new jersey
TECH FUNDAMENTALS
SPRING 2020
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NPOWER NEW JERSEY
A NOTE OF REFLECTION While this has been an unprecedented time with a health pandemic that has touched every one of our lives in some way and the heightened focus around racial injustice, our Spring 2020 graduates have remained determined and focused to build the skills and obtain the certifications needed to excel in technology careers. I speak for our entire team when I say that we have been inspired by our graduates’ commitment to excellence and grace and the belief they put in NPower for support in building successful careers. We thank them for taking that leap of faith and trusting our model to work in the virtual world. While times are challenging at this moment, we at NPower are hopeful for the road ahead. One of the important lessons we learned during this pandemic is how vital a role technology plays in keeping us connected—to learn, to work and to communicate. Technology has enabled millions of people to work from home in a matter of weeks—and this proves how critical tech jobs are in every company and will continue to be more so in the future. We celebrate the achievements of our graduates transitioning to a virtual learning environment and completing this challenging program and remain committed to supporting them as future technoogy professionals.
With gratitude,
Helen Kogan Executive Director, NPower New York and New Jersey
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
A special thank you to the partners who have hired our students and hosted virtual internships. To our Spring 2020 graduates, we know a bright future awaits you and you have made us proud. Congratulations!
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OUR STORY NPower is a national nonprofit that offers an alternative fast-track to tech careers for military veterans, military spouses and young adults from underserved communities in New York, Texas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Missouri, and Michigan. Our six-month program fuels a diverse pipeline of digital professionals hired into entry-level and mid-level jobs by Fortune 500 companies throughout the U.S. Our curriculum equips students to meet marketplace demand—engaging businesses, volunteers and nonprofits in their long-term success. We invest in the growth of our alumni with continued professional development and credentialing. 2
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.
Dean Del Vecchio EVP, Chief of Operations and CIO The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
Viola Maxwell-Thompson President and CEO Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)
Diane Schwarz VP, Chief Information Officer Johnson Controls
Guillermo Diaz, Jr. Chief Executive Officer Kloudspot
Stephen M. Murphy Sr. Managing Director, Financial Services Technology Global Lead Accenture
President Dwight Shepherd Consulting
Gail Fierstein | Secretary Head of People CaaStle
Michael Fey Co-Founder & CEO Zero Abstraction
Vittorio Cretella | Treasurer Chief Information Officer Proctor & Gamble
Debra King Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer Corteva Agriscience
Steven Ballantyne COO Watermark Insights Randy Barnhardt
US MARINE CORPS (RETIRED)
VP, Cloud & Innovative Solutions SHI International Corp. Craig Cuffie SVP, Chief Procurement Officer Salesforce
Jenifer Kleinert Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Infrastructure Operations & Technology Citi Thomas Knowlton CEO CSR Talent Group
Dwight D. Shepherd
REAR ADMIRAL (RETIRED)
Anupam Singhal Senior Vice President and Business Head Tata Consultancy Services
Mark Patterson SVP, Chief of Staff to Chairman Josh Sutton & CEO Chief Executive Officer Cisco Systems Agorai Frank Pedersen Partner Apply Digital Christopher J. Perry President Broadridge Financial Solutions Dan Petrozzo Partner Oak HC/FT Larry Quinlan Global CIO Deloitte
Peter Trizzino Senior Vice President, Global Sales Dell Technologies Sangy Vatsa Executive Vice President & Chief Technology and Digital Officer FIS Global Bertina Ceccarelli Chief Executive Officer NPower
NEW JERSEY
Ambrose Nardulli | Chair Managing Director JPMorgan Chase & Company
Nicole Flowers Senior Manager, Cloud Infrastructure Accenture
Vivian Brady-Philips Interim Executive Director Tara Fosbre Jersey City Housing Authority Second Vice President of Technology Jacquie Cleary Guardian Life CEO Atlas Avneet Thapar Hall Global Threat Analysis Lead, John Escalante VP MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT Citi NYC/NJ Representative Marine For Life
Radhakrishnan Mahalingam Vice President, Americas Regional Delivery Leader DXC Technology Chris Murphy Director of Platform Services TD Ameritrade Ashlee Palmieri Vice President Kyle Palmieri Foundation Joshua Richards Director, Identity and Access Management Pearson
John Sasso Associate Director, Service Delivery Lead Technology Experience Support Ernst & Young LLP Akhilesh Tiwari Vice President, Global Head, Enterprise Application Services Tata Consultancy Services
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
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NPOWER NEW JERSEY
TECH FUNDAMENTALS SPRING 2020 STATISTICS The curriculum for this program includes a NetAcad learning module courtesy of the Cisco Networking Academy.
