NC Fall 2023 Graduation Book by NPower

FALL 2023

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ORDER OF CEREMONY

WELCOME

Ray Trapp

Executive Director, NPower North Carolina

INTRODUCTION TO PARTNER SPEAKER

Ray Trapp

PARTNER SPEAKER

Chris Bell, Truist

INTRODUCTION TO KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Sarah Chick

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Calvin Crosslin

INTRODUCTION TO ALUMNI SPEAKER

Sarah Chick

ALUMNI SPEAKER

Isaiah Samuel

SPECIAL AWARD CERTIFICATIONS

Sarah Chick

PROGRAM COMPLETION CERTIFICATE CEREMONY

Sarah Chick

CLOSING REMARKS

Shinica Thomas

RECEPTION

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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 full-time 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.

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Matt Horner, CHAIR

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Vice President World Wide Technology, Inc.

Gail Fierstein, VICE CHAIR SVP, Global Head of People CaaStle

Steve Murphy, SECRETARY Sr. Managing Director, Financial Services Industry Solutions Lead Accenture

Viola Maxwell-Thompson, TREASURER

CEO Emeritus Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)

Michael Fugett, BOARD OBSERVER

U.S. ARMY, NPower TX Graduate VP, Production Management Citi

Luisana Estevez, BOARD OBSERVER

NPower NY Graduate | VP, Data Center Production Operations Engineer

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Calvin Crosslin Lenovo, Chief Diversity Officer and President of the Lenovo Foundation

As Lenovo’s Chief Diversity Officer with 30+ years of extensive HR experience, I’m a strategic, big-picture thinker with keen business & multicultural acumen and strong leadership development & employee empowerment skills. I thrive on leading successful large-scale, global people & organizational change initiatives that align with business objectives, transform operational competencies, and result in optimized performance & success. I’m passionate about driving Diversity & Inclusion strategies that sustain leadership accountability, inspire employee engagement, and contribute to a highperforming culture. Serving in a dual capacity as Lenovo’s Foundation President, I champion a charitable giving strategic plan with revitalized funding initiatives and strengthen our community partnerships. Senior leaders describe me as a valued advisor trusted for global business acumen, deep HR experience, and executing critical programs that result in ROI & best-in-class solutions. I believe my success lies in my ability to listen to my constituencies & stakeholders and utilize my strong coaching, collaboration, influencing & communication skills to add value and steward an inclusive workplace.

ALUMNI SPEAKER

Isaiah Samuel

As the Assistant Technical Instructor at NPower North Carolina, my duties involve helping and supporting the trainees and breaking down large concepts into simpler terms. I am a former trainee so I understand the challenges the program may have, so I want to help uplift everyone in the North Carolina Raleigh region. A goal of mine as an ATI is to help everyone develop their technical skills in a professional environment and see all the trainees become Alumni.

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KEY CLASS STATISTICS

Fall 2023

Tech Fundamentals

100% GRADUATION RATE

100% CERTIFICATION RATE (GOOGLE CERTS)

71% BLACK

GRADUATE BIOS

Jaylin Harris

Jaylin has attained a Google IT Support certificate and is currently working towards two certifications: ITF+ Fundamentals and CompTIA A+. Upon graduation, he plans to secure an entry-level IT position while concurrently completing the NPower Cybersecurity program. Jaylin Harris is a 2022 Sports Management graduate of North Carolina State University and cultivated an innate curiosity about the fast-growing advances in Information Technology. This interest led him to pursue training through the NPower North Carolina Technical Fundamentals program. Through NPower, Jaylin enjoys playing sports, fitness training, stock investing, and culinary arts and is actively involved with the Young Adult ministry at his church.

Tony Crandell

Tony is a dedicated and accomplished U.S. Army veteran with an impressive eight-year track record in technical roles spanning computer and mechanical operations. Tony’s enthusiasm for technology is matched only by his keen interest in understanding the intricacies of how things work.

Specializing in database management and IT project management, Tony holds a Master’s in Information Technology from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. He’s not just a graduate; he’s a driven and results-oriented professional who continually strives for goal attainment and personal growth.

Confident in his ability to contribute significantly to the tech industry, Tony is ready to make a substantial impact in his next position. His daily inspiration comes from his loving wife and two daughters, propelling him to achieve greatness both professionally and personally.

