NPower Michigan Fall 2022 Tech Fundamentals Graduation

FALL 2022 TECH FUNDAMENTALS

FALL 2022 TECH FUNDAMENTALS GRADUATION PROGRAM

WELCOME REMARKS

Kaleena Eugene-Louis, Program Director

NPower Michigan

ALUMNI SPEAKERS

Julian Gantt NPower Michigan, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2020

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMARKS

Jose Reyes, Executive Director NPower Michigan

Sierra Bentley NPower Michigan, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2021

PRESENTATION OF GRADUATION CERTIFICATES

Raven Krist Assistant Technical Instructor

Dan Walters Assistant Technical Instructor

Erica Peyton Recruitment and Admissions Manager

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Jillian Blackwell

Global Sr. Marketing Manager, Amazon

Mishae Johnson Social Support Manager

Rodney Smith Career Placement Manager

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 sponsor American Axle & Manufacturing for making this ceremony possible!

OUR STORY

NPower is a nonprofit rooted in the community and committed to advancing race and gender equity in the 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 class by training them with a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs.

Students who enter our free training programs earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships and apprenticeships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a fulltime job or continue their education. NPower is a vital solution towards bridging 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 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. To learn more about NPower, visit npower.org.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Reilly | Chair

Chief Information Officer, Global Banking and Markets Bank of America

Matt Horner | Vice Chair

Senior Vice President, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology, Inc.

Gail Fierstein | Secretary SVP, Global Head of People CaaStle

Vittorio Cretella | Treasurer Chief Information Officer Proctor & Gamble

Steven Ballantyne

Chief Operating Officer Profitsolv

Gerald Charles Jr.

Vp and Head of Product for Omni Customer Servicing Profitsolv

Craig Cuffie

VP, Chief Procurement Officer HSBC

MICHIGAN

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 Vista Equity Partners

Guillermo Diaz, Jr. Founder & CEO Conectado, Inc.

Michael Fey Co-Founder & CEO Island

Kateau James Global Chief Operating Officer Deloitte Technology

Tony Kerrison Chief Technology Officer Bank of America

Debra King Digital and Technology Leader

Jennifer Kleinert

Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Infrastructure Operations & Technology Citi

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

Stephen M. Murphy

Sr. Managing Director, Financial Services Technology Global Lead Accenture

Mark Patterson SVP, Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO Cisco Systems

Frank Pedersen Partner Apply Digital

Christopher J. Perry President Broadridge Financial Solutions

Diane Schwarz VP, Chief Information Officer Johnson Controls

REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Lisa Cawley CHAIR

Managing Director Accenture Plc.

Kimika Garrett

Chief People & Culture Officer

Walker-Miller Energy Services

Anita Klopfenstein

Chief Information Officer Little Caesars Enterprises, Inc.

Chanel Hampton, PhD

Chief Executive Officer Strategic Community Partners

Spencer Lucker Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Julian Gantt NPOWER ALUM Application Development Associate Accenture Plc.

Ryan Hoyle

Vice President & Outsource to America Program Executive GalaxE.Solutions

Dwight D. Shepherd REAR ADMIRAL (RETIRED) Executive Strategy & Standards, BISO IBM

Anupam Singhal Senior Vice President and Business Head Tata Consultancy Services

Josh Sutton Chief Executive Officer Agorai

Peter Trizzino President Dell Technologies Select Sangy Vatsa EVP, Technology Officer FIS

Bertina Ceccarelli Chief Executive Officer NPower

Linda Schlesinger Wagner

Chief Executive Officer

Skinny Tees

Bryan Waldron

Partner, FBRK Brands

Founder, MANSA

Markeith Weldon

Chief Executive Officer

Weldon Global IT

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER: JILLIAN BLACKWELL

Jillian started her love for business and entrepreneurship at the age of 10 with a paper route in Detroit, MI. Now with over 20 plus years of professional business development and marketing experience, Jillian has held various positions at some of the top Fortune 500 companies such as Xerox, AT&T, Microsoft and Amazon. She also has international experience working for Saatchi & Saatchi in Europe. Jillian is currently the Global Sr. Marketing Manager for Amazon’s Leadership Development Programs supporting leaders globally for Amazon Air, Logistics, Transportation Services, Customer Fulfillment, Global Specialty Fulfillment, Physical Stores & Amazon Pharmacy.

Jillian is passionate about serving her community and is currently the founder of Michigan Employee Resource Group for Equity (MERG-E), on the Global Board for Amazon Black Employee Network (BEN) and is the President for BEN Detroit, member of Amazon Women in Engineering and a board member for Code313. Jillian has held several leadership positions acting as the Worldwide Chapter Lead for Blacks at Microsoft (BAM), Chapter lead for BAM Michigan, Executive Board for “The Circle”, past President of NAWBO Excel a nonprofit affiliated with the NAWBO and a member of NewME helping to bring together entrepreneurs working on innovative technology in the Metropolitan Detroit area.