100% 87%
ITF+ CERTIFICATION RATE
INTERNSHIP / JOB PLACEMENT RATE
new jersey
*Placement in Progress
110
TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS
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IMRAN AHMED 23
PLACEMENT Broadridge Financial
Before NPower, I was going to college full-time and working. Before starting NPower, I was However, I wasn’t happy with how working full-time at one of America’s largest privately-owned things were going. I was not sure companies. I was drawn to NPower of the career I chose and I didn’t due to the opportunities that came know if I was going forward on the right path. NPower really gave with it. Yes, I could have climbed me the idea and courage to change the ladder at my job, but would I have been content doing it? No. I my career and begin on a path that I have been curious and came to this program knowing hardly anything about IT. Now, with passionate about. This program has helped me grow as a person and the help of top-notch instructors, make a career move for the better. I am certified in CompTIA’s ITF+, and I am in the process of obtaining Due to the mentorship, networking, and certification training, I have my A+ certification. It amazes me how much I’ve learned in the past grown into a better professional. I’m very proud of finishing the six months, especially given the program and making a career pandemic. The staff ensured that we didn’t skip a beat when it came move. This program has been a blessing from the start! to technical and professional training, which will stay with me for life. Not only did they open doors, they walked with us every step of the way!
TANVIR AHMED 23 PLACEMENT TEP Solutions & Consulting
Before joining NPower, I was confused about my career and unsure about what I wanted to do. I was working and going to college; it became difficult to pay for college. I took a break from school, but was financially unable to go back. Learning about NPower helped me make a career move for the better. This program has been a gift from above. With the networking, internship, mentorship, and A+ certification training, this program has been a blessing, and everything was free! The only thing I had to do was “trust the process.” TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
HADI AHMAD 26
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HAILEY ALVARADO 19 PLACEMENT CoLabL
ADAMS AMISU U.S. NAVY
SERVED ALMOST 7 YEARS
PLACEMENT Azibu Africa JOB IN MILITARY Hospital Corpsman
new jersey
I was a full-time university student trying to figure out what I wanted to do in my future. Watching my family go through NPower inspired me; I knew it was going to be the right choice for me. Following my interview, I was both nervous and excited. I met many wonderful people in the classroom, received mentoring from our instructor, and had an opportunity to find a fantastic internship. It was both challenging and informative. I feel I’ve learned more than just IT from this program. I plan to get an internship and then return to university to further my education.
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Before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, I was attending college and working full-time. Juggling work and school robbed me of enjoying the full experience of being a student. I found an opportunity to serve my country and took that chance and never looked back. I returned to college full-time after my service and graduated with a degree in international management and entrepreneurship. I was then presented with the chance to volunteer for a socialimpact project in Ghana. That is where my passion for technology grew as I saw first-hand how it is transforming human lives in ways I never imagined. A fellow veteran recommended the NPower program, designed for folks like myself who are passionate about IT—with little to zero background— by providing them with reallife technical skills and hands-on training. I am proud to say I am both CompTIA ITF+ & CompTIA A+ certified. NPower gave me a solid foundation and a clear path toward a fulfilling career in IT as a software developer!
CHRISTIAN ANDRADE 19 PLACEMENT CoLabL
Right before NPower, I had graduated from high school. I’ve always had an interest in technology and knew I wanted to pursue a career in IT. I was told about a program that could kickstart my career and give me a solid foundation, but I was skeptical. However, I was encouraged by a good friend, so I gave it a shot. Looking back after going through the technical and professional training, I am more than glad I joined NPower. In a short time, I learned a great deal of information and even earned a technical certification, with more to come. I never thought a free program could change my life, and so quickly! After graduation, I will be ready to enter the field and test my knowledge. I am proud to hold the NPower banner as I enter this new world, no longer as a student, but as a professional in the IT workforce!
PLACEMENT CoLabL
Before starting NPower, I was working as a server. I wanted to learn a new skill that would help me grow. NPower helped me make a career move for the better. This program has been so supportive, especially given everything that is happening in the world. The team is extremely talented, and they all work very hard to see students graduate and alumni further grow their careers. This program was truly a help. I learned that you should never doubt yourself or think that it’s too hard to accomplish great things!
KEVIN CHECO 23 PLACEMENT NPower Cybersecurity Program
Before NPower I was a store manager at AutoZone. An employee helped push me to make a change in my career path. He told me about NPower, and I decided to take a chance to do something I’d love, rather than something that’s easy and comfortable. I left AutoZone and became invested in NPower almost immediately. I met many helpful people; I never looked back. NPower gave me multiple opportunities—the stuff of dreams, not something I ever thought I could make reality!
