Graduate Bios

In the early stages of my life, I filled composition notebooks with shapes, igniting my creativity and convincing my mother of my architectural ambitions. Over time, my aspirations shifted towards the world of fashion design. Alongside my artistic pursuits, I cultivated creativity within the digital space, exploring the fusion of art and technology. Reflecting on my journey, I am driven by a deep aspiration to incorporate my ideas and artistic vision into the thriving tech community. Despite the financial setbacks that prematurely ended my freshman year as a computer engineering major, my passion for technology burns brighter than ever. Learning about this opportunity reignited my determination to pursue my dreams, fueling a renewed sense of purpose. The chance presented by NPower, a program dedicated to guiding a Houston-based cohort through their tech journeys, resonates profoundly with my aspirations and propels me towards my dreams.

As a certified Paramedic and Veteran, I have always been passionate about Information Technology, but my biggest dilemma was “how and where to begin.” Thanks to NPower, I was given that opportunity to jumpstart my career in the tech industry. As a beginner in Tech, NPower gave me the foundation training and knowledge to obtain my CompTIA ITF certification at no cost. After graduation, I will be moving forward into Cybersecurity training which is my long-term career goal.

Anetia Dickens

Prior to NPower, I was planning out how to start a new career path while balancing a recent company-wide lay off at my previous job that affected me financially and mentally. I had an interest in continuing my education, building my personal & professional brand, and branching out on my interests in working with technology as a career path. My dilemma was the affordability aspect and having the resources to obtain that additional education. My father introduced me to NPower based on a local Houston newscast he saw. Once I went on to research more about NPower and applied, I knew I made the best decision for myself and pursuing my future career. During my time at NPower, I was able to accomplish building upon my professional network and gain technical knowledge and skills within the IT field. Also, as a young African American woman I am immensely grateful that NPower has instilled confidence in me that I belong in the field of technology, mentorship, and support that I can carry with me throughout my new career. I have a better understanding of where patience, the courage to step out on faith, and a strong work ethic will lead me.

Angel Charles-Roberts

I came across NPower by chance, but I’m grateful that I did. I feel that NPower offers invaluable skills and opens doors to a whole world of IT prospects, potential, and opportunities. It has allowed me to acquire new skills and gain a wealth of knowledge in a field that I never thought I would be a part of. This program has truly broadened my horizons. Naturally, by gaining insight into various facets of computing, I have difficulty settling on a specific path because my interests evolve as I learn new disciplines.

If I were to speak to my younger self, I would say to her, “You possess untapped potential beyond your awareness. Your mind is like a universe of boundless possibilities waiting to be explored. Refrain from setting limits upon yourself, and instead, venture into every opportunity with an open mind.” I’m extremely excited to embark on this new venture, and eagerly anticipate what it will unfold.

Coming out of high school, I had what I thought was a clear future ahead of me. Receive a college basketball scholarship and become a professional player with a degree. Since college, my basketball adventure has come to a halt. In this present-day timeframe, I’ve obtained a high interest in tech. With a plethora of opportunities in the tech field, I know there will be someplace for me. With minimal tech knowledge, only performing mundane tasks on my gaming desktop, I was eager to learn more about this equipment. Fortunately, at this time I was introduced to NPower. My time at NPower has been nothing short of beneficial for obtaining knowledge in tech. With proficient instructors and other helpful resources at my disposal, obtaining useful certificates couldn’t have been easier. After my time at NPower, I’m hopeful that I will see myself flourishing in a tech related occupation someday.

My name is Brandon Robinson-Baylor aka BRob. I am a former college football athlete from Texas Wesleyan University, who enjoys playing video games and basketball. I loved that I have found a new path in life to pursue something that I enjoy doing.

Byron Cook

My name is Byron Cook and I am a 26-year-old professional black man. I’m a high school graduate with some college experience and I have hobbies in music and sports such as piano and basketball for example. NPower has been a great resource and opportunity for me to not only learn new skills but also start a new career path and I am more than grateful.

Hello, I’m Carolyna Wedde. I’m a first-time mom and what brought me to NPower was striving to have a career path. I have always wanted financial stability, which is hard to do without an education of some sort nowadays. When I got accepted to NPower, I was so excited to finally start heading towards my goal in life and create a stable future for my family. NPower has helped me create a wonderful network for myself and I have met many great people along the way. My instructors have helped me gain many certificates to help me reach my goal, and I couldn’t be more thankful. With the knowledge I have gained I want to find a great job in this career path and try to get a nice house for me and my family as soon as I can.

