn’t really know where to go, I always knew I wanted to

testing seemed like so much. That was until I found NPower and was brought into this beautiful family. NPower has helped give me the struc-

and testing that I desperately needed for me to progress towards where I wanted to be. After this program, I will be enrolling with NPower for their Cloud Computing Advanced Training program and pursue becoming a cloud practitioner.

Jordan Ballard 25

Austin Bell 23

I am currently a trainee at NPower Michigan. Before NPower, I had my hands into several diffe-

of direction as far as what I wanted to pursue a career in with also no college experience. I knew I wanted to wage a higher salary to make the dreams of my family a reality and I knew tech was

my foot in the door. After doing my own extensive research and developing my passion to get into tech, I stumbled across NPower. Being introduced to this amazing program has unlocked so much talent I never knew I had. I have grown in so many ways from professional to technical. Because of NPower, I now feel like I have the skill set and connections necessary to succeed in tech and provide the means needed to turn the dreams of my own family into a reality. I will fore-

a village like NPower to support and assist me on

Janero Blackmon 21

Before enrolling in the NPower training program, I was eager to break into the IT industry but lacked the necessary skills and experience. However, since starting the program, I have gained a solid foundation in various IT concepts and developed practical skills in areas such as hardware maintenance, software installation, and network troubleshooting. Through the program, I have

as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. Thesetive edge and have allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge and skills to potential employers. As I am nearing the end of the program, I am excited to take the next step in my IT career. I am looking forward to leveraging my newfound knowledge and skills to secure an entry-level IT position where I can contribute to a dynamic and fast-paced team. After I develop further down my career, I wish to pursue working in Cybersecurity

the NPower program has provided me with a solid foundation to build upon, and I am excited to

Shicaira Black 25

Before NPower, I was very nervous about where my life was going to be headed. I was in school for IT, but I felt like I didn’t have enough hands-on experience to secure a position and was nervous that I wasn’t smart enough to continue pursuing a career in IT. The program has made me learn so much I didn’t know about hardware and software -

about IT and honestly about myself. There were things I thought I knew about myself but once I -

nical skills but my mindset. After the program has come to an end, I see myself starting a new position in IT that will advance my career and allow me to learn more with the hands-on experience I will get in a new position. I have interviews

for because NPower has allowed me to not limit myself. I have secured interviews with 3 different companies, one including cybersecurity because of the help from NPower. I will continue to keep in touch with all my mentors from NPower because they have helped me grow as an individual which I am so grateful for.

Before starting NPower, I was working in politics years. However, I was not happy because the work was not consistent and did not allow me to have a healthy work life balance. I’ve always had a passion for IT but never did the schooling because I feared math. I attempted to take a cybersecurity bootcamp with a top university but for me to continue. After working on many prohad a deep interest in IT. In 2022, I decided to searching, I discovered NPower, and it was the best thing I could ever be a part of. I learned sotions within months, learned more about profes-

ment. Furthermore, the greatest thing about the program was that it was completely free and all NPower was the best decision I’ve made and I’m

Donyell Bledsoe 24

Kelly Bryson II 25

-

nately, an unforeseen event occurred that forced me to step away from college. Despite the setback, I refused to give up on my career dreams

my interest. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for automation and technology. I became fascinated with the idea of how technology could transform the way we work and live. This newfound passion led me to explore various tech-related courses and resources online. Although I had gained some knowledge about automation and technology, I knew that I needed a structured program to develop the necessary skills to build a career in tech. That’s when I found out about NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program. The program provided me with the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies, such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. Overall, I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for tech through NPower. I believe that my newfound skills and knowledge will help me in building a successful career in the tech industry.

Before NPower, I had a high interest in the tech

everything for me. They brought me the path I have been looking for and plus more. I have re-

State of Michigan and I am grateful to been in this program and blessed that they gave me this opportunity.

Before NPower for my career path, I had the idea of becoming a physical trainer for college athletics, and I loved the idea of being in the medical industry. I switched to tech because I was in

fun. The U of M Nexus program reached out to me before I could participate in NPower, strengthening my idea to participate in Cybersecurity. During my time at NPower, I created connections with classmates and others, allowing me to get my name out and stand out. I have gained the knowledge of believing in myself more which has allowed me to be more comfortable with public speaking. After NPower, I plan to become a Pen-Tester which will take place after I complete the NPower Cybersecurity program.