SHAUN CHERRY
U.S. ARMY
SERVED 14 YEARS
PLACEMENT NPower Cybersecurity Program JOB IN MILITARY 42A Human Resource Non-Commissioned Officer/Executive Assistant/Operations
I joined the Army Reserve after my first year of college. I did it to prove that I could overcome obstacles and gain leadership experience. I was selected for special assignments, and things took off! After multiple deployments, I chose to follow my dream and try a career in federal law enforcement. Unfortunately; because of an injury, pursuing that career wasn’t viable. I didn’t allow this to stop me. I persisted with
furthering my education and completed my B.S. in criminal justice, with a minor in cybersecurity. With cyber, I am still able to serve my country and have the career in law enforcement I always wanted. By enhancing my computer skills and knowledge, I can be a productive and integral part of the country’s mission to protect its network and root out criminal elements. The Tech Fundamentals program taught me not just IT basics, but also challenged me to become a leader and an inspiration to veterans dealing with the transition from military to civilian life. NPower has a remarkable staff who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our success!
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
ANTHONY BERNAL 18
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CLIFFORD CHESTER 22 PLACEMENT CoLabL
new jersey
Before I found NPower, I was struggling to find the confidence to enter the workforce as a college dropout. Because paying for school seemed impossible, I wanted to move in the only direction I know—forward. Ironically, I was introduced to a program that would teach me about the same things I had pursued a degree in AND fight for me and work with me to gain IT experience and employment. I would be remiss to turn that opportunity down. I quit my job and got to work! This is my second chance.
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ALBERT CHU
U.S. ARMY & NJ NATIONAL GUARD CURRENTLY SERVING
PLACEMENT CoLabL JOB IN MILITARY Military Police
CHRISTOPHER CRESPO 20 PLACEMENT Bank of America
I was in college, but I couldn’t afford to attend during the spring I joined the Army National Guard 2020 semester. There was nothing in 2013 and am currently serving as a military policeman. I graduated I wanted more than to continue and work towards my degree. with a B.S. in criminal justice Instead, I had to take a break. I was from John Jay College of Criminal uncertain about my future until I Justice. I found NPower through came across the Tech Fundamentals a military website promoting program. My major was computer IT programs for veterans. I never science, so I thought IT would thought I would change my career be the perfect thing to study, in from law enforcement to IT. addition to programming. I could The NPower staff are flexible and have played it safe, gone into a understanding of my military regular job and worked until I service. When the State of NJ could return to college. Instead, I activated my unit to help with the chose to take a leap of faith and COVID-19 pandemic and rioting in our nation’s capital, the NPower apply to NPower. I started within a few days, and I have not looked staff checked up on me and back. Now, I have a year-long created a plan for me to stay on apprenticeship with Bank of schedule to graduate. NPower America. Not only does it pay well, has been an amazing learning but I will be able to develop my experience, and I am looking skills in both IT and computer forward to using what I learned science. NPower and its selfless in federal employment. employees helped me get my life back on track!
JUSTIN DELONG
PLACEMENT CoLabL
SERVED 2 YEARS
U.S. ARMY SPOUSE
My professional career started in Ecuador, where I was born. I migrated to the U.S. in 2013 and wanted to further my career. As a spouse and the mother of two beautiful girls, going to school was challenging. However, I’m always looking to better myself and my family. Before NPower, I worked for a nonprofit clinic, North Hudson Community Action Corp, as an administrative assistant. I wanted to further my career, but I didn’t know in what field. I’ve always liked IT, and one day I was referred to NPower. I was skeptical, but after starting classes and getting my first certification, I saw the value that NPower is adding to my professional life. I’m looking forward to enrolling in my next class to further my skills, so I can seek an opportunity in a large corporation doing what I love to do as an IT consultant.
BARRY DILLE
U.S. AIR FORCE
U.S. ARMY
PLACEMENT CoLabL JOB IN MILITARY Combat Supply Deployer
PLACEMENT SAIC JOB IN MILITARY UH-60 Blackhawk Test Pilot
I joined the Air Force two weeks after graduating from high school. At 18, I wasn’t thinking about college; I served from 2008 through 2009. After leaving active duty, it seemed as if I was being overlooked for jobs due to my lack of a degree or certification. I jumped from job to job, mostly manual labor, not settling into a career. After being let go from a job in 2019, I was told I don’t have the proper certifications or degree needed for any other positions at the company. When I went to an American Legion meeting and talked to my commander, he told me about NPower. When he said I’d be getting the course, in-class discussions, and certifications exams for free, I was skeptical. Then I went into the interview and felt reassured. I’ve always loved computers; I took computer engineering and programming in high school. NPower staff helped me with the technical concepts and increased my understanding about how to advance in my career search. I could not have learned these concepts on my own!
