Carrying the Torch: Celebrating Path2TECH’s First Cohort of Trailblazing Women

This summer, we witnessed women athletes setting new standards and inspiring the next generation of bold leaders at the Olympics. In much the same way, as we head into fall, we want to dedicate this issue to the resilient women graduating from NPower’s first Path2TECH cohort.?

They have displayed unwavering dedication over the past 24 weeks to transform themselves, gaining technical skills, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also expanded their soft skills and confidence to break into new careers in Software Development, ultimately proving that hard work pays off.

We are proud of the 53 #FullStackHER graduates in our Path2TECH program and believe they are preparing to carry this torch of progress into the tech industry. Continue reading for a glimpse at their journey.

NPower's Graduates Spotlight

Tyeisha (Ty) Stroud

Path2TECH Spring 2024 Graduate and Graduation Speaker

Atlanta, GA

Tyeisha Stroud is one of the many ambitious talents emerging from the Path2TECH program, ready to innovate the future of tech with her passion, expertise, and drive. With a deep curiosity for computers and a background in sales, relationship building, and negotiation, Ty is set to apply her skills in software development, software engineering, or in tech sales.

Ty’s journey into tech began with a passion for computers and a desire for more family time. Having worked with electronics throughout her career, she felt well-prepared to transition into software development. Inspired by positive alumni reviews and NPower's focus on empowering women of color, Ty chose the Path2TECH program to start her tech journey. Her standout experiences include working on a JSMini project and mock interviews, which sharpened her technical and professional skills.

As she looks ahead, Ty envisions a career in software development or tech sales. She also plans to secure Python and UI/UX certifications to solidify her future in tech. Ty will be the student speaker at Path2TECH's graduation on September 12th, ready to inspire others with her story.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more and connect with Ty and other Path2TECH graduates who are eager to bring fresh ideas, innovation, and diversity to your organization.?

Sydney Umezurike

Path2TECH Spring 2024?Graduate

Baltimore, MD

Sydney U. ’s journey was ignited by witnessing the exposure and influence children face on social media platforms, from cyberbullying to privacy risks and online predators. Her passion for creating a safer digital space and leveraging her transferable experience and skills in media production and social media marketing guided her to the Path2TECH program to tackle these important issues.

"My favorite moment in the Path2TECH program was creating a barebones HTML file. Seeing that I could create a webpage alone gave me the excitement to persevere and learn more programming languages. This project validated my skills and showed me that I? can become a developer. NPower’s? Path2TECH staff believed in me and fueled me to pursue my goal of obtaining my Master’s in Cybersecurity.”

As one of the first graduates of the Path2TECH pilot program, she can leverage her analytical skills to address complex issues.Driven by a passion for creating safer digital spaces for users, Sydney will take what she’s learned in Path2TECH to address cybersecurity challenges.

Her journey doesn’t end with NPower, Sydney?was accepted to grad school and will continue her education and pursue a Master’s in Cybersecurity at Northeastern University in September.

Path2TECH Women in Tech Panel?

The Path2Tech Women in Tech panel was a transformative and inspiring discussion on navigating careers in technology, focusing on overcoming barriers like imposter syndrome, building confidence, and embracing one's unique strengths. Thanks to our panelists, Sonova Middleton - Adobe | LinkedIn , Brittany Holmes , Alicia Makaye, PhD - GXA | LinkedIn , Daney Forbes and Christie Chaffee - Bank of America | LinkedIn . Panelists shared personal experiences of doubt and triumph, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking, and a positive mindset.

?Christie? shared some poignant words of wisdom for all participants:

?"Don't change who you are. We're in a time where people embrace unique ideas…As you grow in your career, people will remember you. Let people embrace the real you."

?Immediately following the panel, virtual coaching sessions were held. Supported by Adobe volunteers, these sessions allowed attendees to dive deeper into questions from the panel. These sessions provided personalized guidance, helping participants to build on the insights shared, and further empowered them to navigate their tech journeys with confidence and resilience.

Path2TECH Portfolios

Hire Top Tech Talent from Path2TECH!

As we celebrate the dedication and resilience of our inaugural Path2TECH program, we’re excited to share a preview of a few digital portfolios from our talented graduates. Over the past six months, these impressive women have developed portfolios and capstone projects highlighting the unique skills they've developed in software development.

ZemZem Khiar (MD-Maryland)

Ashley Rajpaul (NY-New York)

Tyeisha Stroud (GA-Georgia/Atlanta)

Tia Truong (TX-Texas/Dallas)?

Now is your chance to hire exceptional, workforce-ready talent. Our graduates are ready to contribute as full-time professionals or apprentices in software development and website design. Take advantage of the opportunity to bring their innovation and expertise to your team. Contact us today to learn more about hiring our amazing Path2TECH graduates!??

For more information, please contact Punita Patel, M.S , Senior Development & Strategic Initiatives Manager at [email protected] .

Path2TECH Graduation

Celebrating the Inaugural Path2TECH Full Stack Developer Graduates!

We are thrilled to announce the graduation of our inaugural class from the Path2TECH Full Stack Developer Program, a Command Shift Coalition initiative dedicated to advancing women in the tech industry.

Graduation Ceremony

Join us on Thursday, September 12th at 6:30pm ET for a virtual ceremony to honor their achievements with our special guest keynote speaker, Arisha Smith - Chief Digital Officer at Camille Rose !??

RSVP for the Graduation Ceremony:

Networking Reception

Following the graduation ceremony, graduates will be connected with employers and partners in an exclusive networking session. Space is limited.?

Deadline to Reserve your Networking Spot is Friday, September 6th

If you’re interested in participating in the networking session or want additional information on employer partnership opportunities, please contact Punita Patel, Senior Development and Strategic Initiatives Manager at [email protected] .

NPower Virtual Career Fair 2024

NPower will be hosting our annual Virtual Career and Resource Fair on September 19th from 11-2pm EST.???

Your involvement will allow you exclusive access to NPower Talent! This is your prime opportunity to spotlight your company or organization, unveil your resources, and present a spectrum of available positions in a dynamic 3-hour virtual fair.?

You will be able to engage?in face-to-face video meetings with our exceptional alumni and trainees, conduct live interviews, talent source for specific skills and hold conversations seamlessly on our virtual platform.?This event allows you to discover industry-trained and certified professionals while actively contributing to diversifying the tech workforce, with a particular focus on hiring women talent.

Register here: https://bit.ly/NPowerCareerFair2024 . ?

For additional information, please contact Sereyna Wallace, MS, GCDF , Senior Director of National Placement at [email protected]

MetLife Triangle Tech X Conference?

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend MetLife ’s sixth annual Triangle Tech X (TTX) conference. Taking place October 1 and 2, the free, virtual event will celebrate The Disruption Advantage: Powering Inclusion and Innovation in STEM. This year’s conference invites you to revisit the status quo and unlock the art of the possible through sessions that inspire and motivate purpose-driven change in STEM.?

Register for this free event to hear from today's most compelling disruptors working at the forefront of innovation, research and advocacy who are shaping our world—and our future.?

Register Today!: https://metlifeevents.cventevents.com/NE2PoW ? and include NPower as the event referral partner.