Charlie Dillon

ther statistic in the transgender community. With only a high school diploma under my belt, I felt times to work full time while also working towards an associate degree in veterinary care. However, it seemed to only make me very sick, making me feel really stuck in life. I ended up choosing to come to NPower after I saw how fast the program

offer. Knowing if I put in the work I could turn my within me. I seemed to struggle halfway through, me, even when I couldn’t. That helped me a lot in-

hip to continue learning and broadening my IT knowledge. I also am planning to go back to college and get an associate in computer science.

Michal Dobosz 24

Before starting NPower, I was lost without any purpose or a goal in mind. I always considered myself a tech person, but never actually thought about learning about it more in depth. When stumbling across NPower on Indeed while loo-

expand my education in IT. During the program I learned that I didn’t know as much as I thought. I met many amazing people who showed me how versatile positions are in IT and how many there are. I’ve learned a lot of new skill sets and taught me how to make long lasting professional connections. After NPower, I aspire to become a Cyber Security intern with either State of Michigan or get my foot through the door with GalaxE.So-

cially and start working on a hobby that would include outside activities such as rock climbing or

Leonard Domina Jr.

U.S. Army National Guard Veteran

Before NPower, I had been in and out of technology but primarily a truck driver for the past 18

hiring with the limited experience I had. Thanks to everyone at NPower, I have not only the skills to gain a great position at any employer, but also to

social sessions with Mishae to Professional Development with Rodney, and of course instruction with Raven and Dan, I feel that NPower is setting trainees up for success, me included. I’m looking for a position that is more hardware centered but am set up to succeed in pretty much any type of position in the tech industry.

moving to the United States four years ago. Despite having an Electrical/Electronic Engineering degree from my native country, I felt unprepared venturing -

nally made the decision to pursue my passion in Information Technology, I found NPower Michigan on Indeed. My discovery of NPower felt divine and timely. The Tech Fundamentals program at NPower has given me the support and platform I need to enter and succeed in tech. At NPower, I encountered creative and knowledgeable staff as well as

ce and broadened my practical and professional knowledge base. Through the technical sessions, and the professional and mental development sessions held during the 16-week program, I have ac-

in my career and life in general. As I start my career in tech, I am excited to learn, grow, and discover platforms through which I can add value to the businesses and people I will encounter. I am also optimistic about my future and growth in tech. NPower has truly empowered me and I am thankful for that.

Before starting NPower, I studied Computer Engineering at Western Michigan University, and unfortunately, I had to drop out of college in 2018

I’ve been eager to still get an education, but still lacked the resources to pay for it. NPower was a huge blessing, because they were providing me with everything I was searching for without having to pay for anything. During NPower I was technical skills along with professional skills as well. After NPower, my life will be completely

ching for ways to give back to those who are in the same position I once was.

Chinaza Egbuchulam 26

Michael Gaines 26

Before NPower, I was going to school for something I wasn’t even sure I wanted anymore and

could do to provide for me and my family. I then came across a program within Michigan Works and took a standardized test to see where I’d place, and I saw that there were more offers with tech which caught my eye. On the way, I stumbled across NPower, and I decided to apply. Now I thought I was taking a leap here but, in my head, I’m thinking “why not?” Not even knowing

received notice I got accepted. Now don’t get me wrong I wasn’t the most tech savvy person, but NPower taught me this industry is so much more than that. This program helped me learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a technical

technology. They also provide you with opportunities to connect with other professionals in yournerships, and other valuable connections. After -

gful career path, and was going from one dead-ge and started looking for different approaches to further my career. That’s when I heard about NPower. I was astounded that a program like this was being offered to young adults looking to gain was an opportunity I needed to take. During my time at NPower, I learned valuable skills, processes, and information about different operating systems and their components. NPower also provided me with invaluable mentorship and su-duation, I plan to use the skills I gained to start my career in tech to achieve a role in UX design or software development. Thanks to NPower, I dreams and create a brighter future for myself and the people I care about. I’m so grateful for everything NPower has done for me, and I hope that future cohorts will be as excited as I am to make changes for the betterment of ourselves.