SERVED 23 YEARS
I joined the Army in 1997 after successfully completing ROTC at the University of San Francisco. I was selected for the aviation branch as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. I spent the next 23 years as an aviation officer living in various locations across the globe (including a deployment to Afghanistan). As my retirement date approached, I learned about the Army’s career skills program; it allows soldiers to take four months of skill training prior to leaving the military. I did some searching and found NPower. The program perfectly aligned with my transition dates as well as with my goals for retirement. I’ve enjoyed every second. The skills I have learned, together with the industry certifications, have positioned me for a successful IT career. I look forward to my civilian transition with confidence and excitement!
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
JANINA DELGADO
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STEPHEN JOAQUIN GONZALEZ
U.S. NAVY
SERVED 4 YEARS
new jersey
PLACEMENT ServiceNow Boot Camp JOB IN MILITARY Electrician Mate
10
I was previously in Army JROTC which led to my joining the Navy at age 19. I always wanted a college education, so I became a full-time student after the Navy. I received an associate’s degree in electronics technology. I also trained in manufacturing, which was a combination of engineering and IT. However, I didn’t have any luck getting work in manufacturing or electronics. I then looked for apprenticeship and training opportunities, which is how I found NPower. NPower interviewed me, and the following week I jumped right into the training program. Although I began when classes had been in progress for two weeks, I managed to catch up. I like IT because I love computers; as a PC gamer I built my own desktop gaming rig. I just never thought of computers as something to do as a career. I would like to thank NPower for the training opportunity and for the assistance in entering the IT field.
CARL GOULDING
U.S. MARINE CORPS & NATIONAL GUARD
XAVIER GREENE 23
SERVED 17+ YEARS
PLACEMENT UPS JOB IN MILITARY Marine Corps Recruiter/ Truck Driver
I was inspired to join NPower by a close relative who completed the program not long before I started. I thought I’d have to graduate from college before landing a job in IT or computer science. After joining NPower I developed skills and gained knowledge not only about IT, but also about building and maintaining professional relationships. I did this all while maintaining my status as a fulltime student at Kean University. I would like to give a big thank you to everyone on the NPower team who contributed to me getting to this point!
I joined the Marine Corps two years after high school, while studying accounting at Katherine Gibbs. I had doubts about finishing college and entering the workforce as an accountant and decided to look into other things. I served my country from 2003 until 2020 as a Marine and in the National Guard as a truck driver. After my active duty ended, I joined the National Guard but had a hard time looking for a good job. I worked as a mortgage-loan officer and a massage therapist but didn’t “What feels like the end is often a feel satisfied. When I was in the new beginning.” —unknown National Guard, a fellow Guardsman told me about NPower and how they helped him find a new career in IT. I had my doubts. How can it be completely free, nothing is completely free! I had no experience with computers or technology, but I saw it as a learning experience, something to build upon. I haven’t once regretted joining NPower. The staff have been great—they helped me learn about computers in a short time. I’m so thankful that I found NPower!
U.S. AIR FORCE SERVED 4 YEARS
PLACEMENT Fullstack Academy JOB IN MILITARY Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility Information System Security Officer
LAILA IDDIN HOWARD 20
AL-FATTHA ISLAM 24 PLACEMENT CoLabL
PLACEMENT CoLabL
Before NPower, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do. Learning Before starting NPower, I was a full-time student at Rider University. about NPower was a blessing. In my third year of serving in the Air I accomplished many things, from I did my own research about Force at Joint Base McGuire in New NPower, through a friend. I knew being on the dean’s list to being Jersey, I decided to leave the military that this program could help the President of my class. After via an early-release program. I instead open doors. My time at NPower my sophomore year, I decided to serve part-time in the National Guard; helped me solidify my networking move closer to home to help I was honorably discharged from the and technical skills and become active duty component of the Air Force. my family. When I found NPower, more confident. After graduation, It was during that nine-month process I knew that it would be perfect I plan to continue my education because it would encourage me that I met the NPower team, who and refine my professional to grow and learn outside the sat outside my transition assistance development and technical skills. workshop. It changed my life because traditional college environment. she introduced me to NPower. By the As a graduate of many other time I was honorably discharged and development programs, I thought sworn in again with the Massachusetts I knew everything about Air National Guard in 2019, I was professional development. NPower ready to jumpstart my career transition introduced me to very important into cybersecurity, starting with topics, such as how to give an Tech Fundamentals. It was a perfect elevator pitch and build a strong opportunity, since I was in an Air Force occupation that was based on IT. I just resume. With graduation needed to strengthen my IT knowledge, approaching, I look forward to transition into civilian life, and develop utilizing my skill set and knowledge about IT at work. my soft skills. I had already chosen a cybersecurity military occupation and for my civilian career. I decided to join the January 2020 cohort with NPower. The learning experience was great; after just 2 1/2 months, I was fully certified as a CompTIA A+ technician. I can truly say NPower has provided me with the right tools, knowledge, soft skills, industry wisdom, and technical experience to advance my career.