Global Sr. Marketing Manager, Amazon

ALUMNI SPEAKER: SIERRA

BENTLEY

IT Specialist, Articulate

“I believe in breaking down technological barriers one helpdesk ticket at a time. I believe the best asset to create massive change is technology.”

Sierra is a Detroit native and a graduate of Cass Technical High School. She is currently in her senior year at Lansing Community College, studying Computer Support Technology with over four industry-recognized tech certifications. She has been studying information technology for the last three years and working in technology for over a year and a half. She graduated from NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program back in Fall 2021. She is a strong advocate for more women of color and nontraditional learners in tech. Sierra has used her journey about breaking into tech as inspiration for the next generation of techies to enter the field.

Julian graduated from Fraser High School in 2018, where upon graduation he accepted an offer to play Collegiate Football in Kansas. After some time, he came back to Detroit and started working for a junk removal company. He didn’t see himself there for very long especially during the pandemic, so he joined NPower Michigan in Spring 2020. After graduating NPower, Julian received an internship at RT Software Systems, an apprenticeship at Accenture which converted into a full-time role in November 2021. Julian is now an Application Development Associate at Accenture as well as a buddy and mentor to new Accenture apprentices.

Full-time

ALUMNI SPEAKER: JULIAN GANTT

Application Development Associate, Accenture Plc.

96%

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

90%

HAITHEM ALGAZALI 19

I am a sophomore in college at Wayne State University. I was looking for a way to break into the tech industry, but I wasn’t having any luck since I did not have a lot of experience in the industry. I stumbled upon NPower on a job hiring website and decided to just apply for it. The more I read about the program, the more I became interested in it, as there were certifications that I was looking to learn about before seeing the program. The program has helped me become more professional and presentable to employers and has helped refine my resume and online presence. I have also learned a ton about technology and have received several certifications, and still have a couple more to go. Looking forward, I plan on finding an internship and have had some luck with those that I have already applied for. This program was an amazing experience, and I feel like I finally will be able to get into the tech field now that I have gained this experience.

WILLIAM ARMSTRONG 26

Before NPower I was going to school for Criminal Justice. A few weeks into the program and I knew I wanted to go into the technology field. NPower has truly made me feel like I have a place in tech. Between the technical training and the professional development, I know that I am a valuable candidate for any company I should work for in the future. My time at NPower has truly been life changing. Joining this program has been one the best decisions I have ever made. I 100% recommend joining NPower.

LILLIAN BALDWIN 26

Before NPower I was just doing the duties of a growing adult with a little one to take care of. I had only micro knowledge in technology, I started with only hands on of what I would say was selftaught things, and lightweight PC troubleshooting from trial and error. I knew that I wanted to be in tech, and I should try and find a career path close to it, so I decided to do some googling and stumbled across NPower, read the reviews as well as their story and I knew this was a place I wanted to be! The new skills I obtained here at NPower have given me so much confidence in something I’ve been so passionate about, because there were many times I was going to give up on my dreams of being in tech. I’ve even learned to socialize better, and my professional skills are top tier because of NPower. After graduation I plan to be in the career of my dreams or at least have my foot in the door. I will always plan to stay in touch with alums, staff, and NPower peers, these are some of the greatest people you’d ever run into. The passion they have for teaching is amazing, they care so much. When I say it’s like you’re speaking with close family I’m being serious. I would recommend NPower to anyone who loves tech and is looking to be around amazing likeminded people who want to see you thrive! I am so happy I found them!

UZAIR BANDAGI 23

Before NPower, I was working in social media for political campaigns as well as pursuing my bachelor’s degree from MSU in International Relations, and I was simply not satisfied or fulfilled with the direction my career was headed in. I had always been interested in tech, and specifically the intersections of tech and public policy. A family member recommended NPower to me, and I’m glad that they did because it provided me with the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore new career options. I came to NPower looking for an opportunity to learn and kick off a new career. I was in sales, working long hours, with no guarantee that my hard work would pay off at the end of every month. Npower allowed me to develop and learn new skills that will allow me to start a new career with a better work/life balance. I am forever grateful and look forward to the opportunity Npower will allow me to have. It was nice meeting the people in Npower, teaching me about computers, helping me out, and being a family-- it’s great!

ZAHRAA BANOON 25

Before NPower, I was attempting to enter the tech world all on my own and was unsuccessful. When I first came across NPower through an Alumni on TikTok, I was intrigued right away and signed up immediately. Through this program, I’ve not only learned something new about tech every single day, but I also have an amazing support system. I have been advancing in tech and professional development as well. After NPower, I plan on furthering my education and working towards my career goals. Thanks to NPower, I have obtained my first of many certificates and will be starting a new career in tech. For the longest time I struggled to believe I could be successful without a college degree, but now I can see that it is possible, and anyone can do it with enough hard work and commitment. I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore my passion in technology, and now I am more excited than ever to see what’s in store for my future.

