TECH FUNDAMENTALS texas
Spring 2023 Tech Fundamentals Graduation Program
WELCOME REMARKS
Jonathan Pride
Executive Director NPower Texas
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
James Bragg
Corporate Responsibility Manager | Office of Community Affairs
INTRO TO ALUMNI SPEAKER
Samantha Coleman
Site Director, NPower Texas San Antonio
ALUMNI SPEAKER
Brashanda Walker
Citi Infrastructure Tech Lead, VP, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2019
INTRO TO STUDENT SPEAKER
Samantha Coleman
Site Director, NPower Texas San Antonio
STUDENT SPEAKER
Michaela Frye
AWARD PRESENTATION
Ryan Listberger & Kira Braswell
Technical Instructors, NPower Texas San Antonio
Academic Excellence Award
Leadership Award
USAA Resilience Award
INTRO TO COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Kendra Parlock
Vice President, Partnership Development, NPower
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Mike Ramsey
Executive Director of Workforce Development for the City of San Antonio
PROGRAM COMPLETION CERTIFICATE CEREMONY
Dan Wallace
Recruitment and Admission Manager, NPower Texas
CLOSING REMARKS
Jonathan Pride
Executive Director NPower Texas
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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 www.npower.org.
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National Board of Directors
Matt Horner | Chair Executive Vice President, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology
Gail Fierstein | Vice President
SVP, Global Head of People
CaaStle
Stephen M. Murphy | Secretary Sr. Managing Director, Financial Services Technology Global Lead Accenture
Viola Maxwell-Thompson | Treasurer CEO Emeritus Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)
Michael Fugett | Board Observer NPower TX Graduate - VP, Production Management - U.S. Army - Citi
Luisana Estevez | Board Observer NPower NY Graduate - VP, Data Center Production Operations Engineer - Meta
Gerald Charles Jr. VP and Head of Product for Omni Customer Servicing
Capital One
Craig Cuffie
Chief Procurement Officer HSBC
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 Officer Bunge
Jennifer Kleinert Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Infrastructure Operations & Technology Citi
TEXAS REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Hermen Wegayehu | Chair
SVP, Senior Information Security Officer Bank of America
Doug Barnes Vice President of Operations
NETSCOUT
Jacqueline Bragg
NPOWER ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
Information Security Analyst, Citi
Dana Branch
Senior Vice President, AI Bank of America
Robert Elliot
Senior Client Director, Nexient
Steven Guiliani
Senior Engineering Analyst, Citi
Rashimi Jain CIO, Careington International
Mark Patterson SVP, Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO Cisco Systems
Frank Pedersen Partner Apply Digital
David Reilly Tech Excecutive
Diane Schwarz VP, Chief Information Officer Johnson Controls
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
Founder Digital Insights, LLC
Bertina Ceccarelli
Chief Executive Officer
NPower
Terry Jenkins
NPOWER ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
IT Business Unit Sr Analyst, Citi
Christopher Karp
Christopher Karp, Chewy
Michael Lawson
Sr Manager - Boeing Global Engagement
Boeing
Bobbie Long SVP Digital Automation & Infrastructure
Citi
Daniel Maslowski
Global Head, Digital Automation & Infrastructure, Citigroup
Ashley Neumeier
Account Executive, Optomi
Kris Norris Director of Strategic Partnership Kelly Services
Raymond Pitts
Senior Vice President - Data Center Migration
Portfolio Manager, Citigroup
Diane Schwarz
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER
Chief Information Officer, Johnson Controls
Adrian Silva
Senior Managing Director of Workforce Development and Apprenticeships
Dallas College
Brashanda Walker
NPOWER ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
Jr. Network Engineer, Service Experts
Chris Young
U.S. Global Fi Strategic Resourcing Lead
WWT
Tresia Eaves
SVP, Program Manager, Citi
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Commencement Speaker
Mike Ramsey Executive Director of Workforce Development for the City of San Antonio
Mike Ramsey is the Executive Director of Workforce Development for the City of San Antonio. He is responsible for the implementation of the City’s workforce development strategies including the SA Ready to Work Program. SA Ready to Work addresses the barriers many residents face in accessing careers that foster economic stability and targets residents who have been historically underserved. Mike joined the City of San Antonio and opened the City’s newly formed Workforce Development Office in August of 2021.