Outside the tech realm, Tony finds joy in flying drones, exploring new destinations through travel, and indulging in a bit of relaxation through video games. His diverse skill set, coupled with a passion for learning, positions Tony as a valuable asset in any tech-oriented environment.

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Dedicated and results-driven, Jenna is an aspiring Information Technology professional with a passion for learning and a commitment to teaching. Leveraging a foundation in childcare, they have seamlessly transitioned into the dynamic world of IT, acquiring essential skills and certifications to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

Jenna Holt holds three Google certifications in IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Project Management, earned through rigorous training on Coursera. Currently pursuing ITF+ and A+ certifications from CompTIA, she is committed to staying at the forefront of industry standards and best practices. Their journey in childcare has equipped them with invaluable communication skills and the ability to convey complex concepts with clarity.

Now, as they transition to IT, Jenna is excited to bring this skill set into play, envisioning a role where she can contribute to staff education, teaching cybersecurity and IT fundamentals. Outside the world of technology, Jenna enjoys hiking, video games, and spending time with her friends and family.

Julian is an aspiring professional in the field of Information Technology and is making waves in the tech scene. Armed with a certification from NPower, Julian is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems. Eager to learn and adapt, he brings a fresh perspective to the ever-evolving world of IT. Julian Blue is poised to embark on a dynamic career driven by curiosity and a commitment to innovation.

Jenna Holt

Julian Blue

GRADUATE BIOS

Naomi Clark

Naomi is an intelligent and resourceful young lady from North Carolina. Her dream is to work as a Cybersecurity Analyst, which is why she chose NPower. Naomi wants to use the knowledge and learning experience she’s gained from NPower to assist in stopping cyber security hacking.

Naomi likes to sing and act. She played lacrosse in school and still enjoys playing in her spare time. Her favorite movie is “Coraline”. She also enjoys spending time with her grandparents and attending church with them.

Naomi has accomplished passing her tech certifications. She played a role in an aired Hallmark movie, “To Her With Love”. Naomi’s future aspiration is to own her own cybersecurity company in the near future.

Fatima “Lupe” Salcedo

As a first-gen college graduate and seasoned marathon finisher from Central LA, Lupe has honed attributes such as resilience and a profound sense of curiosity. Deeply rooted in education, nature, and advocacy, they unwaveringly integrate these principles into their burgeoning tech career.

Empowered by NPower, they have acquired esteemed certifications in CompTIA ITF+, CompTIA A+, and Google IT Support Professional—transforming them into a proficient tech enthusiast ready to navigate the intricacies of project management. With a marathon of technical skills, they are ready to sprint through the binary realm as they stand poised to make a noteworthy impact in the ever-evolving landscape of tech.

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Jordan, a passionate kickboxer, found joy and purpose in both training and teaching the intricacies of the sport. Yet, his thirst for new challenges led him to an unexpected arena - the world of data analytics. A bold transition from the physical to the digital, Jordan embraced the opportunity with vigor and determination.

Jordan’s commitment to excellence shone brightly during his time at NPower. His journey was not merely about acquiring skills but about harnessing the power of tech to make a meaningful impact.

Today, as Jordan stands on the threshold of graduation, we celebrate not just the completion of a program but the embodiment of resilience and adaptability. His journey at NPower was a testament to the belief that passion, when coupled with a thirst for knowledge, can break through boundaries and open new doors.

Jordan’s story extends beyond personal growth. His enthusiasm for kickboxing seamlessly blends with his newfound love for data analytics, creating a unique narrative of versatility and tenacity. As he steps into the world of analytics, Jordan carries not just a diploma but a fusion of experiences that enrich both his professional and personal life.

Armed with the skills honed at NPower, Jordan is poised to make waves in the dynamic field of data analytics. His journey, marked by passion, dedication, and an unyielding spirit, is an inspiration to all who dare to chart unexplored territories.

As the final buzzer sounds on Cam’s time at NPower, we stand in awe of his journey. Cam’s story is a slam dunk, and today, we celebrate his graduation with a roar of applause!

From dunks to three-pointers, Cam’s passion for the NBA is infectious. As an avid fan, he found joy in every aspect of the game – from analyzing player statistics to dissecting game strategies. Little did he know that this love for the game would spark a transition into the world of tech.