Demisha Gilson 24

Sebastian Gutierrez 24 -

Ali Haidar

Before NPower, I was working at a chiropractor

Indeed listing that they train you for free. I thought it was too good to be true, so I applied and a week later I got an email to schedule a phone call. A career with tech sounded like an amazing opportunity for someone who was lost and did not know what direction to go in and this appealed to me as my ticket out of being lost. My time during NPower’s IT program was great where the instructors expanded my knowledge and skills within tech. However, after getting my ITF+ cer-nagement it felt natural for me even though I am much more of introverted person. After the -

gement as a career, I am very thankful to all the instructors. They are very knowledgeable and supportive, and I always felt like I could speak to them naturally without being hesitant.

Devious Hall 27 looking for an entry-level IT position. Only then did I stumble upon the program, shortly after I had applied and been accepted. I was not only educated in the technical aspects of starting an -

NPower. After graduating, I am looking forward to potentially working with a NPower employer gained with a tech company where I can continue to grow. I may also attend NPower programs for cybersecurity or cloud services.

I am a trainee in the NPower program and currentlyputer Science. Before NPower, I was thinking about dropping out and started working full-time to make money. My brother introduced me to this amazing program, and it was such a great experience that I will never forget. NPower has helped me understand so many areas in the IT industry and all tech fundamental knowledge before I get a chance to

me many opportunities to connect with different people in the same areas that I’m pursuing. I got to

technically. After graduation, I plan on keep pursuing a degree at Eastern Michigan University. At the same time, I will also be looking for opportunities such as internships and co-ops to further my education.

NPower. NPower has been a remarkable program by showing me structure and helping guide me where I want to take my IT career path. NPower has helped me as a person realize that this is not easy but with the determination and drive to learn you can do anything you desire. NPower has changed my life for the better and now I will try and pursue getting my CEH and CCNA in the future and pursue higher education to further my knowled-

Eric Ho 25

Zachary Justa 21

John Kamal 19

I recently graduated from high school and enrolled in a cybersecurity bootcamp to pursue my interest in technology. The NPower program was instrumental in helping me gain practical expe-

I’m proud to be where I came from so far and I’m pursuing and continuing my education in hoping to land a system administrator position. Using the knowledge, I obtained here at my time du-

can use to improve my experience and apply for dream position in cybersecurity. My goals after this program are to get advanced Security+ cerobtaining a degree in technology.

Rida Khalil 23

Before discovering NPower, I was feeling stuck in my career. I had always been interested in technology, but without a formal education, it was cha-

to do something to change my situation. During my time at NPower, I received intensive training in technical skills like hardware and software, coding, virtualization as well as professional development workshops that helped me hone my soft skills. I was also able to build relationships with my classmates and instructors, who provided me with invaluable support and encouragement. After graduating from NPower, I felt empowered to take on new challenges and pursue my goals.

I was able to land a position in the technology industry. NPower has had a profound impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the doors that they’ve opened for me.

Before I started NPower, I was working full-time and going to school full-time while I pursued two degrees in Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice. I have always had a strong interest in Technology

the boot camp and graduating I felt something

my foot in the door, with no luck. One day during my daily search, I discovered NPower and researched more into it, I was immediately intrigued by what they had to offer, and supposedly it was all for free. I found it too good to be true but de-

dge, and skills. NPower has given me several opportunities that I feel I would not have gotten

in Cybersecurity and continue to build myself both personally and professionally. I will forever be grateful to NPower, and my cohort for all the knowledge, skills, support, and opportunities that have been provided to me.

and to learn more about technology, that is why a great support system of staff and instructors. They helped me learn a lot about IT fundamentals that I was missing and helped me improve on my interview skills. I look forward to taking other cohorts to improve even more and would recommend anyone who doesn’t know what they want to do to take this program. It has helped me go through a rough patch in my career and I would do it again if I had the choice. Looking forward to seeing how far this program can help many people who are struggling and cannot decide on where to start.