Mike Ramsey previously served as the Dean of Workforce Development of St. Petersburg College (SPC) in St. Petersburg, Florida where he functioned as the College’s principal administrator for Workforce, Career & Technical Education programs. He assisted in guiding the overall direction of SPC as a member of the President’s Cabinet, to ensure the effectiveness of all SPC workforce programming. Mike provided direct leadership for the Division of Workforce, Community, & Corporate Partnerships in college-wide efforts to provide online and face to face in-demand short-term training programs aligned to local industry needs within the region’s targeted sectors. Mike functioned as an intermediary between industry and the college to ensure the efficient re-skilling and up-skilling of employees and job seekers alike. He established community and business partnerships to ensure local industry labor needs were met by properly aligning the institution’s workforce program offerings to ensure exceptional labor market outcomes for both students and employers.
Mike also previously worked at Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in Florida where he oversaw both secondary and post-secondary Career, Technical, & Adult Education (CTAE) programs. These programs were designed to provide training for high skill, high wage jobs to enhance the talent supply available within the local workforce. He also oversaw the Adult Education programs leading to a high school diploma, GED, or English language acquisition. He has focused his efforts on establishing community and business partnerships that align training program offerings with local industry demand.
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Host Speaker
James Bragg Corporate Responsibility Manager at USAA USAA Representative
James Bragg is a Corporate Responsibility strategy lead, overseeing philanthropic grantmaking in each of USAA’s regional campus locations and employee citizenship efforts to ensure execution, measurable societal impact and alignment with integrated San Antonio and Regional philanthropic and citizenship initiatives.
In addition, James also shares accountability for USAA’S philanthropic contributions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, while empowering underrepresented communities with a desired outcome of increasing economic mobility and reducing wealth disparities.
USAA’s Corporate Responsibility purpose is to lead and inspire actions that improve lives in the military and local communities while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. USAA seeks to be the nation’s leading
military-focused corporate citizen. They also believe evidence-based nonprofit resources combined with USAA’s engagement in community initiatives positively impact military families’ health, well-being, and resilience – and drive economic mobility within local communities.
James began his career at USAA in 2008 as a Member Service Representative and has held various roles during his tenure.
Born and raised in San Antonio, James received his BA from The University of Texas at San Antonio and his MA from Webster University.
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Alumni Speaker
Brashanda Walker
U.S. Air Force Veteran
Infrastructure Tech Lead Analyst, VP at Citi
Brashanda works as an Infrastructure Tech Lead Analyst, VP for the Data Protection Services Department. She joined the United States Air Force 2 weeks after graduating High School. She was stationed at Holloman AFB, NM with 2 tours overseas, honorably discharged in 2015.
She is a graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas and an alumnus of the Tech Fundamentals program at NPower. She currently serves as a Regional Advisory Board member for NPower Texas and an active affiliate of NPower’s Command Shift Coalition Alumni Council. Concurrently, she operates as the Project Coordinator for the Non-Profit, 100Men Enterprise that specializes in community outreach for boys and men. Although new to Citi, Brashanda has enjoyed her experiences and appreciates the opportunity to engage with different teams across the globe by implementing measurable changes.
Student Speaker
Michaela Frye
Michaela is a military kid and wife. Both of her parents served honorably; her husband is a veteran and retired from service. She was raised with a strong work ethic and ideals that family comes first. Currently Ms. Frye cares for her mother while attending classes through NPower and Allegiant/Coursera.