NPower became the arena where Cam refined his skills, transitioning from the hardwood to the world of data analytics and IT specialization.

Today, as Cam steps off the NPower court, he carries not just a graduation cap but a toolkit of skills that will propel him into the professional world as an IT specialist. His journey from NBA aficionado to data analytics maestro stands as a testament to the diverse opportunities that unfold when passion meets purpose.

May your post-graduation journey be as thrilling and rewarding as a buzzer-beater. Here’s to the exciting future that awaits you, where the love for the game meets the precision of data analytics!

Jordan Bennett Cameron Bennett

GRADUATE BIOS

Nyziah Battle

Nyziah is a technologically interested individual with a few years of experience in data management and technical support. I’m passionate about translating ideas into real-world impact. Actively engaged in learning the industry of technology, I love enhancing my ability to foster innovation. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on leveraging tech to drive business success, improve user experiences, and contribute to overall organizational goals. Honored to have received certifications in Cybersecurity, Python, and IT support, I’m driven to push for excellence in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Let’s connect and explore the exciting possibilities in tech together!

Nicholas Perry

Nicholas is a young professional with a passion for business and technology. Nicholas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from North Carolina A&T, and is working on his second bachelor’s degree in management information systems. Nicholas resides in Raleigh, NC, and was initiated into the Alpha Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the spring of 2022. In his spare time, he enjoys gaming and watching sports.

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Dejhana “Sage” Jones

Sage is a trainee of the NPower Tech Fundamentals Program with a background in studying psychology. They are suited with a Google IT Support Certificate and working towards CompTIA ITF and A+ certifications, so they bring a blend of technical expertise and an understanding of human behavior. Their diverse employment history showcases their customer service skills and hands-on expertise. Complementing their professional journey, they’ve volunteered as a Festival Associate at the Raleigh Film and Art Festival, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement. Ultimately, with being a roller skater on the side, they can roll into any role.

Parker White

Parker brings a fresh perspective and unwavering determination to the field. Parker’s rapid ascent is fueled by an innate ability to grasp complex concepts swiftly and a genuine passion for technology, showcasing an impressive acumen for identifying and analyzing emerging trends. Capitalizing on his experiences in logistics, Parker is looking forward to moving into an analyst position. Currently pursuing ITF+ and A+ certifications from CompTIA with a burning determination to stay ahead of the curve. Upon graduation, Parker is looking forward to continuing his education and bringing new vision into the field. Outside of the IT field, Parker enjoys mountain biking, hiking, baking, and spending time with his loved ones.

GRADUATE BIOS

Jendah Thomas

Jendah, born and raised in the city of Winston-Salem, NC, embarked on a unique journey that intertwined her passion for technology with the joys and challenges of motherhood. Through NPower Jendah has attained a Google IT Support certificate along with the Advanced Data Analytics and Cybersecurity certificate. Jendah is currently working on receiving two more certificates, which are the ITF+ Fundamentals and CompTIA A+. Throughout her IT journey, she discovered the power of community.

The support she received was invaluable. Together, they celebrated victories, tackled challenges, and fostered an environment where diversity and inclusion thrived. As a mother, her ultimate goal is to provide a bright future for her daughter. Every line of code she writes, and every project she completes is a step towards creating a legacy of determination and resilience. She wants her daughter to grow up knowing that she can pursue her dreams, no matter the obstacles. The journey is far from over, but she embraces the challenges with open arms. Through perseverance, a love for learning, and the support of a strong community, she is confident that the chapters that lie ahead will be filled with even greater achievements and fulfillment.

Aries Speight

Aries is a 20-year-old tech enthusiast and the oldest of seven. They have a passion for taking care of animals and playing the electric guitar. They also share a passion for retro photography techniques. Aries joined Npower to jump-start their career in cyber security.

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Melory Mercer Wayne Thompson

Melroy is a highly decorated retired U.S. Army veteran with an exemplary 21-year service record commemorating 27 years of matrimonial harmony. Collaborating with his dedicated spouse, they’ve successfully raised three accomplished adult children. Amidst the rich tapestry of his well-earned retirement, Melroy derives fulfillment from the embrace of family life and the pursuit of his passion for fishing.