RUMI BEGUM 24

As a first-generation college student, I felt the need to do something that my entire family would be proud of. I have spent majority of my education lifetime trying to go into the medical field because of the thought that it’d make my immigrant parents the happiest. The past couple of years were the hardest points of my life and I felt drained. I often woke up from severe panic attacks and nothing felt right. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to go into medical field, but the thought of letting my family down was killing me inside. I ended up getting accepted into the ABA master’s program at Wayne State. Around the same time, I came across a TikTok video of someone talking about NPower. I was fascinated by the information. Things felt so right that I dropped out of the master’s program and gave my all to the NPower Tech Fundamental program. With such a short period of time, I have learned a lot about technology, gained new skills, and grew immensely. More importantly, I felt a wholesome feeling of harmony doing something I felt passionate towards. Not only did this program provide me with knowledge, but it allowed me to find myself and do what makes me happy. I look forward to applying my knowledge and skills in the workplace afterwards.

DEZMOND BLAIR 21

Before joining NPower, I had just graduated college and was looking for a job in the IT field. I wasn’t getting any callbacks and after dedicating my education to coding, I thought I would have to pay to go back to college and get my bachelor’s degree to land a job. Thankfully, I found NPower just in time and decided to join. Through the program, I learned plenty of skills essential to working in the IT field and met many professionals already working in the field, even others like me looking to get into the field. Thanks to NPower, I landed a spot in the Apple Developer Academy where I will continue my education.

JOKINSON CASTILLO 25

Before NPower I was working in the customer service industry and in warehouses and wanted to go to college but had no idea what I wanted to pursue and didn’t want to commit time, attention, and money into something I wasn’t sure I would enjoy doing. I was looking for apprenticeship opportunities and trade skill programs because I didn’t want to work in warehouses any longer, and I was searching on Indeed daily until I came across NPower. It felt like I found a golden ticket, a program that was structured to help you succeed in attaining tech certifications, professional development and helping with getting my foot in the door and it was completely free, while similar programs would run cost you thousands of dollars. My time in NPower has been life changing. I finally found what I want to pursue, and they provided the tools to help me succeed. After graduation I plan to work with hardware and networks with aspirations in career development into cyber security or managing cloud databases. I have much gratitude to the amazing instructors and NPower staff in supporting me! I would truly recommend this program for anyone looking to get into the tech field.

HADI CHARARAH 23

I came to NPower looking for an opportunity to learn and kick off a new career. I was in sales working long hours with no guarantee that my hard work would pay off at the end of every month. Npower allowed me to develop and learn new skills that will allow me to start a new career with a better work/life balance. I am forever grateful and look forward to the opportunity NPower will allow me to have.

ANTONIO CHEARS 23

Before starting NPower, I was already in school studying computer science and technology. I had lots of work experience but hardly any handson or work experience in the tech world. What brought me to NPower was a suggestion from two of my friends that were past NPower trainees. They knew I was interested in technology and said it’d be a great fit for me. At the time, I declined the offer believing the program wouldn’t benefit me and it’d just distract me from school and work. I was struggling financially, and I decided to take a break from school, and my friend reminded me of the program and that it was free. I gave in and gave it a shot and here I am with no regrets. My time at NPower gave me that handson experience and more insight on the career paths in the tech world. I’ve been able to develop myself into the most professional and outgoing version of myself. With NPower, I now have tech certifications and more connections than ever. After graduation, I plan on finishing up my degree and making use of my certifications. I can say NPower has truly made my dreams reality.

OLONZO CLAYTON 24

Before joining NPower, I was a recent undergraduate. I received an associate of arts from Wayne County Community College District. I required assistance becoming more independent, so I decided to join Job Corps. While at Job Corps, I received a certificate in office administration. There, I learned about NPower. While in NPower, I acquired great technical & soft skills that will assist me in my future career. Thanks to NPower, I’ve become certified in CompTIA ITF+ & Google Project Management. With the certifications

I’ve accomplished, I’m proving that I am a viable candidate. After NPower, I hope to pursue my dream of finding employment within the gaming industry.

ADAM DAVIS 26

Before NPower, I was working at a retail store not making enough. I had somewhat knowledge of IT. What brought me to NPower was the more flexible schedule and the certifications. My time here atNPower was great. I had gotten certifications and at the same time, I had a better experience than any other. I developed a new drive to learn IT and a more positive outlook for the future. After NPower, I have more knowledge to pursue my future career and obtain a better job for myself.

Before NPower, I was working at a retail store not making enough. I had somewhat knowledge of IT. What brought me to NPower was the more flexible schedule and the certifications. My time here atNPower was great. I had gotten certifications and at the same time, I had a better experience than any other. I developed a new drive to learn IT and a more positive outlook for the future. After NPower, I have more knowledge to pursue my future career and obtain a better job for myself.