As a professional she has a great deal of customer service experience, primarily working in healthcare. Her healthcare experience spans hands-on, ancillary, and technical occupations, including IT professional roles such as Helpdesk Support Representative, Upgrades and Conversions Specialist, and Project Manager. She also has experience as a Software Training Instructor, reverse engineering, and Integration & Acceptance testing.
Ms. Frye is currently enrolled with NPower as an Information Technology student. She holds several IT certifications, including Google IT Professional, Google IT Project Management, as well as CompTIA ITF+. In progress certifications include CompTIA A+ and Linux+.
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The curriculum for this program includes a NetAcad learning module courtesy of the Cisco Networking Academy.
84% 45% 39%
78% Graduation Rate Black / Hispanic / Asian Women
Certification Rate
Statistics
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Albert Mares
When I was younger, I wanted to go to school for business because that’s what everyone does when they don’t know what they want to do. I later realized that I wouldn’t be happy in school, so I passed up on school. One thing I have always loved is technology and I’ve always tried to work in the IT field. I chose NPower because I wasn’t doing anything in the summer and so far, it has gotten me into a routine of waking up early and dressing professionally and it makes me feel good overall because I know what I am doing. One of my favorite parts of NPower is just overall learning with others who want to learn and are enthusiastic about it as I am. In a perfect world I would find a career within the IT department that I’m happy with and see myself working in for a long time.
Anthony (Tony) Marquez
Prior to NPower, I served 10 years in the US Army as a Cryptologic Linguist specializing in Arabic translation. After I left the Army, I worked as a defense contractor for a while and then transitioned into the insurance business. After realizing that insurance wasn’t a good fit for me, I found NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program. I saw that NPower could provide a way for me to get started in a career in a field I have always loved, technology. By completing various certifications in the program, I can now say that I feel very confident in my IT and professional skills.
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Graduate Bios
In 2023, I was first introduced to NPower. It was one of the toughest years transitioning from the military world to the civilian sector. I was fortunate to be selected to participate in NPower’s programs, where they honed their technical acumen and expanded my knowledge in the field of Information Technology. The collaboration with NPower significantly enhanced my transition from military to civilian life.
Through NPower’s training and mentorship, I gained industry-recognized certifications, developed essential job-seeking skills, and established a strong professional network. The non-profit organization not only provided practical resources but also a supportive community that understood the unique challenges faced by veterans. Thanks to NPower’s guidance and support, I successfully transitioned to a rewarding civilian career, leveraging my avionics expertise and military background to excel in the engineering industry. I’m grateful for the transformative impact of NPower and remain an advocate for the organization, sharing my story to inspire and support fellow veterans in their own career journeys. Thank you, NPower.
I never really knew what I wanted to be after High School. I just went with the flow and ended up joining the Navy as a Logistics Specialist. After my contract expired and moved on from military life, I wanted to do something new that I had not done or thought about, that’s when I came across NPower. NPower opened a door to a field that I never thought I would pursue, and being a part of that cohort was something very different from what I was used to. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive especially during the professional development portion, we really had to get out of our comfort zone and be open which was a hurdle for me and many others. After NPower I would love to be able to take the knowledge I have gained and educate my son and show him a path no one in our family had ever thought about. My superpower would be to teleport imagine the time you would save no commute or worry about being late. I would advise my younger self to be patient this too shall pass.
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Carlos Rodriguez
Damian Perez
Eleanor Perez, a resilient San Antonio native, overcame adversity from family and peers in her low-level work-from-home IT job. Fascinated by how technology serves as society’s backbone, she believes AI and technology won’t replace humans, but rather enhance our innovation. Joining NPower solidified her tech skills and knowledge, propelling her towards a career in technology that can optimize lives and exceed expectations. Eleanor envisions a future where humans and technology collaborate harmoniously to push innovation boundaries and create transformative solutions. She embodies determination, resilience, and the belief that technology has the power to revolutionize our world for the better.