Kylie Klepper 26

Anthony-Yim Lee 26 -

I have received an employment offer from GalaxE.Solutions and I’m very optimistic. Before my foot in the door. A friend of mine (Antonio Chears) who happened to be a NPower Alumni,

cybersecurity professional! Joining NPower has allotted me with numerous skills and provided bountiful opportunities. I’ve earned multiple cer-

development. I truly see a prosperous life ahead of me because of NPower! After graduation, I plan to further my education to become a Cybersecurity analyst and live life comfortably as I elevate past that goal.

Before starting NPower, I was enrolled in Oakland-

ved that it would be a good opportunity to build up trade skills to progress further in my career. Along the program, I was able to learn about various information pertaining to information tech-ding the Google Coursera, IT Support, CompTIA -

technical intellect at an astronomical rate, and the best part about all of it was that it was completely free. It being free allowed me to focus on the work instead of worrying about how I would

and have recommended it to others who I believed would be interested in learning this material. Following the NPower program, I plan on having my engineering degree.

Tre Lumpkin 24

Davonte Merritt 21

Before starting NPower, I had no direction and had no idea where I wanted to go in life. Working mini-

browsing indeed, I found NPower and I’ve never been happier. Not only have they helped me while in a tough spot in life, but they have also offered

skills to pursue a good career and the best partabsolutely for free! After NPower, I plan to start employment with GalaxE.Solutions to begin my career in the tech industry and while there, plan to do their mentorship program to pursue better skills in databasing.

engineering for an entire year. I had no luck, despite having the skills to be a software engineer. What brought me to NPower was the free training -

the trainees to be professional. After graduation, I will become a software engineer, I’m determined to

Jacob Millman 24

Matthew Mosteller 26

Prior to being introduced to NPower, I had manyneur, from taking my creative passions forward, to constructing businesses such as lawn care to catering work and housekeeping. With dormant great academics, S.T.E.M and sophisticated skills gained from high school, I lacked true freedom to really care about it. After graduating high school, a sister of my Kenpo clan informed me about NPower! Not only what brought me to the full commitment but the curiosity of how I can transpire that same creative passion, into a passion for developing technical skills throughout the current evolution of technology! During this time at NPower, it gave me exactly that, the freedom, discipline, and of course knowledge and the needed wisdom in support to dig deeper into myself where I would be most empowered to. After graduating from NPower, I plan on being a well-established IT administrator as well as a Cyber Security Specialist & most importantly yet another successful African woman. Thank you, NPower, I am truly empowered!

Before coming to NPower, I was working as a custhis role. I know I’m a hard worker and I’m always up for whatever is needed. I love to show people they have value and love making sure everyone is ok. Coming into this program I only knew a little bit of technology and my Uncle Rodney suggested to me that NPower is the way to get out there and start a career in technology. NPower made me feel good about starting something new from scratch. Meeting people that are into the same hobbies as I and have the same grind, made me feel like I’m at home with everyone in this cohort. My instructors Dan and Raven are truly like my big brother and sister who want us to make it like they did. My Uncle Rodney Smith put this into my mind because he knows I can get things done and continue pushing forward and I will ne-

everyone I met, and I hope we stay connected till the end. NPower is the way to go if you want a

lot being here and it’s so much in this world that I can choose from.

Khadijah Muhammad 18

Dominic Norman 20

After realizing that my interests didn’t align with the career path, I had planned for myself, I made the decision to leave my Doctor of Pharmacy program. With a desire to learn new skills and explo-

tunities outside of healthcare. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the world of tech and secured a position at a healthtech/software company leveraging the communication skills I developed while interacting with patients. Through collaborating with other teams, such as product, design, marketing, sales, and IT, I found myself drawn to

roles, I discovered NPower, an organization that offers community and mentorship opportunities for those interested in IT. The program has helped me to develop my technical skills, and the guidance and mentorship I have received have been incredibly motivating. After graduation, I plan on either pursuing cloud computing to further develop my knowledge or gaining employment in an entry-level IT role to gain experience.