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
SEAN HEHOLT
11
SEUNGKYUN LEE
U.S. ARMY
SERVED 1 YEAR AND 9 MONTHS
ARKIM LEWIS 20 PLACEMENT CoLabL
new jersey
JOB IN MILITARY Combat Medic
12
I joined the U.S. Army after I got married. I liked Army life, with the teamwork and training. However, it was cut short due to illness. I suddenly faced unwanted medical retirement. I had nothing to do, so I started to look for things to do for my community. However, with my skills and medical condition, I couldn’t find anything suitable. Then I heard about NPower. I was always interested in IT, so I applied to NPower and got accepted. The instructors taught me a better way to learn about technology; but I had hard time learning because of brain and nerve issues. The staff members were always there to support me; they reassured me that they’ll be there for me, even when I am done with the program. With their help I got my first computer certification on my first try!
GENESIS LORA-GONZALEZ 21 PLACEMENT CoLabL
Before NPower, I was working a minimum-wage job to make ends meet. I came across the NPower website after a Google search for nearby technical schools. I never completed my application. I let my fear of failing make that decision because I’ve always been the kind of person who’d rather not try than to try and fail. In January 2020 I was admitted to Tech Fundamentals. My time at NPower has been amazing! Every staff member goes above and beyond to help us with anything we need. In addition, they taught us valuable lessons that are not just useful for our future career paths, but also in our everyday lives. The learning experience at NPower is phenomenal. The instructors are the best of the best; they are engaging, and their mission is to make sure no one leaves class without learning new skills. I’m thankful to be part of NPower.
Before starting NPower, I was in school, not completely sure if my degree would be enough to open doors. Learning about NPower was a blessing in disguise. After doing my own research, I knew the program could help open doors for me that otherwise would have been closed. NPower gave me the opportunity to solidify my networking and technical skills and be more confident when entering the job force. After graduation, I plan to continue learning and refining my professional and technical skills.
U.S. ARMY
SERVED 1 YEAR AND 9 MONTHS
PLACEMENT NPower Cybersecurity Program JOB IN MILITARY Intelligence Analyst
JAMES MARTINELLI U.S. ARMY
SERVED 23 YEARS
JOB IN MILITARY Military Police/Senior Chief Petty Officer
Technology has always interested me. However, as a baby boomer, I spent seven years as a U.S. Army I struggled since I didn’t grow up signals intelligence and all-source with computers. Having little to analyst at the National Security no experience with IT, I knew my Agency and United States Central post-military life would require Command. My goal beyond the some education in technology and military was to transition into wanted to prepare for my future. the IT field. With help from veteran I discovered NPower at a veterans’ resources, I was introduced to job fair. I viewed the brochure and NPower. After conducting some spoke to the NPower representative. research, I was immediately It sounded like just what I was drawn to the program and decided looking for! Before classes started, to apply. NPower has been great I was nervous and excited—at thus far, helping me build a solid the same time. As in any class, foundation of IT knowledge. The once started, I made new friends staff and instructors have gone and we all learned and helped above and beyond to ensure all each other through the day-to-day students are well prepared to step learning process. The knowledge into professional roles. Tech I have gleaned will certainly help Fundamentals taught me the key me in future endeavors, either concepts and components of in IT, on the battlefield, or wherever IT and helped prepare me for a else life takes me. successful transition into a professional role within IT. I am confident heading into this new chapter of my life as an IT professional!