Before I joined NPower, I was a Waiter, and had been for years. Due to various life circumstances, I found myself as the sole income provider for myself, my wife, and our cat right out of high school. Being young and having no experience, the best income I could find was in restaurants. It was never something I was happy about doing, but it was what I needed to do to provide. As the years went on, I found myself needing more income to support us, but I lacked the resources, time, and experience necessary to find a better position. I thought I was trapped. That all changed when my father heard about a program called NPower on the news and encouraged me to apply. Through some miracle I got accepted into the program and am now on track to starting a real career in IT. The resources and opportunities that they’ve provided me over this course have been invaluable in my journey to success. It’s all thanks to them that I have a real opportunity to build a career and find a brighter future for myself and my family.

Technology was always a career path that I wanted to pursue but was always difficult for me to get my foot in the door. Mainly due to the lack of education in tech initially. Although I’ve taken tech classes in the past, it doesn’t compare to how helpful and in-depth the NPower program is. The NPower program has made it possible not only to commit to tech as a career but also to make connections with many great people that can potentially be very helpful in the future. Certifications that I’ve obtained through NPower have ultimately given me the opportunity to seek employment very efficiently. I recommend NPower to anyone as it has given me many great opportunities and continues to help me every day.

Prior to joining NPower, I would have never considered a career in the technology industry. My knowledge of IT and other technology related topics was minimal. However, this all changed when I heard about NPower and the career and professional development services they offered. NPower has given me the opportunity to earn the ITF+ and A+ certificates, both being steppingstones into the technology industry. Whilst also offering career and professional services, everything from resume feedback, the job interview process, to finding and securing jobs in the technology industry. The one thing that was asked of me from NPower was hard work, something that I was willing to do for a chance at a new and exciting career. Beginning the NPower technology courses with no knowledge of what is being taught can be stressful and at times you feel like dropping out, these are feelings I have felt many times. But when you pass the test to earn your certification it’s all worth it, another existing feeling I had when I passed my certification test. My future after NPower is hopefully going to involve entering a technology career that I enjoy doing and with opportunities to grow.

Before being accepted into NPower, I was a college dropout with little to no insight on what career path I wanted to go on. I stumbled upon NPower one night and noticed all the positive benefits of being part of the program and decided to give it a shot and apply. Since joining NPower, I have learned far beyond the IT field, such as how to sharpen your soft/hard skills, prepare for interviews (such as mock interviews) or even learning how to network yourself. The staff at NPower truly wants to see you succeed and give you so many opportunities to do so by having many networking events and getting you more than just an IT certificate.

Before NPower, I felt lost. I was drawn to the world of tech yet had no idea how to start a career in a field I knew little about. There were too many choices to learn about tech but at the same time limited opportunities I could feasibly pursue. NPower provided me with both the technical and professional skills necessary to begin the path to my career goals. Along with offering a great support system, from the staff to fellow trainees which were key to my growth and in overcoming obstacles faced during the program, NPower also supplied resources to guide me during and after the program. With these new skills and knowledge, I am excited and more confident of my future and the value I will bring to the continuously growing field of tech.

With a life shaped by adversity and a relentless pursuit of transformation, my journey reflects the resilience ingrained in my spirit. The Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 ravaged my family, leaving our lives and business shattered beyond repair. To mitigate the fallout, my wife and I enlisted in the Army, seeking solace and purpose. As we raised our daughter amidst simultaneous deployments, our strength grew. A career as a Firefighter/Paramedic beckoned, offering a chance to save lives and rebuild communities.

Transitioning from the military during the pandemic posed unique challenges, particularly in the medical realm. However, hope emanated when I discovered NPower—a catalyst for change. My blend of discipline, resilience, and a hunger for continuous improvement aligns perfectly with their ethos. As a pivotal leader in technological advancements, NPower fuels my passion for IT integration and empowers me to reshape the digital landscape. I stand at the precipice of innovation, ready to drive transformative change and turn dreams into reality.