I always wanted to work within the tech industry and before NPower I was going to go back to co-

it was too expensive. That’s when I discovered NPower. For me, this was a great opportunity because it was free, and it provided all the learning

start my career. During my time with NPower, I

My instructors were down to earth and made the material easy to understand and comprehend. This program has allowed me to grow in many different aspects of my life and after this program I plan on taking another one of their courses for cyber security. Thanks to this program, I have a strong foundation for my tech career in software development and cybersecurity.

Solomiya Nysak 24

Christian O’Neal 20

with no success. While I had always wanted to pursue a technology career, I was worried about putting my family in debt through pursuing traditional education. I wanted to have a big change to my future career. One of my best friends showed me that he was doing this IT program and told me about NPower and how great the program is. He was telling me how great the tech courses are especially with great teachers like Raven and Dan in addition Thursday’s we have a professional development day with Rodney and letting me know that they really care about everyone’s well-being and career path. Even though at times there was a struggle to balance through everything, I -

look back now and think I am grateful I did thisterviews for cybesecurity and more in the future to come. I want to thank NPower and everything been through this program and welcomed them with open arms by helping and building up peodo it and helped them push through everything.

Before starting NPower, I had mainly worked within the food service industry. After nothing but

enough. Something had to change. Luckily a friend of mine spoke about a free way to gain

up and got accepted. Dropped down to only working two days a week at a local food chain and focused on nothing but my studies from then on. After NPower, my future looks bright so many doors are open and many more will appear in the future.

Ali Osman 24

Kameron Reynolds 26

Before NPower, I was working at restaurants and survive. NPower has opened my eyes to the poseducation and tuition. I plan to get an entry level take NPower’s advanced courses to get my Secu-

Before NPower I was unemployed and working day in day out doing delivery services. Throughout NPower, I worked toward a goal of besetting my future up for success and personal growth. Through this course I met some amazing people, whether they are fellow students or our wonderful leadership. This is an amazing oppor-

that may be lacking prior to the course’s begin-dence and wisdom through my time with NPower

staff within the organization. The career opportunity I have received would not have been possible without the mental toughness going through the NPower program provided me, and most importantly the BELEIF in myself that anything I strive for can become true. Thank you to all the people who believed in me and my classmates, namely Mishae, Rodney, Raven, and Dan. I appreciate the NPower leadership and mentors that work to make the tech environment a more diverse and inclusive place and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something this special, again THANK YOU NPOWER!

Perry Sewell 23

Jacob Shea 25

Before discovering NPower, I was unemployed and lacked direction, unsure of what career path to pursue. However, upon stumbling upontant but ultimately drawn in by its promise of free has become like a second family to me, providing not only technical knowledge and skills but abilities, ultimately making me a better-rounded individual. Through the program’s professional development component, I have gained valuable insights on how to excel in interviews, communicate effectively in a business environment, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Looking ahead, I am excited to enter the workforce armed with a newfound sense of purpose and direction, and develop both professionally and personally.

Prior to starting NPower, I was preparing to leave the military without a clear direction on how I wanted to reach my goals in the Cybersecurity/IT world. It wasn’t until I came across NPower that I realized the blessing I have come across. This program has challenged me and presented me with experiences that I feel I would not have been able to come across anywhere else – networking with a variety of people across diffe-

study of IT but also being able to learn more on the professional side of things to better prepare me for interviews, resume building, and proper

sure where I would be at this point in life. This program has given me a head start in my new life and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Dylan Stribbell 19

Morgan Wallace 22

Jacob Zabel 21

Before starting NPower, I was struggling with my recent move, complicated life matters, and attempting to register for classes in time for the fall semester, which I could not do. Joining NPower, helped me see actual progress in my knowled-

more than I expected for me. It has helped me

as it sounds but as a person too. Whether it was connecting with people, interviewing, or group work, NPower has really helped develop every single aspect. I cannot wait to continue to stay in contact with all the great people I met and to see where we all go.