23

Before joining NPower, I was working in an injection mold factory doing quality inspection for plastic car parts. Working in that position made me realize it was something I didn’t like doing and didn’t feel like I was moving anywhere with it. I was also a bit tech savvy but never really pursued the tech field that much. I tried to study for the CompTIA A+ on my own but didn’t have the confidence to take the test. I eventually came across NPower, and it ended up being one of the greatest career changes I made in my life. NPower helped me achieve my goal of wanting to get into the tech field and get a job that I know will make me happy. NPower helped me get my certification with a lot more confidence and taught me a lot of professional skills to help me get the jobs I’ve dreamed of doing. When I graduate NPower, I’ll be starting a help desk position but will be able to work towards getting a job in database administration.

ANTONIO DAVIS JR. 22

JOSEPH DOKIC

CASSY FALLON 25

Before starting NPower, I was aimless, I had skills and ambition but no direction. I wanted to go back to school, leave the bartender life behind, but was financially unable to. Joining NPower helped me make a career move for the better. My sister, an NPower alumni, pushed me to look into the program, she believed that it would help me accomplish my tech goals. Between the networking, the internship, the mentorship, and even the A+ certification training, this program has been a game changer for me, and everything was free!

KIMMESHA FLOWERS 25

As the Pandemic went on, I wondered what career option for me would be most stable to support my new family. As I grew up in the sweet spot of being an outside kid and one with a gaming system and some internet, I always found technology and machines intriguing. I hadn’t seriously considered going in that field until I proactively started my search to get certified. That’s when I came across a job posting for NPower and decided to check out the website for further details. They had way more to offer than I initially saw! I applied right there and encouraged my partner to do the same. Since August, we have been thoroughly trained and prepared for entry-level information technology careers. We also received professional development, so that when it came time for the real deal, we were ready and confident. After graduation, I plan to get started in technology and build projects as I go to improve my expertise. I hope to gain an internship for Cybersecurity and also learn user experience/interface design.

CALEB FOSTER 24

Before NPower, I was living from paycheck to paycheck not knowing where my career path was heading. That all changed until a friend of my mother’s recommended that I participate in NPower because I have a love for technology. They said this program would teach me so much more about tech skills and give me professional certifications for jobs. My time at NPower has been a life-changing experience and I would recommend this to anyone who plans on expanding their knowledge in the tech field. After graduation, I plan on working more with computer hardware, Database Management, and/ or Database Administration soon.

JOSUE GONZALEZ 22

Thanks to NPower, I have obtained my first of many certificates and will be starting a new career in tech. For the longest time I struggled to believe I could be successful without a college degree, but now I can see that it is possible, and anyone can do it with enough hard work and commitment. I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore my passion in technology, and now I am more excited than ever to see what’s instore for my future!

Before NPower I was lost in terms of looking for a career. I always had a interest in tech but never knew how to break into the industry. During the NPower program I learned more about the technology industry and made more connections than I ever could have done on my own. I’ve gotten one certificate and halfway done with my second. After NPower I plan on going into cyber security and getting more certificates in that field.

Before the program, I was already interested in tech and would often help my family and my local church with their tech issues. During this program, I learned so much and earned the certificates necessary to allow me to perform this professionally as a career option.

CARLON JEFFRIES 25

KHARI JEFFERSON 20

RACHEL JONES 23

Before NPower, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media from Michigan State University. I knew where I wanted my career to go but the hardest part was taking that first step. I applied to 10 jobs a week, reworked my resume, and even managed to snag a few interviews. But in the end, I had no success for months. While I was on the verge of giving up, I saw NPower on a job recruiting site and applied. Even though it wasn’t paid, I just wanted something to give me a chance. Now that I’ve had the experience with NPower, I am confident in carrying myself professionally and prove that I have the technical knowledge for any entry level IT job. NPower has given me the support I needed when I thought all was lost. The NPower family here is so strong and I’m grateful that they allowed me to be a part of it. I am currently searching for help desk positions now, but I will consider the other NPower courses they offer to pursue my interests in cyber security and cloud computing.

25

Before NPower, I lived paycheck to paycheck, not knowing where my career path was heading. I have completed high school however I haven’t completed college yet and I was constantly questioning if I was making wrong decisions in life. After dealing with some mental health issues, I decided that I needed to do something to start my career in technology. I was recommended NPower by my neighborhood center and applied that same day. My time at NPower has been a life-changing experience and I would recommend this to anyone who plans on expanding their knowledge in the tech field. After graduation, I plan on working more with computer hardware and cyber security soon.