I am an accomplished individual who takes great pride in celebrating my graduation and recent accomplishment of obtaining an IT certification from NPower. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a strong passion for technology and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. With a proven track record of excelling academically, I have consistently displayed a thirst for knowledge and exhibited a remarkable aptitude for IT-related subjects, which has garnered accolades and recognition from both my teachers and peers. Beyond the confines of the classroom, I have actively pursued practical experiences, successfully completing an IT certification program offered by NPower, which has enabled me to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies. By actively engaging in extracurricular activities, I have not only showcased my leadership skills but also harnessed my curiosity and eagerness to learn, resulting in a well-rounded skill set in IT. Looking towards the future, I am eagerly poised to embark on a career path in the field of IT, leveraging my solid foundation, enthusiasm, and unwavering determination to make a positive impact within the ever-evolving digital landscape. My unwavering dedication to lifelong learning and ability to adapt to emerging technologies are attributes that undoubtedly drive my ongoing success.

My name is Jacqueline Randle and I have been a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for 25+ years and have had many accomplishments. I completed my certification with the highest grade in clinicals and highest grade in the overall course. I was very dedicated and brought problem-solving skills to my company. Life challenges kept me from furthering my education, and I’m currently in the ITF program through NPower, where I intend to work efficiently.

Jalen Samuels

I’m Jalen Samuels, a 22-year-old dream chaser ready to make waves in the world. With a resilient single mother as my inspiration, I’ve learned the power of perseverance and boundless possibilities. For the past four years, I’ve honed my skills in early childcare as an administrator and marketing director. Now, I’m venturing into the tech industry as a project manager or consultant, driven by my passion for organization and innovation. Graduating from the prestigious NPower program as a young woman of color is a humbling opportunity to shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for others like me. With boundless energy and unwavering belief in my abilities, I’m ready to embrace challenges and contribute to the dynamic tech landscape. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we redefine possibilities. Together, let’s make a lasting impact, inspiring others in a future where diversity, inclusion, and innovation reign supreme.

Jesus Galvan-Eguia

At the age of 5 years old my family arrived in the United States for a better and save environment. After completing high school, I decided to take the burden off my parents financially since college was not an option. I joined the U.S. Army Infantry proudly serving 23 years and retired honorably. After the military one of the biggest challenges was adapting to a new culture and language. While many of the skills and experiences gained in the military are highly transferable, it can be difficult to explain their relevance and value to hiring managers and job opportunities. I quickly discovered to transition into corporate America successfully I would need to align myself into a desired career. I personally expressed to my wife my desire and interest in the cyber security/IT field. My wife discovered and heard about NPower. We did some research and she signed me up. I came into the program with no knowledge of computers and can say today that I am grateful to be given the opportunity. With all the new resources and new skills, I have obtained I have no doubt I will thrive in my new career path successfully. Thank you, NPower!

John Huerta-Carlton

Before NPower, I had no clue where to start looking for a career, and with my dream to support a family I knew I had to start somewhere. When I heard NPower was expanding to Houston, I did research about the company, and the kind of positive changes they were making in people’s lives. Through that research and self-exploration, I knew this was a once in a lifetime chance to really have a Career! The instructors are very knowledgeable, and the resources are top tier. Gaining the knowledge necessary to pass the ITF+ certification has expanded my eagerness to continue learning. The Career development team has given us professional tips and tricks to feel like we belong in any field at the end of the day. What NPower has done for my future is invaluable and I can’t wait to continue my education and make a name for myself.

Before starting NPower, and many years ago I was a Navy Diver. My time in the Navy was excellent and I learned a great deal; however, my career ended very abruptly, and I was alone for a long time. I struggled to find work, eventually a representative from NPower contacted me and asked if I “was interested in technology”. I enthusiastically said “YES”. In fact, technology, (for lack of a better word) has always interested me since I was a kid. I’m “Gen-X”, folks my age saw the beginning of the modern computer age, we used floppy disks, the Atari game console and used rotary phones connected to the wall with a cord that was 4ft long. It is a privilege to take these NPower classes and be a part of technology for the coming future. Many things have changed since I was a child, and I love seeing the advancements in IT. I want to take the time to personally thank NPower for letting me be a student with them and I would highly recommend this company. They truly care deeply about your continued success.

As a high school graduate with a deep-rooted passion for technology, I acknowledge that my pursuit of this passion has faced certain detours due to choices I made in my life. However, throughout the years, I have consistently strived to self-educate; regrettably, I encountered recurring challenges that hindered my progress. Fortunately, my association with NPower has been transformative. By leveraging their extensive network, highly skilled instructors, and abundant resources, I successfully surmounted these obstacles and embarked on a progressive journey, obtaining multiple valuable certificates. These certificates serve as a testament to my commitment to professional growth, enabling me to offer enhanced expertise and value as a potential employee within the workplace.