DARREN MATTIASICH
U.S. ARMY
SERVED 5 YEARS
PLACEMENT Barclays JOB IN MILITARY (95B) Military Police Officer
I signed up for the Army in high school and experienced several terrifying and uncertain years including 9/11. After my contract ended, I decided to build my future as a civilian around my passion for helping others and my interest in technology. Unfortunately, those plans were derailed due my transition into civilian life, along with my lack of skills and education. I went down a dark road and never thought I’d escape. Then I came across an article about NPower helping veterans begin a career in IT. Though I was skeptical and doubted I would even be considered, I decided to at least try and apply. Little did I know, that one click of a button to submit my application, was about to change my life forever. I was BLOWN AWAY! NPower is a supportive community of talented individuals dedicated to ensuring the success of each student. They even provided free suits to ensure I dressed for success. My teachers were caring, experienced; they always kept it honest and relatable. They knew first-hand how tough it is transitioning to IT from a completely different field. NPower provided the education I needed to expand and enhance my knowledge, the training to become CompTIA ITF+ certified (and soon to be CompTIA A+ certified),
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
JONATHAN LOURO
and the tools I to launch my career. NPower got me off a dark road and placed me on a path for a bright future!
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new jersey
PABLO MIRANDA 25
14
RYAN MOSQUERA 21
INZA LOUIS NZIAN
U.S. ARMY
SERVED 8 YEARS
PLACEMENT CoLabL
PLACEMENT Robert Half Technology
JOB IN MILITARY Construction Electrician
Prior to committing to NPower, I had been working a part-time job to help pay off loans accumulated during my time in university. Initially dropping out from a computer science program in 2018, I had saved up enough to return to school in a part-time capacity. Then I was given the opportunity by a program coordinator from my community college to participate in the winter 2020 class of Tech Fundamentals in Newark. While I was picking up my basic IT skills, the pandemic hit. Even though our time in class was cut short, the staff and student body didn’t quit on our dreams of careers in IT when we transitioned to a virtual environment to help prepare for our A+ certifications.
I, like many others, was just an indecisive young adult trying to find a path after high school. I started college planning to obtain a biology associate’s degree and find what career path I wanted to take. After two years of college, I was even more confused. That’s when a close friend mentioned an opportunity that aligned with my interests and also opened a path that I could see myself taking. NPower seemed like an incredible opportunity to learn both technical and professional skills, which would help me do what I wanted. At first,I asked my friend and even during the interview if there was a catch, because there was no way something great is ever free. After graduating, I will look forward to utilizing the experience and support NPower gave me.
I joined the U.S. Navy in 2011, right after I graduated with my associate’s degree in electronics engineering. During my reservist time, I tried unsuccessfully to get a stable job. Then another veteran introduced me to NPower, after he obtained a great IT job as an alumnus. I was intrigued, since I’ve always been interested in tech. The NPower staff provided me with great support, unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I am thankful that I was part of an organization with a great culture. I am also thankful that I had the opportunity to launch my life back onto the path I’ve always wanted.
CARTÉA SHARROCK DAMILOLA SOMORIN 24 25
PLACEMENT Google
PLACEMENT Bank of America
Before being introduced to NPower, I worked as a kitchen manager to provide for my newborn son. I enjoyed the job but wanted a better future for me and my family. I was lucky enough to find NPower. NPower gave me everything I needed to be confident when transitioning into an entirely different career. With hard work and the NPower team having my back, I was offered a position at Google as an IT apprentice. My greatest inspiration to succeed came from the amazing positivity and professionalism of the NPower staff and the work culture. They also inspired me to believe in myself!
A friend gave me a summary of Before I joined NPower, I had lost the NPower program and told hope in having a meaningful career. I came across this program me to apply. I had come across while stuck in a chain of dead-end many IT schools and programs, but they were expensive. When jobs, trying to make ends meet. I found a program that helps Unfortunately, I was only able to develop you professionally and afford a few semesters studying computers on a partial scholarship introduces you to the IT industry, I at college. Most in the tech industry wondered how it could be free! Before NPower, I lacked direction have college degrees. Friends and resources to create a career who had gone through Tech in IT. NPower gave me a fresh start Fundamentals told me about and a new perspective on life. another way. It has been an eyeThe success stories from alumni opening experience to see IT through a different lens. In college, about how they came in with little I was getting all the concepts and or no knowledge and were able to excel in the industry gave me theory-based knowledge, but at hope. I am forever grateful for the NPower they incorporate handshands-on learning experience. My on training with their over 20 hours a week of in-class instruction. favorite activity was dismantling and rebuilding PC components There are also networking and troubleshooting all parts to opportunities, mentoring, and make sure they were functioning professional development. well. Recently, I used those NPower cares! NPower helps! learning experiences to build my NPower CHANGES LIVES! own PC! It changed mine. I could not be more grateful for all that this program has done, and all with a zero cost to me as a student. It is unbelievable, a real dream come true!