Congratulations Spring 2023 Tech Fundamentals

Basem Abbas

Bakr Al Omari

Roderick Bailey

Jordan Ballard

Austin Bell

Shicaira Black

Janero Blackmon

Donyell Bledsoe

Kelly Bryson II

Devin Bulls

Steed Coates

Logan Devins

Charlie Dillion

Michal Dobosz

Leonard Domina Jr.

Chinaza Egbuchulam

Michael Gaines

Demisha Gilson

Sebastian Gutierrez

Ali Haidar

Devious Hall

Darrien Hawkins

Eric Ho

Zachary Justa

Ahmed Kaid

John Kamal

Rida Khalil

Kylie Klepper

Anthony-Yim Lee

Tre Lumpkin

Davonte Merritt

Jacob Millman

Matthew Mosteller

Mustafa Muhammad

Dominic Norman

Solomiya Nysak

Christian O’Neal

Ja’lon Oden

Ali Osman

Kameron Reynolds

Perry Sewell

Jacob Shea

Dylan Stribbell

Morgan Wallace

Jacob Zabel

View Highlights: npower.org/graduation/spring-2023/michigan/

LAUNCHING TECH CAREERS TRANSFORMING LIVES

NPower’s model is a solution to building a diverse tech pipeline. Our graduates launch tech $41,000–$60,000 and are positioned to advan-

Higher earning potential is the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty, positioning our students and their families to achieve long-term economic success.

80% Of students who enroll graduate

(Based on NPower’s national data)

WE ARE THE FUTURE OF WORK

Through partner and tech industry collaboration, our free training model is a workforce development solution for the future. In today’s economy, over 50%

Our graduates of over 6,000 veterans and young adults are hired at over 3,000 compapathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for young adults and military veterans from underserved communities. Part of this goal is supported by our Command Shift Coalition, a national consortium of women and allies that advocate for strategies that invest in and inspire the advancement of young women of color in tech careers and aims to increase the representation of women of color in tech from 5% to 10% over the next 10 years. This coalition was sparked by ‘40 by 22’, a NPower initiative to help young women of color access the skills needed to launch careers in the tech industry in partnership with Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative.

Thank You…

TO OUR EMPLOYMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, SPONSORS, FUNDERS, VOLUNTEERS

Accenture

American Axle & Manufacturing

Bank of America

Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

Detroit Parent Network

GalaxE.Solutions

Garden Theater

General Motors

Google

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Logicalis

Michigan Department of Technology, Management, & Budget

Michigan Rehabilitation Services

AND TO OUR MICHIGAN PATHWAY BUILDERS....

SUPPORTER

Jessica Berry

Marletta Boyd II

Marletta Boyd Senior

Stephanie Byrd

Lisa Cawley

Kimika Garrett

Daniel Garrison

The Hoyle Family

Olivia Jackson

Jonathan Orr

Shane Pfannes

Jose Reyes

Jessica Roy

William Shea

Coriel Taylor

Horace Tiggs IV

FRIEND

Alexandra Gardner

Jose Vilar

Stefen Welch

Michigan Works! Association

Netscout

Pomeroy IT Solutions

PNC Foundation

Rocket Community Fund

Strategic Community Partners

S&P Global

TekSystems

The Hoyle Family

United Way of Southeastern Michigan

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives

Walker-Miller Energy

Wayne RESA

Wayne Metro Community Action Agency

National Pathway Builders

Pathway Builders are individual donors invested in the future of our country and changing lives for military this group of changemakers, please visit npower.org/support or email hello@npower.org.

AMBASSADOR

Ronald Gula

Thomas Kurian

CHAMPION

Christiane Costello

Paul Daugherty

Dean Del Vecchio

Matt Horner

Jennifer Kleinert

Brian McCarthy

Mark Patterson

David Reilly

Ron Robbins

PARTNER

Gail Fierstein

Shane Fitzsimons

Tony Kerrison

Debra King

Josh Sutton

Cliff Thomas

Sangy Vatsa

Perry Wright

Lori Zugelder

SUPPORTER

Katherine Avery

Nic & Sasha Barnes

Robert Benoit

Jessica Berry

Stefanie Boles

Marletta Boyd II

Marletta Boyd Senior

David Boyle

Michael Bridges

Dale Brooks

Stephanie Byrd

Kristie Carney

Lisa Cawley

Gerald Charles, Jr.