Having served in various countries around the world during his military tenure, Melroy brings a global perspective to his experiences. After luxuriating in eight years of well-deserved respite following his military service, Melroy felt the calling for a new professional challenge. Eager to channel his skills and dedication, he chose to reenter the workforce with a strategic focus on the ever-evolving field of IT. This deliberate move marks a pivotal and forward-looking chapter in Melroy’s post-retirement journey, showcasing his commitment to continuous growth and adaptability in the professional landscape.

Wayne is an Army veteran, 14 years rooted in community, and on a mission to advance in the tech industry. He joined NPower in 2023 with a passion for becoming an IT professional.

A soldier by training, Wayne has worked as a telecommunications leader at AT&T and Spectrum(formerly Time Warner Cable) before pivoting to the tech industry. Growing up in a working-class family and the second generation to graduate from college, he was drawn to a community that once supported his own educational endeavors. After a successful career in the telecommunications industry, Wayne chose to transition his skills to the technology sector. Wayne held senior leadership roles in the military, where he was responsible for an inventory of over $2 million annually.

He graduated from the North Carolina Central University of Durham, NC, with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and is currently in the process of receiving his A+ Comp Tia certification. He is an engaged individual who leads with his heart, committed to moving the mission of NPower to new heights.

GRADUATE BIOS

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Brandon Jallah Justin Terry

CONGRATULATIONS

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FALL 2023 Tech Fundamentals

Aries Speight

Brandon Jallah

Cameron Bennett

Dejhana “Sage” Jones

Fatima “Lupe” Salcedo

Jaylin Harris

Jendah Thomas

Jenna Holt

Jordan Bennett

Julian Blue

Justin Terry

Melroy Mercer

Naomi Clark

Nicholas Perry

Nyziah Battle

Parker White

Tony Crandell

Wayne Thompson

80%

> Of students who enroll graduate

> Of alumni get jobs or continue their education

(Based on NPower’s national data)

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.

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We are the FUTURE OF WORK

Through partner and tech industry collaboration, our free training model is a workforce development solution for the future. In today’s economy, over 50% of all jobs require some degree of technology and digital skills. 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 10,000 veterans and young adults are hired at over 3,000 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 supported by our Command Shift Coalition, a national consortium of women and allies that advocate for strategies that invest in and inspire the advancement of young women of color in tech careers and aims to increase the representation of women of color in tech from 5% to 10% over the next 10 years. This coalition was sparked by ‘40 by 22’, a NPower initiative to help young women of color access the skills needed to launch careers in the tech industry in partnership with Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative.

THANK YOU

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.

AMBASSADOR

Ronald Gula

Thomas Kurian

Peter Trizzino

CHAMPION

Christiane Costello

Paul Daugherty

Dean Del Vecchio

Michael Doumani

Matt Horner

Jennifer Kleinert

Brian McCarthy

Steve Murphy

Mark Patterson

Chris Perry

David Reilly

Ron Robbins

PARTNER

Craig Cuffie

Guillermo Diaz Jr.

Gail Fierstein

Shane Fitzsimons

Tony Kerrison

Debra King

Rick Scurfield

Josh Sutton

Cliff Thomas

Sangy Vatsa

Perry Wright

Lori Zugelder

SUPPORTER

Katherine Avery

Nic & Sasha Barnes

Robert Benoit

Stefanie Boles

Marletta Boyd II

Marletta Boyd Sr.

David Boyle

Michael Bridges

Dale Brooks

Kristie Carney

Gerald Charles Jr.