Hello, my name is Elliot Hui and I’m a recent graduate of UT Dallas. I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in digital arts and my focus was geared towards 3D modeling and Game Design. I’m currently looking for employment to help build out my work portfolio as well as pay off upcoming educational costs. Though my current goals seem out of reach NPower has helped me tremendously in finding financial footing in the time I need to further hone my skills and prove myself to future employers. Through their assistance I’ve improved my previously lacking networking skills and feel more confident in a business setting. Though I’m still unsure of where I’m going at this time, I’m at least confident that the people I’ve met through NPower will support my decisions and help guide me towards success.
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Eleanor Perez
Elliot Hui
Isabel Coverdale
My name is Isabel and I’m an entry level IT specialist interested in working in cybersecurity and programming. I’ve been learning Python and basic computer skills. I have earned a BS in Nursing, the CompTIA Sec+ & ITF+ certificates and Google IT Support & Automating Real-World Tasks with Python certificates. As an Army vet I am mission oriented. My goal is to obtain work in a cybersecurity and/or programming capacity where I can use my computer skills, creativity, and dedication to help accomplish the company mission. I first learned about NPower through a Google search. I was searching for opportunities and read NPower’s mission statement: “...creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities.”. BINGO—I was captivated and thought, “This has to be for me!”. Sure enough NPower has provided the environment, motivation and resources to reach my goal of becoming an IT professional and for that I am grateful.
My goal is to work programming programs that directly and/or indirectly help the environment. My near future goal is to gain skills in coding and cybersecurity by actively coding. to meet a need. What excites me most about computers is the vast possibilities and collaborations science provides.
Jacob Wheeler
Before NPower I was a college student at Texas A&M University San Antonio. I was going for my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology to become a physical therapist. I thought that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, until I hit a point where I was uninterested and couldn’t do it anymore. I sat at home for years not knowing what I was going to do, until my parents saw a video of NPower and immediately signed me up for it, knowing it would be something I would love. During my time in NPower, I have met so many wonderful people who not only love tech themselves but love to help others in furthering their knowledge in the tech industry as well. Not only that, but the instructors are very understanding and do not push you to rush through the knowledge they want you to learn. They help you go over every topic step by step and make you feel not only safe, but like you matter, and that anything you don’t understand is important. My time in NPower has been the best time of my life, I have learned, and studied like never before, I have been challenged and pushed beyond what I thought capable of myself. With that, if I could have one thing, it would be to go back and tell my younger self to sign up for NPower as soon as possible, because my younger self would be so proud of what I have accomplished in this program, and what new heights I will be reaching when I go for the career I want to pursue when this program comes to an end.
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I’ve been interested in technology ever since I was little. From video games to taking apart old laptops, it’s a field that truly fascinated me from the very beginning. But growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I never thought I’d get the chance to immerse myself in the field. But that’s where NPower came in. Growing up in the “age of tech” was one thing, but growing with it is another. I’m so grateful to NPower for giving me this wonderful opportunity as well as a supportive and strong community to share it with.
To acquire a position in IT, Human Resources Management, and/or Project Management. Great Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving Skills, and Collaboration Skills.
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Jada Ramsey
JoeZett L. Ruffin
John Christopher Yanez
Before NPower, I started to feel like college wasn’t for me. As a first-generation college student, the tools to succeed felt like they were always out of arms reach. Juggling work and going to school full-time left me feeling like I was not giving myself a fighting chance to break out into the STEM field. Then, NPower took a chance and allowed me to be the best version of myself possible. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to seek out other opportunities and take control of my future. These certifications, skills, and networking opportunities allowed me to connect and engage with great leaders and innovators in the San Antonio community and Texas. As for my future following this program, I plan to use the tools given to me to continue my education at The University of Texas at San Antonio, studying Cyber Security and growing my network.
Josephine Perez
During my childhood, I aspired to pursue a career in law enforcement, driven by the positive impact I witnessed police officers making in my community. However, fate led me to join the Army instead.
Prior to my involvement with NPower, I lacked defined dreams or aspirations, but I was determined to continually grow both personally and professionally. The reason I chose NPower as my next step was the potential it offered for personal growth and the opportunity to contribute to society.