ANTHONY JESSE KEETH

ZARIN KHAN 23

Before starting NPower, I had recently graduated from university and was on a gap year working as an AmeriCorps Vista exploring my next steps. During this time, I was looking into tech boot camps, and while researching these programs I heard about NPower. Joining NPower gave me the opportunity to learn more about IT and is one of the best decisions I have made. I was able to get certifications, work on my resume, build my network and learn from the amazing staff at NPower! After graduation, I plan to use these skills to launch my career in tech and explore the different areas of tech that I can get into.

TEARSA-JOI LEE 22

Before NPower I started my first semester of college with a major in Business Information Technology and at the time, I didn’t know exactly what the tools were that I needed to have a successful career in tech, but I knew I had a growing passion for the IT career field. One day I was looking through different organizations that offered entry level tech work and NPower appeared and had mentioned that they offered training as well, so I decided to give it a try. I am very glad that I chose NPower as my first step in the tech field. Not only does NPower offer thorough training but they also offer flexibility as well and as a single parent I feel as if I made the right choice. After my cohort at NPower ends, I plan on working in customer success/ implementation or Business Analytics for a longterm career choice and I am currently seeking full time/apprenticeship opportunities as well.

JARED LOGAN 25

My name is Jared Logan. I am 25 years old & graduated from Howard University with a major in Business Marketing & minor in Business Management. Before NPower, I was working for Packback, a tech startup, that focused on making a selling educational technology. After NPower, because of the certifications I have gained, my options are plentiful. I plan to continue through the NPower track and end up in the cyber security space or something similar. I appreciate all the patience and preparation as I head towards my goals.

DARREN MYRON 26

Before NPower, I was attending my last semester at my college, and working 3 jobs in a field that I hated just to make ends meet. Due to the area, I live in, I felt like I was going to forever be stuck in a stagnate environment with no access for improvement in finances and career. Joining NPower has given me an opportunity to finally be able change my entire life by achieving a complete career change. The Michigan Team have been there every step of the way, going up and beyond to help everyone prepare and achieve our goals to flourish in our new IT roles. After graduation, I plan to continue to further educate myself in programing languages to pursue Software Development.

RENEE NAILS 20

Before I started NPower, I was struggling to find something that I felt was for me. I tried college but that’s not for everyone and I knew I didn’t want to continue to work at dead end jobs my entire life with little to no growth and that’s when I found NPower. I feel as though in a way NPower found me though. I’ve grown not only personally but professionally by having such a supportive team at NPower that was rooting me on along the way as well as amazing peers that helped me when needed. I developed so many soft and technical skills that I thought I would never have. I have interviews for places that I would have never gotten if it wasn’t for NPower. After graduation I plan to stay connected to those that helped me get to this place as I will forever be grateful as well as becoming a cyber security analyst, or whatever this road may lead me to! I’m excited for the new upcoming opportunities!

ASTER PIO JR. 23

Before NPower I was living from paycheck to paycheck not knowing what my career path was heading, if anywhere. I haven’t completed college yet and I was always questioning what if I was making wrong decisions in life. That all changed when I came across the listing for NPower. I have always had a love and passion for things dealing with tech. The interviewers said this program would teach me so much more about tech skills and give me professional certifications for jobs. My time at NPower has been a lifechanging experience and I would recommend this to anyone who plans on expanding their knowledge in the tech field. After graduation I plan on working more with computer hardware, and cyber security.

Before NPower, I was developing a plan to learn IT through advanced training at Job Corps and soon after that, college. After being introduced to NPower through one of my instructors at Job Corps I did some research and found NPower would be a perfect program. While at NPower I found everything I was looking for and more. I obtained my CompTIA ITF+ certification and expanded my technological knowledge in such a short time span I surprised myself. NPower’s staff and curriculum has been the best experience in a classroom setting I've ever experienced. I plan on continuing my studies with coding and learning more about tech to accomplish my goal of helping people around the world.

Before NPower I was working at a job that I was sure wasn’t for me career wise. I always thought about going into tech before heading into college, but I was too intimidated at the time. Though I knew about NPower a few years ago, I didn’t think I could succeed in a tech program. What made me join this year were friends and family that remarked about the free opportunity to expand my technical knowledge and find a more fulfilling career path. NPower has changed my life for the better. I feel more confident in the tech abilities I have gained from this program, and I appreciate the many resources that they have given me to be successful that range from the technical aspects to professional development. After graduation, I plan on working more with computer hardware, while trying to get into cyber security.

CAMRON RAMSEY 20

CHYNA RUFFIN 25

ANGEL SALCIDO 23

Before NPower I wanted to better my career but didn't exactly have a path to do so working service industry jobs. What brought me to NPower was a want to advance my career and a lifestyle change. My time at NPower gave me a better understanding of the necessary skills I would need to launch myself into the field I'm looking for. After graduation I plan to find a better job with the skills and opportunities that NPower has afforded me.