Benjamin Cole

Hannah Craven

Richard Dames

Quincy Davis

Carl De Groote Groote

Richard DePalma

Mike Elmore

Amy Gnagy

Demetrius Goodwin

Michael Gregoire

Mark Heil

Rhonda Henley

Matt Holton

Cindy Hoots

Hubbard Family Charitable Foundation

Olivia Jackson

Brooke Jaffe

Timothy Lyons

George Maddaloni

Fernando Matzkin

Viola Maxwell-Thompson

Richard Mclaughlin

Peter McNamara

David Miller

Robert Millstone

Brian Mize

Kevin & Melissa Modica

Brian Mooney

Tristan Morel L’Horset

David Niles

Rodrick O’Connor

Jonathan Orr

Frank Pedersen

Shane Pfannes

Stephen Poeppe

Greg Raimann

Jose Reyes

John Rosato

Jessica Roy

Michael Rupinski

Diane Schwartz

William Shea

Dwight Shepherd

Randy Siedl

James Smith

David Sullivan

Nicole Tate

Coriel Taylor

Zachary Vendeiro

Harish Venkitaramanan

Scott Wilton

Judy Winter-Giella

FRIEND

Einat Burshtine

Damon Downing

Benjamin Hyman

Tanya Loh

Susanne Tedrick

NATIONAL NPOWER SUPPORTERS

Underwriters $750K+

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$250K-$749K

NPOWER

NATIONAL NPOWER SUPPORTERS

Partners $100K-$249K

The Abell Foundation

The Ainslie Foundation

Ascension

Atlas Data Systems

Bloomberg LLP

Boeing

Capital One Financial Corp.

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation

Check Point Software Technologies, LTD

The Beth & Ravenel Curry Foundation

Ernst & Young

Fiserv Inc.

Fortinet, Inc.

General Motors

Globant

The Hearst Foundations

Hewlett Packard Company

Hitachi

Infinidat

Ira W. De Camp Foundation

John & Marcia Goldman Foundation

Kaiser Permanente

Kapor Center

KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc.

L’Oreal Groupe

Light a Single Candle Foundation

Supporters $50K-$99K

The Achelis & Bodman Foundation

Amazon

Andreessen Horowitz

Cultural Leadership Fund

Arista Networks, Inc.

Armis Inc.

Auth0 Inc.

BAE Systems

Benevity Fund

Broadcom Inc.

The Centene Charitable Foundation

City of Dayton

Cohesity

Comerica

Communities Foundation of Texas

Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan

Consumers Energy

Corteva

Data Dynamics, Inc.

Elasticsearch

Emerson

Flextronics International USA, Inc.

Henry & Ruth Blaustein

Rosenberg Foundation

IBM

ING Financial Markets LLC

Intel Corporation

Mass Mutual

Missouri Department of Economic Development

NetApp

New Jersey Department of Labor

New York City

The New York Community Trust

Oracle

Palo Alto Networks

Patrick J McGovern Foundation

Rainwater Charitable Foundation

The San Jose Sharks Foundation

SHI International Corp.

Standard & Poor’s Corporation

State of Maryland

St. Louis Regional Business Council

Tata Consultancy Services

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

Texas Workforce Commission

Twilio

Verizon Foundation

Wipro Technologies

Workday Foundation

Zendesk

Koret Foundation

Maryland - AIF

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Maryland Department of Labor

Mastercard

Merck & Co., Inc

OKTA, Inc.

OneTen

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

The Rockefeller Foundation

Rubrik

The Saigh Foundation

S&P Global Inc.

Salesforce.com Foundation

Society for Information Management

SS&C Technologies, Inc.

State of New Jersey - PACE

Texas Workforce Commission

United Way of Southeastern Michigan

United Way of Tarrant County

VMware inc.

Wells Fargo Bank

Wilson Sheehan Foundation

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NATIONAL NPOWER SUPPORTERS

Friends $25K-$49K

The Addy Foundation

ADP Foundation Inc.

Adobe Systems Inc

Ally Financial

The Altum Fund

American Direct Marketing

Appian Corporation

Appteon

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company

Baltimore Nonprofit Relief Fund

Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle

Beyond Identity

BravoTECH

Bright Funds

Clayco

Con Edison

The Dauber Foundation

Dugas Family Foundation Inc

F5, Inc.

FIS Global

GalaxE Solutions, Inc.

Gateway to Innovation

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

HCL Technologies

The Graham and Carolyn Holloway Family Foundation

Hudson’s Bay Company

Humble Bumble

JobsFirstNYC

The Kimball Foundation

Mainline RTP

Mercy Caritas

NetApp Inc.

New York City Council

Nourishing – A Schnucks Foundation

NPower Canada

Nutanix Inc Own Company

The Pott Foundation

Royal Bank of Canada

Service Now

State Street

Super Micro

Computer, Inc.

UKG Inc.

Under Armour