To me, NPower embodies the concepts of opportunity, possibility, and a supportive community. The professional development opportunities offered by NPower, particularly the two events hosted by Citi, have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. These events were tailored to my desired career path, offering insights on continuous learning, professional growth, and valuable pointers for enhancing my interview skills to become an exemplary candidate.
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Kalefonda Swain was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 19, she enlisted in the Air Force, where she spent the majority of her career in Human Resource Information Systems. While in the Air Force, she received her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. She retired after 20 years of service and subsequently took a hiatus to travel and pursue her passions. Fun Facts about Kalefonda: She’s a videographer, plays the drums, loves gardening and gaming. She is currently living in the San Antonio area with her wife, Chevon and fur baby, Lala.
Throughout my entire professional journey, my focus has been on assisting and caring for others, ensuring their well-being. The opportunity to continuously learn, grow, and confront new challenges has been truly remarkable. Recently, I discovered the NPower program in San Antonio and familiarized myself with its mission statement. After going through the interview process and gaining insight into their initiatives, I became eager to join the inaugural class in San Antonio. With a concentrated effort and a significant amount of dedication, I successfully obtained my Google Technical Support Certification and the CompTIA ITF+ certification within a short period. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my knowledge and skills with the invaluable support of NPower and its exceptional staff.
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Kalefonda Swain
Kevin Nagle
Leroy Adams
Leroy Antonio Adams is a dedicated individual who has successfully completed the NPower Programs and earned an IT Fundamentals Certification. With a passion for Information Technology, Leroy pursued his studies in this field and gained valuable knowledge through his self-guided education at YouTube University.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Leroy actively explores the fascinating world of Cybersecurity. He aspires to build a career in this field, driven by his love for learning and his desire to on challenging tasks, such as pen testing, to continually enhance his skills and gain new job experience.
Leroy would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to NPower for providing him with the opportunity to excel in the Information Technology field. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in his journey towards achieving his goals. One of Leroy’s guiding principles is that it is never too late to start over again. He believes in embracing new beginnings and the endless possibilities they bring. With this mindset, Leroy is poised to make a meaningful impact in the world of Cybersecurity and continue his pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
A Martinez
Growing up, I wanted to be like my father, a datacenter supervisor. My dream prior to NPower was that of obtaining my Bachelor’s degree and find a place of employment to maintain the status quo. Until one day, I read a news article about an organization, NPower, offering assistance to veterans in obtaining technical certifications. I chose NPower because I liked the idea that they were catering to veterans to help them better their lives. NPower is like an organization of brothers and sisters who come together to pull every trainee through to a successful future thru encouragement, accountability, and motivation to see others succeed. My favorite aspect of the Professional Development has to be the Mock interviews with the Citi employees/volunteers. I have learned some excellent communication skills and have been given encouragement to improve myself thru positive feedback. After NPower, I do see a future with a wide-open possibility of endless careers that open up for me, upon completion.
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Melissa
Michaela is a military kid and wife. Both of her parents served honorably; her husband is a veteran and retired from service. She was raised with a strong work ethic and ideals that family comes first. Currently Ms. Frye cares for her mother while attending classes through NPower and Allegiant/Coursera.
As a professional she has a great deal of customer service experience, primarily working in healthcare. Her healthcare experience spans hands-on, ancillary, and technical occupations, including IT professional roles such as Helpdesk Support Representative, Upgrades and Conversions Specialist, and Project Manager. She also has experience as a Software Training Instructor, reverse engineering, and Integration & Acceptance testing.
Ms. Frye is currently enrolled with NPower as an Information Technology student. She holds several IT certifications, including Google IT Professional, Google IT Project Management, as well as CompTIA ITF+. In progress certifications include CompTIA A+ and Linux+.