PLACEMENT CoLabL
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
JEFFREY ORTIZ 21
15
MARCO SORIANO
U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVES CURRENTLY SERVING
PLACEMENT Apex Systems JOB IN MILITARY Airframe Mechanic
new jersey
Before NPower, I was in between school and work, before eventually enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserves. I considered my military training as not only a tool I could use for my future, but also a lesson in pushing myself mentally and physically. After my training ended, I had a hard time finding a college curriculum that would fulfill my educational and professional goals. Then my cousin introduced me to NPower. I've always had an interest in computers and tech, so this felt like a natural fit. This free program was more than I could have ever asked for; it launched my IT career!
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GIANEYRA TAPIA 23 PLACEMENT Robert Half Technology
DAVID TORRES
U.S. AIR FORCE SERVED 8 YEARS
JOB IN MILITARY Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice
Before NPower, I was working to put myself through school. Due to my financial situation, I was questioning whether or not to continue. NPower taught me valuable concepts and helped refine my skills. This program provided me with the tools for professional networking and the skills to obtain a recognized certification such as the A+. NPower has opened the doors to many opportunities. Through NPower I have accomplished things that would take others a long time. After graduation I plan to continue pursuing certifications in order to further develop my IT skills and become a competitive candidate for jobs in large companies.
I joined the U.S. Air Force at age 22. I tried college, but I soon realized that I wasn’t ready; it just wasn’t where I wanted to be. I found NPower almost 18 years after leaving the military. NPower has given me knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in IT. I had thought about an IT career and tried to self-study, but it never worked out. NPower provided the structure to learn, even throughout the Covid-19 epidemic. The instructors and support staff take their jobs very seriously; they were there to support me every step of the way!
JUAN VARGAS 23
IN WANG 22
PLACEMENT Microcenter
PLACEMENT Guardian Data Destruction
PLACEMENT Robert Half Technology
I was always interested in technology and solving problems for people. I decided that I wanted to try something different from the traditional college route, something that would further my growth. I decided to go for the A+ certification to get a help-desk job. I was skeptical at first, but after entering the program, it really was all it was promoted to be. They provided me with support in and out of the classroom, whether with professional attire or additional study materials for the certification. It’s a great way to jumpstart a career in IT!
Before starting NPower, I was working and struggling financially. I was looking into different career paths, but none caught my interest. After doing some research, I found NPower. They offer what most training programs do not— a chance to get trained to get into the IT field. I’ve always been interested in IT, and attending classes at NPower definitely reignited my passion. NPower gave me the opportunity to learn new IT skills, obtain a certification, network with professionals, and get professional development training. After graduation, I plan to deepen my IT experience and earn additional certifications.
Before starting Tech Fundamentals, I was in college as a premed student with medical school in mind. I was never very motivated in my studies, and my exposure to labs and the ER setting raised doubts. I had always been interested in computers and their wide applications. After deciding to take a semester off from school, I found NPower as a new source of inspiration. Apart from the technical training, the journeys shared by staff, alumni, and fellow classmates really spoke to me. I find myself particularly interested in using coding to accomplish tasks or solve puzzles. I hope to continue down this path and be able to contribute back to NPower for all it has done for me!
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
MELGAR TUMOX 24
17
new jersey 18
KEEYUN BAE
DANIEL BAPTISTA
CHIDUBEM JUDE-IBE
TANJA MALONE
THOMAS DONAHUE
new jersey
CONGRATULATIONS! TECH FUNDAMENTALS
HADI AHMAD
ALFATTHA ISLAM
IMRAN AHMED
CHIDUBEM JUDE-IBE
TANVIR AHMED
SEUNGKYUN LEE
HAILEY ALVARADO
ARKIM LEWIS
ADAMS AMISU
GENESIS LORA-GONZALEZ
CHRISTIAN ANDRADE
JONATHAN LOURO
KEEYUN BAE
TANJA MALONE
DANIEL BAPTISTA
JAMES MARTINELLI
ANTHONY BERNAL
DARREN MATTIASICH
KEVIN CHECO
PABLO MIRANDA
SHAUN CHERRY
RYAN MOSQUERA
CLIFFORD CHESTER
INZA NZIAN
ALBERT CHU
JEFFREY ORTIZ
CHRISTOPHER CRESPO
CARTÉA SHARROCK
JANINA DELGADO
DAMILOLA SOMORIN
JUSTIN DELONG
MARCO SORIANO
BARRY DILLE
GIANEYRA TAPIA
THOMAS DONAHUE
DAVID TORRES
STEPHEN GONZALEZ
MELGAR TUMOX
CARL GOULDING
TANJA MALONE
XAVIER GREENE
JUAN VARGAS
SEAN HEHOLT
IN WANG
LAILA IDDIN HOWARD
WATCH THE RECORDING
npower.org/graduation/spring2020
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TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
SPRING 2020
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CARET-UP NPower New Jersey Staff (a portion of the team members pictured)
new jersey
LAUNCHING TECH CAREERS. TRANSFORMING LIVES.