LYDIA SCOTT 19

Before NPower I was in college studying computer science but felt unprepared. What brought me to NPower was that I wanted to get an internship but felt underqualified for many of the jobs I found. Then I found NPower and the more time I spent with the staff and trainees, the happier I was in my decision to join. It wasn’t all easy and it forced me to grow in ways I never dreamed imaginable. I had the added challenge of taking a full-time course load of 5 college classes while attending the program 4 hours a day. I started earning certifications and gaining professionalism and time management skills. My time at NPower helped me gain more confidence in my IT knowledge and taught me more in these 16 weeks than I learned in my first year of college. After graduation, I plan to continue to earn my bachelor’s degree and eventually get a job making good money so I can take care of my family.

Before I joined this program, I was attending community college for general studies. But the more time I spent gaining my necessary credits to get admitted into the Vet Tech program, the more I started to second guess if that is what I really wanted to do. My heart is set on traveling and being able to see the world and the most flexible career that I searched for was IT. I had never heard of the NPower program before and once I looked a little deeper into it, I knew this was my calling. With further research into the different tech jobs, I could possibly get and grow in, I was sold. Taking that first step to a better future for me and my family was a no brainer. This program has helped me gain the necessary knowledge to be successful starting off in the tech field. It has helped me view technology in a way I’ve never seen before. I have grown more appreciative of technology and how much it has helped the world. My plan after the program is over is to secure a job in this field, start my career and travel. I will be grateful for whatever comes my way. Thank you, NPower!

I am 23 years old, and I am a Notary Public specializing in real estate loan signings. I found myself navigating the world in different jobs and wanted to develop a high paying skill set to create a better life for me and my family. I found myself immediately getting into the tech industry by getting into a helpdesk position as well as being accepted into NPower. This program helped me to develop my knowledge regarding technology and my professional development for better opportunities in a high paying career. After NPower I am looking forward to advancing in my career and advancing in my learning so that I can find a position in a cybersecurity role.

DAWN STANFORD 23

ALEXIS SLAUGHTER 26

AUTUMN STEWART 19

Before NPower I was unemployed for about 7 months. I have never gone to college, just didn’t know what to do or anything. But then I joined the Michigan Rehabilitation Office to help me find a job or something due to my back issues. They recommended NPower to me, and my life has been changed for the complete better thanks to this amazing program. Also, before NPower I had 0 technical knowledge besides some basic common sense, but now at over halfway through the program I learned so much and have gotten a few certifications. I would recommend NPower to anyone who is stuck in life and needs an idea of something easier and attainable if they are motivated to work on it. After graduation I plan to put my skills to use and become a help desk agent somewhere.

SYDNEY SUMMA 25

Before NPower, I was constantly job searching with no luck. I initially graduated with a graphic design degree, which made finding employment a difficult task. I always knew I had a strong interest in technology, but I felt my window of opportunity had passed. I stumbled upon an NPower application, filled it out, and thought nothing would come of it. After all, it was free and would be a great opportunity to expand your technical knowledge, so I thought it sounded too good to be true. I eventually received an email and went through the lengthy interview process before getting chosen. Now I can proudly say that my time at NPower has given me a new set of skills I can use for the rest of my life. NPower has truly been a blessing to me at a time when I needed it. This program has enhanced my knowledge, and skills and allowed me to learn how to build longlasting connections. I could go on forever when speaking about the positives of this amazing program and people! If you are willing to work hard, collaborate, and fully trust in yourself and this process, you will not regret it. I plan to land an internship or full-time employment after this program and I know it will happen because I have a family behind me, pushing me to succeed. Thank you, NPower.

TABIAS SYKES 21

Before NPower I was working as an installer but was curious about learning technology. I knew about tech to a certain degree but didn’t fully get into technology until now. What made me go to NPower was a job posting on indeed the post stated it was free. It said this program would teach me more about tech skills and give me professional certifications for jobs. I plan on getting a job that involves building computers.

26

Before NPower, I had used up the rest of my available financial aid pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity and was determined not to get student loans. I started searching for an opportunity to still be able to learn without breaking the bank and that’s when I bumped into NPower. NPower has been a positive experience because I got to join a supportive community that was hungry to learn. NPower also opened opportunities to grow my network and strengthened my confidence in pursuing my IT goals. I would recommend NPower to anybody who’s looking for a career in IT. After graduation I plan on working, building my savings, and investing it in my next opportunity to learn, whether it be with NPower’s Cybersecurity course, starting my Bachelor at Wayne State, or any great opportunity that presents itself!

KOSUKE TANIMOTO

AMEER THEODORE 19

Before NPower I had just graduated from high school and had acquired the Google IT support certificate. I was tech savvy to a certain degree but didn’t fully get into technology until now. I came across NPower by looking for entry level IT jobs and internships. My time at NPower gave me a new set of skills I can use for the rest of my life. Also, my time at NPower gave me an organization I can utilize to enhance my knowledge, skills and build connections. After graduation, I plan to start my career in IT.

