michigan
OUR STORY
NPower is a national nonprofit that leverages an evidence-based model to foster economic empowerment through digital skill enhancement and industry recognized credentials for military-connected individuals, young adults, and women from under-resourced communities. Our strength is seeing students of nontraditional backgrounds through pivotal life transitions. Our unique approach combines rigorous, free training and trauma-informed support services, career readiness skills and job placement assistance.
We have offered foundational and advanced career training opportunities to over 10,000 graduates, with the goal of scaling to serve 15,000 annually by 2030—all while maintaining strong placement outcomes. Led by a committed team, we seek to create a tech workforce that mirrors the world around us and empower students to drive change in their own lives and communities.
Over the past decade, NPower has expanded its program reach and developed a robust network of Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and a network of nonprofit partners that host its interns and hire its graduates full-time. NPower is a vital solution towards bridging the national talent gap that exists in the high-growth technology industry.
To learn more about NPower, visit npower.org.
ORDER OF CEREMONY
MICHIGAN
WELCOME REMARKS
Kaleena Eugene-Louis, Program Director
NPower Michigan
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMARKS
José Reyes, Executive Director
NPower Michigan
SPONSOR REMARKS
ALUMNI SPEAKER
Carrington Floyd
NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2024
Client Technology Technician, Corewell Health
CLASS SPEAKER
Russell Floyd Jr
NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2024
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL AWARDS AND GRADUATION CERTIFICATES
Raven Krist
Technical Instructor, NPower Michigan
Daniel Walters
Assistant Technical Instructor, NPower, Michigan
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Nando Felten
Co-founder & COO, Building Successful Bridges
CLOSING REMARKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Kaleena Eugene-Louis, Program Director
NPower Michigan
RECEPTION
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Nando Felten
Co-founder & COO, Building Successful Bridges
Nando Felten is the co-founder & COO of Building Successful Bridges, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students with essential career and professional development resources. Nando is dedicated to transforming education into a tool for liberation, with a focus on creating equitable opportunities for Detroit students. Additionally, Nando played a key role in the development of the LEAPS program at the University of Michigan’s
Marsal School of Education. This innovative four-year degree program centers on problem-based learning and fosters meaningful community engagement.
Currently, Nando serves as Community Manager for Google’s Code Next Detroit, where he builds partnerships with local tech companies, nonprofits, and schools to break down systemic barriers in STEAM education. His work includes collaborations with Michigan Central, the University of Michigan, and YouthTank Detroit, advancing Detroit as an equitable hub for mobility, knowledge, and opportunity.
In addition to his professional roles, Nando is on the board of Trustees for the Skillman Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors for The Umoja Debate League. He is also an alumnus of the Obama Change Collective and the New Leaders Council Detroit Fellowship. Nando graduated from The University of Michigan, holding both a bachelor’s in education policy and a master’s in educational design and technology.
ALUMNI SPEAKER
CLASS SPEAKER
NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2024
Client Technology Technician, Corewell Health
“NPower had a way of showing me everything I was capable of.”
NPower Michigan Graduate, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2024
Carrington Floyd
Russell Floyd Jr
GRADUATES CONGRATULATIONS!
Michigan Tech Fundamentals Fall 2024
Aaron Patterson
Alison Thornton
Allison Ramasami
Andrew Williams
Bailee Smith
Brayden George
Cristian Ponce
Daniel Jigo
Diamond McNeely
Earl Jordan
Isabelle Kerr
Jamiah Coker
Jeremy Wilson
Joshua (Josh) Brown
Joshua A Gaiter
Justin Chumney
Kerry Bell
LaWayne Anthony Walker
Mackenzie Williams
Marcello Veliz
Mousa Basaleh
Ronrico Flowers
Russell Floyd Jr.
Steely Bodick
Steven Grady
Zackary Heacock
Nusrat Chuwdhury
Maria Zubiri
Jay-Lynn Harris
Christina Smith
Jeremiah Coker
Khizir Chuwdhury
Sadia Chowdhury
Juwan Tilman
ReVaughn Brown (Ray)
Mashya Perkins
Jo’n Scandrick
MICHIGAN REGIONAL THANK YOUS
Thank you to our Employment and Community Partners, Sponsors, and Funders
AAA of Michigan
Accenture
Allegis Global Solutions
Ally Financial
Amazon
American Axle & Manufacturing
Bank of America
Cadia
Call Center for Hire, LLC
Carhartt
Children’s Hospital
Comcast
Continental
Detroit Employment Solutions
Corporation (DESC)
Detroit Medical Center
Detroit Parent Network
Detroit Public Schools Community District
District Detroit
DMC Sinai Grace Hospital
DTE Energy Foundation
Flip the Script
Flagstar Foundation
GalaxE. Solutions
General Motors
Human IT
Kapor Center
Logicalis
Michigan Non-Profit Association
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Michigan WORKS!
NetScout
PNC Foundation
Pomeroy IT Solutions
Rocket Companies
Rocket Community Fund Society for Information
Management (SIM)
State of Michigan (DTMB)
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Stefanini
TekSystems
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
Walker-Miller Energy
Wayne RESA
Wayne Metro
MICHIGAN REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Christine Burkette
CEO/Founder
Promising Integrations Consulting Firm, Inc
KEY CLASS STATISTICS
Chanel Hampton, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Strategic Community Partners
Sean Perry
Chief Information Officer
Kelly
Myka Burley
Associate Director, Skills
Michigan Central
Harvey Hollins III, MPP
Founder and Managing Director
Hollins Consulting, LLC
Bryan Waldron
Partner, FBRK Brands Founder, MANSA
Terrance Campbell
Cybersecurity Front Line Manger
US IRS
Miguel Mickey
Client Executive
U.S. Public Sector State and Local
Government Microsoft
Markeith Weldon
Chief Executive Officer
Weldon Global IT
Julian Gantt
NPower Alum
Application Development
Associate
Accenture Plc.
Dion A. Williams
Director Community Engagement
Detroit Medical Center
SPONSORS
Thank you to our sponsors
State of Michigan (DTMB) Department of Technology, Management & Budget, and Allegis Global Solutions for making this ceremony possible!