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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
Through partner and tech industry collaboration, our free training model is a workforce development solution for the future. We prepare untapped, diverse talent to fill the nearly 6 million jobs expected to require tech skills by 2020. Our graduates of nearly 4,000 veterans and young adults are hired at over 200 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. 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 Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative.
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
(Based on NPower’s 2018–2019 national data)
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THANK YOU... TO OUR EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS, SPONSORS & FUNDERS Apex Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Local 52
AT&T Foundation
CoLabL
Atlas Data Systems
Comcast (NBC Universal)
Atrion Communication Resources, Inc
Fidelity Foundation
Prudential Foundation and Prudential Financial Veterans Initiatives
BAE Systems
Fund II Foundation
Bank of America Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon Foundation Barclays BlackRock Broadridge Financial
First Data Google Guardian Data Destruction Hackensack Meridian Health The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Icon Consultants JPMorgan Chase & Co.
RBC Foundation USA Research & Development Council of New Jersey Robert Half Technology SAIC TekSystems U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Network Westfield (Unibail Rodamco Westfield)
new jersey
TO OUR GIVING TUESDAY DONORS
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Oluwatosin Adetutu ALUMNI Ivan Alvarado ALUMNI Tristan Engel ALUMNI Kathy Gaskins Mary Gorman Roy Edward Hudec Jr ALUMNI Adrian Izquierdo ALUMNI
Jennifer Kleinhert Kevin Kpeli ALUMNI Jessica Lozano ALUMNI Amie Mansaray ALUMNI Kevin Mercado ALUMNI Diana Moreno ALUMNI Alisha Patman
Jennifer Quinones ALUMNI Adam Ramsey ALUMNI Hector Rosero ALUMNI John Sasso RAB MEMBER Doris Urbina ALUMNI Daniel Vidals ALUMNI Jason Williams
...AND TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Audible Nidhi Angle Manny Antumanu Ryan Bandilla Justin Cockburn Monique Jones Sanjana Rao Fabio Victorino Bank of America Brendan Murphy Sheila Williams Charles Williamson Brooksource Elle Armstead Dataminr Will Duval Michael Howard Monica Weber Kimmi Wong Ysa Yu
Dropbox Joanie Martinez Shamil Turner Fluid Designs Stanley Louissant The Heart Ballroom Mayowa Okubanjo New York State Assembly Honorable Latrice Walker Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Patty Ryan George Wade Prudential Oshrat Emrani Jay Mota Laura Roberts Aron Sylvan Wilton Williamson SAP Marketing Julia Clark Devin McDonnell Olivier Mercier Cayley Sheehan
Tishman Speyer Darrien Pinkman ZS Associates James Herman 1GCyber Dustin Frazer 373North Dan Mulroy Self-Employed Dwayne Wilkins
TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020
Atlas Jacquie Cleary Gary Ruppel Amber St. John
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NPOWER SUPPORTERS UNDERWRITERS | $750K+
SPONSORS | $250K+ Accenture
PARTNERS | $100K+ Ainslie Foundation
Centene Charitable Foundation
The Hearst Foundation
Prudential
Andreessen Horowitz
Cognizant
Heckscher Foundation for Children
Publicis Sapient
Ascension Information Services
Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Ira W. DeCamp Foundation
Pure Storage
Atlas Data Systems
Dell
JobFirstNYC
Salesforce
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Emerson
Mastercard
Workday Foundation
Bob Woodruff Foundation
Fiserv
Microsoft
The California Wellness Foundation
Gula Fund
The New York Community Trust
The Achelis & Bodman Foundation
CompTIA
The Meadows Foundation
American Express
Corteva Agriscience
Motorola Solutions
St. Louis Regional Business Council
Capital One
Dupont
Netscout
Vodafone
Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation
France-Merrick Foundation
Shippy Foundation
Cisco Systems
HPE
Zoom
Deloitte
Tata Consultancy Services
SUPPORTERS | $50K+ State Street
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
FRIENDS Agorai
CSR Talent Group
Johnson Controls
Apply Digital
GoodScout
Kloudspot
CaaStle
ITSMF
Watermark Insights
TCC Group
Thanks to our government partners, the U.S. Department of Labor, Maryland and New Jersey Department of Labor.
New York | New Jersey | Texas | California | Maryland | Missouri | Michigan | Canada |
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