Rosalyn is a native of Washington, D.C., and after graduating high school, she joined the U.S. Army. During her military career, she had the opportunity to work with and learn from a variety of different communities and cultures; and completed a number of distinguished assignments which included the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Allied Forces Southern Europe, in Naples, Italy, and the White House Communications Agency, in Washington, D.C. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, and a Master of Science degree in exercise science and health promotion; and acquired extensive public-sector human resources experience.
Rosalyn spends her time working as a substitute teacher and Red Cross volunteer in the San Antonio area. She is an avid gamer and reader, loves to play tennis; and is an enthusiastic advocate of health and fitness. Her unofficial system administration role in her household underscored a desire to seek formal technology training with the hope of, not only acquiring entry-level employment, but also continued growth in the industry.
NPower has been highly instrumental in facilitating her acquisition of the skills and tools necessary to successfully gain employment in the healthcare information technology industry; and as a result, Rosalyn has attained the Google IT Support and CompTIA ITF+ certifications; and is currently pursuing CompTIA A+ and healthcare IT support certifications.
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Michaela Frye
Odella Rosalyn Higgins
Samone Boyd
I’ve always been fascinated by Information Technology. Living in Austin, Texas there’s plenty of opportunities and encouragement to join the ever-growing world of IT. This intrigued me and has led me down the path to a tech career.
I chose NPower because of their amazing reviews, high completion rate and their treatment towards veterans.
To me, NPower means flexibility and empathy. There’s been times where I was unable to attend class and the staff was very accommodating, understanding, and flexible. My instructors made themselves accessible and reassured me that I could be successful.
Professional development has been a tremendous help! I’ve gained more confidence to go into an interview, presenting my resume and communicating. In a perfect world, I’d like to continue my IT education and perhaps manage projects for a corporation or the government.
If I could have one superpower, it would be teleportation. I enjoy traveling more than anything and the idea of being to simply appear in any location in the universe seems very exciting!
I would tell my younger self to never give up whenever things become difficult or uncomfortable.
Shiela Anne Rodriguez
My goal is to enter the cybersecurity field and be a cybersecurity engineer or analyst. My husband, and NPower graduate, informed me that the program is a great start to gaining knowledge and a potential tech career.
I am thankful to Ryan and Kira for their never-ending support in ensuring we understand every material and that everyone is on track. I am more familiar with basic Linux, desktop troubleshooting, and a basic understanding of computers. Professional development was very interactive and provided multiple resources that allow us to be successful and well-supported in the program.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds! As far as superpowers, If I could only have one it would be super speed. With that power, I can travel around, get a lot of work done quickly, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day with my family. If I had a chance to speak to my younger self, I would tell myself to invest more in myself, take advantage of education and other opportunities, and get involved in technology much sooner. This program has ignited my desire to continue exploring and enhancing my IT knowledge. Thank you, NPower for giving me a chance to be a part of this wonderful, life-changing program!
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Syretta Clayton
Since childhood, I have possessed a keen interest in repairing and assembling various objects, as well as dismantling them to understand their inner workings. The realm of technology and the intricate functions of its components have always captivated me. Consequently, when the time arrived, I decided to enroll at Florida Tech University. While completing my online courses, I managed to fulfill the necessary prerequisites. However, I yearned to delve deeper into my passion for technology. Twenty-two years later, an extraordinary opportunity presented itself through NPower, and I couldn’t contain my excitement. I reached out to Dan Wallace and was fortunate enough to be accepted into their program. Through this endeavor, I obtained valuable certifications and gained practical experience. Now, armed with these accomplishments, I am actively pursuing job opportunities and planning to further enhance my expertise by pursuing certifications in Networking and Cyber Security.
Stanley
Tameca Staley hailed and is proud to be from Brooklyn, New York. She is a new transplant to San Antonio TX since 2020 and is enjoying the Texas heat, the culture, and the food. Tameca has served our country in the Army and is a disabled veteran. She is a wife and mother of five children and two grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and interior decorating.