JOSEPH WELBECK-WHITE 23

Prior to enrolling in NPower, I was enrolled in school full time with aspirations to become a Sports Agent while also working full time in a warehouse. I quickly realized that this was not the life that I envisioned for myself. After consulting with family and friends my brother recommended a career change. I stumbled across NPower during my job search, and I can honestly say it was the greatest decision I have ever made. NPower has taught me skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life to enhance my technical career. After my time with NPower, I plan to pursue a career in Cyber Security as a Soc Analyst.

CONGRATULATIONS!

FALL 2022 TECH FUNDAMENTALS

JUMEL AHMED

HAITHEM ALGAZALI

WILLIAM ARMSTRONG

LILLIAN BALDWIN

UZAIR BANDAGI

ZAHRAA BANOON

RUMI BEGUM

DEZMOND BLAIR

JOKINSON CASTILLO

HADI CHARARAH

ANTONIO CHEARS

OLONZO CLAYTON

ADAM DAVIS

ANTONIO DAVIS JR.

JOSEPH DOKIC

CASSY FALLON

KIMMESHA FLOWERS

CALEB FOSTER

JOSUE GONZALEZ

KHARI JEFFERSON

CARLON JEFFRIES

RAY JONES

TAYLOR JONES

ANTHONY KEETH

ZARIN KHAN

TEARSA-JOI LEE

JARED LOGAN

TARAN LOHI

DARREN MYRON

RENEE NAILS

ASTER PIO JR

CAMRON RAMSEY

CHYNA RUFFIN

ANGEL SALCIDO

LYDIA SCOTT

ALEXIS SLAUGHTER

DAWN STANFORD

AUTUMN STEWART

SYDNEY SUMMA

TABIAS SYKES

KOSUKE TANIMOTO

AMEER THEODORE

WILLIE THOMPSON

JOE WELBECK-WHITE

JALEN WILLIAMS

LAUNCHING TECH CAREERS. TRANSFORMING LIVES.

NPower’s model is a solution to building a diverse tech pipeline. Our graduates launch tech jobs with an average starting salary of $41,000–$60,000 and are positioned to advance their career path, enabling them to earn more than their peers in lower-wage jobs. Higher earning potential is the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty, positioning our students and their families to achieve long-term economic success.

WE ARE THE FUTURE OF WORK

81%

› Of students who enroll graduate

› Of alumni get jobs or continue their education

(Based on NPower’s 2018–2019 national data)

Through partner and tech industry collaboration, our free training model is a workforce development solution for the future. In today’s economy, over 50% of all jobs require some degree of technology and digital skill. We prepare untapped, diverse talent to fill the number of technology-oriented jobs that will increase in the U.S. to 13 million by 2025, according to a recent Microsoft Data Science report that estimates that digital job capacity. Our graduates of over 4,000 veterans and young adults are hired at over 2000 companies and nonprofits as interns and full-time employees.

NPower is on a mission to create pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for young adults and military veterans from underserved communities. Part of this goal is our ‘40 by 22’ initiative, which aims to advance more young women of color in tech careers. This initiative is supported by the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative.

THANK YOU...

TO OUR EMPLOYMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, SPONSORS, AND FUNDERS

Accenture

American Axle & Manufacturing

Comcast (NBC Universal)

Consumers Energy

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

Detroit Parent Network

Galax.E Solutions

Logicalis

Michigan Department of Technology,

Management, & Budget

Michigan Rehabilitation Services Michigan

Works! Association

Netscout

Pomeroy IT Solutions

Rocket Central

Stefanini

TekSystems

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives

Walker-Miller Energy

Wayne RESA

Wayne Metro

...AND TO OUR MICHIGAN PATHWAY BUILDERS

Jessica Berry

Jennifer Berwick

Marletta Boyd

Marletta Boyd II

Stephanie Byrd

Lisa Cawley

Benjamin Ciaglo

Kimika Garrett

Daniel Garrison

Ryan Hoyle

Olivia Jackson

Jonathan Orr

Shane Pfannes

José Reyes

Coriel Taylor

Horace Tiggs IV

José Vilar

Stefen Welch

NATIONAL PATHWAY BUILDERS

Pathway Builders are individual donors invested in the future of our country and changing lives for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities. To learn more about Pathway Builders or to join this group of changemakers, please visit npower.org/ support or email hello@npower.org.

AMBASSADORS

Kenneth Frazier Ronald & Cynthia Gula Charitable Fund

CHAMPIONS

Les Brun

Christiane Costello

Dean Del Vecchio

Gail Fierstein

Matt Horner

PARTNERS

Jim Adams

Jason Birmingham

Carl Borsody

Michael Bush

Vittorio Cretella

Doug DeSchutter

Debra King

Jennifer Kleinert

Dan Maslowski

James Mobley

Steven Murphy

David Reilly

Mark Patterson

Christopher Perry

Daniel Petrozzo

Peter Trizzino

Guillermo Diaz, Jr.