Prior to NPower I’ve been intrigued by technology, and it has become a true passion of mine. The constant advancements and innovations in the tech world never cease to amaze and inspire me. From the way it has revolutionized communication to its impact on various industries, technology has the power to shape our future. NPower has shown me that technology is not just a career path for me, it is a lifelong fascination that continues to drive my enthusiasm and dedication. With NPower’s highly skilled and motivated instructors, social workers, and fellow students helping me with my technical, professional, and career development skills within the technical industry. It has been an amazing journey that I will be looking forward to taking into a workspace in the future. I would like to thank NPower Houston/San Antonio staff for an amazing opportunity to better myself and thank you again for all the outstanding resources from this program.

I realized I wanted to go into IT a few years ago, when I repaired my own computer successfully and found that I loved every moment of the process. From then on, I started my own research into more about computers, how to troubleshoot them, and how to manage them. Before this moment, I had no idea what my career would be, and I felt like I was falling behind my peers, who already knew what they wanted to spend the rest of their lives doing. I found NPower’s amazing program through my city’s news station and immediately signed up since this would be the perfect opportunity for me. During my time in this course, we’ve had many small group assignments which were always my favorite, and we’ve had plenty of practice with public speaking which is super helpful. I’ve met a couple of friends along the way, and I am incredibly happy to have joined this program and receive the gracious opportunities they are giving us.

I’ve always loved technology, and I’ve had an interest in the hospitality industry. My hope is to combine them someday.

I’ve always been good with technology, and it has been something I’ve always wanted to do. Finding NPower was just lucky, I saw it on the news, and thought it would be a good fit for me.

NPower is an organization that can give me a head start in the industry. My favorite part was being able to demonstrate my skills, both prior knowledge and gained knowledge. I have benefitted from potential ideas for jobs and job training. I aspire to get a job in IT and move into my own apartment.

Being visually impaired can be a hard experience, and while I do my best with the vision I have, there are times where better vision would serve me well. I would tell my younger self… You will have chronic pain in life, but you will get through it eventually.

I’m Raymond Martinez and I grew up fascinated by technology. My interests were always there, but never dove into the industry due to not knowing where to begin the journey. When NPower was brought to my attention, I had no idea what great resources and training would be provided. I’m honored to be a part of NPower history and grateful for NPower to improve my future.

I’ve been wanting to get into the tech field since I was little because I loved growing up and just being around tech. When I started getting older, I would watch videos on YouTube about building a computer from scratch, and a few years ago I was finally able to do it with some help of course from online and family. My mom told me about NPower, and I didn’t like school, but I was like “why not let me try it?” and I have actually enjoyed being in this program to learn about technology and go more in depth into it, and I can’t wait to see what I gain out of this program.

Eromosele

I am Vivian Eromosele, a determined individual whose journey has culminated in a remarkable milestone. With unwavering dedication and a thirst for knowledge, I have conquered the NPower unique training program, which enabled me to gain useful knowledge and certifications in Information Technology. Equipped with a resilient spirit, a bachelor’s degree, various certifications, and an insatiable drive for success, I, Vivian Eromosele, am poised to make a lasting impact as I embark on my next chapter into the professional world of Technology. I am grateful to NPower and honored to be a graduating student!

Spring 2023 Tech Fundamentals

Giovanni Aceves

Josh Anderson

Daniel Aragon

Ashton Charles

Angel Charles-Roberts

Byron Cook

Corey Coste Jr.

Carter Crafton

Anetia Dickens

Vivian Eromosele

Jesus Galvan

Madison Garrett

Darryl Guilbeaux

Erika Hernandez

Jonathan Hilt

John Huerta-Carlton

Raymond Martinez

Kolawole Owobowale

Geronimo Pena

Jacqueline Randle

Jordan Reiss

Brandon Robinson-Baylor

Jalen Samuels

Thomas Sanchez

Alexei Sloniewsky

Anthoney Smith

Matthew Stephenson

Daniel Sullivan

Akah Tenjoh

Carolyna Wedde

Ajla Williams

Joshua Wilson

View Highlights: https://www.npower.org/graduation/spring-2023/houston-texas/