Tameca has learned a lot from her instructors and her peers and is appreciative of them with the opportunities given to her as a student of NPower. She has obtained knowledge of Information Technology where she has accomplished several certifications which includes: COMPTIA ITF+ and Google Technical Support Certification. After graduation Tameca would like to launch a new career in Information Technology from the education she has received at NPower.
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Tameca
Before embarking on a new chapter in my life, I’ve always wanted to work in the tech industry, but I just didn’t have the connections or experience to land a tech-related job. NPower has changed everything thanks to the support of teachers who continue to provide the best education and information on the fundamentals of technology. Also, with the guidance of my professional development teacher, I learned how to behave in the professional world. This amazing journey with NPower has prepared me to face new challenges with confidence and determination. NPower has given me new connections, opportunities, and a lifelong passion for technology. I can’t wait to share these qualities with the world.
Trey Hutto
In the beginning, I gained extensive expertise as a skilled warehouse worker, fulfilling various roles and responsibilities. However, after several years, I discovered a strong passion for data analysis, which became my primary focus. Combining my enthusiasm for data with my affinity for working in warehouses, I achieved remarkable results. I significantly improved productivity and reduced operational expenses for my employers.
I take pride in my work ethic, which emphasizes autonomous learning and self-sufficiency. I prioritize acquiring knowledge myself rather than relying on others. This approach empowered me to independently design and implement essential processes in Google Sheets, utilizing APIs. Notably, these efforts eliminated the need for costly external resources, saving significant monthly expenses.
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Timothy Bonner
Before my amazing journey with NPower, I worked as a property manager and then as a car salesperson. As technology grew so fast and I didn’t know anything about it, I started thinking about career change. My friend mentioned NPower and I decided to sign up. I was scared and excited at the same time to start over in my 40s. With NPower amazing educational and professional development program that builds you for success, their support, patience, and understanding here I am graduating and having endless opportunities. The sky is the limit. The best decision I have ever made. Thank you, NPower!!!
My name is Steven Murphy. I am a 20-year US Army Infantry veteran who has always had a passion for technology. Many times, during my enlistment I was responsible for training others on how to use new technology and equipment as it was fielded to the units that I served in.
After moving to the San Antonio area, I was fortunate enough to find out about NPower by attending a job fair at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio when I first moved to the area at the beginning of the year. Dan Wallace reached out to me after the event and called to ask if I was interested in looking into the program. I had some prior IT experience from working at a college in Georgia for a few years and after a career break wanted to investigate adding some certifications to my resume.
This program has been a blessing. It is professionally run, well instructed, and absolutely relevant to veterans – and others – that wish to expand their information technology skills. I have really enjoyed being a part of the NPower San Antonio Cohort 2023 and will always be thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it.
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Evgenia Perez
Steven Murphy
Spring 2023 Tech Fundamentals
Abrahan Soto
Adrian Walker
Albert Mares
Anthony Marquez
Brandon Funchess
Carlos Rodriguez
Damian Perez
Elle Perez
Elliot Hu
Evgenia Perez
Francis Wilson-Esle
Isabel Coverdale
Jacob Wheeler
Jada Ramsey
JoeZett Ruffin
John Yanez
Josephine Perez
Kalefonda Swain
Kevin Nagle
Leroy Adams
Melissa Martinez
Michaela Frye
Nicholas Garcia
Odella Higgins
Samone Boyd
Sean McDonald
Shiela Rodriguez
Steven Murphy
Syretta Clayton
Tameca Staley
Timothy Bonner
Trey Hutto
Victoria Cavazos
View Highlights:
https://www.npower.org/graduation/spring-2023/sanantonio-texas/
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Congratulations
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.
80% Of students who enroll graduate Of alumni get jobs or continue their education
(Based on NPower’s national data)
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 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 6,000 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.