Mike Elmore

James Linnett

Sandra Peterson

Larry Quinlan

Diane Schwarz

Rajen Shah

Richard Stingi

John Thompson

Eric-Andre Vigroux

Dan Zugelder

SUPPORTERS

Pete Agresta

Mohamed Alborati

Malika Andrews

Ramzi Beainy

Jessica Berry

Jennifer Berwick

Marletta Boyd

Marletta Boyd II

Jonalan Brickey

Dale Brooks

Jennifer Buckner

Stephanie Byrd

Johanna Caplan

Jim Carey

Lisa Cawley

Gerald Charles, Jr.

Benjamin Ciaglo

Hannah Craven

Kristen Darby

Quincy Davis

Carl De Groote

Andrew DiBlasio

John Doricko

Peter Doumani

Brett Fleischman

Sally Frank

Michael Fugett

FRIENDS

Benjamin Bloom

Paula Bunting

Einat Burshtine

Rami Gabriel

Kimika Garrett

Daniel Garrison

Amy Gnagy

Demetrius Goodwin

Doug Greene

Keir Gumbs

Scott Harris

Mark Heil

Rhonda Henley

Ryan Hoyle

Jason Huebner

Olivia Jackson

Dan Johnson

Sarah Klarich

Frieda Lewis

Mark Macias Jr.

Thomas Malone

Ann Marr

Viola Maxwell-Thompson

Justin McFarland

Richard Mclaughlin

William McManemin

John Miller

Robert Millstone

Pablo Miranda

Thao Nguyen

David Niles

Jonathan Orr

Frank Pedersen

Susan M Pettersen

Shane Pfannes

Joe Pinto

Karthik Ramachandran

Jose Reyes

Aminah Roberts

Carey Ryan

Gaurav Shah

Amit Sharma

Dwight Shepherd

PJ Sullivan

Mike Tae

Nicole Tate

Cliff Thomas

Horace Tiggs IV

Sangy Vatsa

Zachary Vendeiro

Harish Venkitaramanan

Alicia Warlick

Stefen Welch

Bruce Williams

Dan Zugelder

Benjamin Cole

Brianna Oliverius

Calvin Peng

Scott Spaulding

Susanne Tedrick

Jose Vilar

LAUNCHING TECH CAREERS. TRANSFORMING LIVES.

PARTNERS | $100K+

AHEAD

Andreessen Horowitz

Atlas Data Systems

Beth & Ravenel Curry Foundation

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Centene Charitable Foundation

Check Point Software Technologies

Corteva Agriscience

Craig Newmark

Philanthropies

Dennis M Jones Family Foundation

SUPPORTERS | $50K+

The Achelis & Bodman Foundation

ADP Foundation

Ascension Information Services

Auth0

Baltimore Nonprofit Relief Fund

Blue Data

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation

Centene Corporation

The Centene Charitable Foundation

Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan Communities Foundation of Texas

TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS

Cisco Systems

FRIENDS

Apply Digital CaaStle

CSR Talent Group

Emerson Ernst & Young Fiserv

Global Leadership Forum

Hewlett Packard Company

Ira W. DeCamp Foundation

KPMG

Llewellyn Family Foundation

Maryland Apprenticeship

Innovation Fund

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

MTX Group Inc

NetApp NETSCOUT

The New York Community Trust

Palo Alto Networks

Patrick J McGovern Foundation

The Pinkerton Foundation

Rocket Community Fund

St. Louis Community Foundation

Tata Consultancy Services

Texas Workforce Commission

Twilio Inc

United Way of Greater St. Louis

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program

West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation, Inc.

Workday Foundation

Consumers Energy

Elasticsearch

Flextronics International USA, Inc.

Fortinet

France-Merrick Foundation

Henry & Ruth Blaustein

Rosenberg Foundation

IBM

Infinidat

JobFirstNYC

Kaiser Permanente

Kirkland & Ellis

Light a Single Candle Foundation

LinkedIn Corporation

Mainline Information Systems

Mass Mutual Insurance Company

Medidata Solutions

Morgan Stanley

Motorola Solutions

New York City Council

Northrop Grumman Corporation

OneTen

The Rockefeller Foundation

Royal Bank of Canada

SAP

The Saigh Foundation

Shippy Foundation

State Street Bank

St. Louis Regional Business Council

Tanium Inc.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

Vmware

Vodafone

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

Wilson Sheehan Foundation

Veritas

Zoom

Deloitte

Tata Consultancy Services

GoodScout ITSMF

Johnson Controls

Kloudspot ProfitSolv

SIM Foundation