Hannah Craven

Quincy Davis

Carl De Groote

Richard DePalma

Damon Downing

Mike Elmore

Brett Fleischman

Sally Frank

Michael Fugett

Rami Gabriel

Kimika Garrett

Daniel Garrison

Amy Gnagy

Demetrius Goodwin

Michael Gregoire

Mark Heil

Rhonda Henley

Matt Holton

Cindy Hoots

The Hoyle Family

Jason Huebner

Olivia Jackson

Brooke Jaffe

Timothy Lyons

George Maddaloni

Fernando Matzkin

Viola Maxwell-Thompson

Richard Mclaughlin

Peter McNamara

David Miller

Robert Millstone

Brian Mize

Kevin & Melissa Modica

Brian Mooney

Tristan Morel L’Horset

David Niles

Rodrick O’Connor

Jonathan Orr

Frank Pedersen

Shane Pfannes

Stephen Poeppe

Greg Raimann

Jose Reyes

John Rosato

Jessica Roy

Michael Rupinski

Diane Schwarz

Gaurav Shah

William Shea

Dwight Shepherd

Randy Siedl

James Smith

David Sullivan

Nicole Tate

Coriel Taylor

Horace Tiggs IV

Zachary Vendeiro

Harish Venkitaramanan

Scott Wilton

Judy Winter-Giella

FRIEND

Einat Burshtine

Alexandra Gerdner

Ann Marr

Susanne Tedrick

Jose Vilar

Stefen Welch

Bruce Williams

National NPower Supporters

Underwriters $750K

Sponsors $250-$749K

Partners $100-$249K

AHEAD

Akamai Technologies

Andreessen Horowitz Cultural Leadership Fund

Ascension Health

Atlas Data Systems

BAE Systems

Beth & Ravenel Curry Foundation

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Centene Charitable Foundation

Corteva Agriscience

Check Point Software Technologies, LTD

Craig Newmark Fund

Dennis M Jones Family Foundation

Ernst & Young

Fiserv Inc.

General Motors

Globant

Hearst Foundation

Hewlett Packard Company

Ira W. De Camp Foundation

John & Marcia Goldman Foundation

Kaiser Permanente

KPMG

Light a Single Candle Foundation, NFP

LinkedIn Corporation

Maryland - AIF

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company

MTX Group Inc

NetApp

New Jersey Department of Labor

New York City

The New York Community Trust

New York State

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Norton LifeLock

Palo Alto Networks

Patrick J McGovern Foundation

Regional Business Council

State of Maryland

Tata Consultancy Services

The St. Louis Community Foundation

Twilio Inc.

United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way of St. Louis

Workday Foundation

Supporters $50-$99K

The Achelis & Bodman Foundation

Arista Networks, Inc.

Armis Inc.

Ascension Information Services

Auth0 Inc.

Bader Family Foundation

Benevity Fund

Broadcom Inc

Capital One Financial Corp.

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation

Cohesity

Communities Foundation of Texas

Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan

Consumers Energy

Data Dynamics, Inc

David Reilly

Emerson

Flextronics International USA, Inc.

Fortinet, Inc.

Henry & Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation

Hitachi

IBM

ING Financial Markets LLC

Intel Corporation

Kirkland & Ellis

Koret Foundation

L'Oreal Groupe

Medidata Solutions Inc

Merck & Co., Inc

Morgan Stanley

MUFG Union Bank

NetApp Inc.

New York City Council

OneTen

Oracle

Peter Trizzino

Rainwater Charitable Foundation

Royal Bank of Canada

Rubrik

S&P Global Inc.

Shippy Foundation

Society for information Management

SS&C Technologies, Inc.

Tanium Inc.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

The Rockefeller Foundation

The Saigh Foundation

The William R. Orthwein, Jr. Foundation, Inc.

Thomas Kurian

United States Department of Homeland Security

United Way of Tarrant County

VMware Inc.

Vodaphone

Wells Fargo Bank

Wilson Sheehan Foundation

Wipro Technologies

Zendesk

Zoom