NPower Founding Funders
27
NBA Foundation
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
CHAMPION
Christiane Costello
Paul Daugherty
Dean Del Vecchio
Matt Horner
Jennifer Kleinert
Brian McCarthy
Mark Patterson
David Reilly
Ron Robbins
PARTNER
Craig Cuffie
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
Jessica Berry
Stefanie Boles
Marletta Boyd II
Marletta Boyd Senior
David Boyle
Michael Bridges
Dale Brooks
Stephanie Byrd
Kristie Carney
Lisa Cawley
Gerald Charles, Jr.
Benjamin Cole
Hannah Craven
Quincy Davis
Carl De Groote
Richard DePalma
Damon Downing
Mike Elmore
Brett Fleischman
Sally Frank
Michael Fugett
Rami Gabriel
Kimika Garrett
Daniel Garrison
Amy Gnagy
Demetrius Goodwin
Michael Gregoire
Mark Heil
Rhonda Henley
Matt Holton
Cindy Hoots
The Hoyle Family
Jason Huebner
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 Schwarz
Gaurav Shah
William Shea
Dwight Shepherd
Randy Siedl
James Smith
David Sullivan
Nicole Tate
Coriel Taylor
Horace Tiggs IV
Zachary Vendeiro
Harish Venkitaramanan
Scott Wilton
Judy Winter-Giella
FRIEND
Einat Burshtine
Alexandra Gerdner
Benjamin Hyman
Ann Marr
Susanne Tedrick
Jose Vilar
Stefen Welch
Bruce Williams
29
National NPower Supporters
Underwriters $750K
texas
Sponsors $250-$749K
31
Partners $100-$249K
AHEAD
Akamai Technologies
Andreessen Horowitz Cultural Leadership Fund
Ascension Health
Atlas Data Systems
BAE Systems
Beth & Ravenel Curry Foundation
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Centene Charitable Foundation
Corteva Agriscience
Check Point Software Technologies, LTD
Craig Newmark Fund
Dennis M Jones Family Foundation
Ernst & Young
Fiserv Inc.
General Motors
Globant
Hearst Foundation
Hewlett Packard Company
Infinidat
Ira W. De Camp Foundation
John & Marcia Goldman Foundation
Kaiser Permanente
KPMG
Light a Single Candle Foundation, NFP
LinkedIn Corporation
Maryland - AIF
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company
MTX Group Inc
NetApp
New Jersey Department of Labor
New York City
The New York Community Trust
New York State
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Norton LifeLock
Palo Alto Networks
Patrick J McGovern Foundation
Regional Business Council
State of Maryland
Tata Consultancy Services
The St. Louis Community Foundation
Twilio Inc.
United Way of Greater St. Louis
United Way of St. Louis
Workday Foundation
Supporters $50-$99K
The Achelis & Bodman Foundation
Arista Networks, Inc.
Armis Inc.
Ascension Information Services
Auth0 Inc.
Bader Family Foundation
Benevity Fund
Broadcom Inc
Capital One Financial Corp.
Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation
Cohesity
Communities Foundation of Texas
Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan
Consumers Energy
Data Dynamics, Inc
David Reilly
Emerson
Flextronics International USA, Inc.
Fortinet, Inc.
Henry & Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation
Hitachi
IBM
ING Financial Markets LLC
Intel Corporation
Kirkland & Ellis
Koret Foundation
texas
L'Oreal Groupe
Medidata Solutions Inc
Merck & Co., Inc
Morgan Stanley
MUFG Union Bank
NetApp Inc.
New York City Council
OneTen
Oracle
Peter Trizzino
Rainwater Charitable Foundation
Royal Bank of Canada
Rubrik
S&P Global Inc.
Shippy Foundation
Society for information Management
SS&C Technologies, Inc.
Tanium Inc.
Texas Mutual Insurance Company
The Rockefeller Foundation
The Saigh Foundation
The William R. Orthwein, Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Thomas Kurian
United States Department of Homeland Security
United Way of Tarrant County
VMware Inc.
Vodaphone
Wells Fargo Bank
Wilson Sheehan Foundation
Wipro Technologies
Zendesk
Zoom
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