Pearl Myrick

Facing the realities of recent unemployment, Pearl started an extensive search for what was next. Determined to build a better life for herself and her family, she took a chance with the NPower program. Utilizing the expertise and support of the NPower program’s instructors, the professional development and social support team, Pearl overcame significant barriers that stood in her way of successfully completing the program, including navigating making ends meet without a job, housing insecurity, and fearing her ability and resolve to finish the program.

Pearl’s search for something new began with a simple Google search and has now become the start of her new career as an Information Technology Support Analyst at Accenture.

Dallas

FALL 2024
Graduation

Celebrate the incredible achievements of our future tech leaders!

Dallas

We are so proud of the trainees who have successfully completed our Tech Fundamentals program. Congratulations to the NPower Dallas Texas Fall 2024 Class of Tech Professionals and Change-makers!

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins 

Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins began her tenure as the president of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, bringing a plethora of experience and a grand passion for student success to the position.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, she moved to the mainland to pursue her master’s degree, where she finished prerequisite courses at Oklahoma State University and earned a Master of Arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. While in Oklahoma, she navigated through both cultural and language barriers while taking on a position in the financial aid office, a job that ignited her interest in higher education administration. 

Her journey eventually led her to the neighboring state of Texas, where she earned a doctorate in educational leadership at Sam Houston State University. During that time, she balanced full-time work with her studies, often commuting with fellow colleagues to attend classes after a long day at the office. She said the experience deepened her commitment to higher education and equipped her with the tools to advocate for student success at every level.

Alumni Speaker
Byron Cooper
Air Force Veteran and Global Leader
Class Speaker
Evans Wiggle
Class Speaker
Chance Clayton

Check Out Our Graduation Booklet

Coming Soon

Houston

FALL 2024
Graduation

Celebrate the incredible achievements of our future tech leaders!

Houston

We are so proud of the trainees who have successfully completed our Tech Fundamentals program. Congratulations to the NPower Houston Texas Fall 2024 Class of Tech Professionals and Change-makers!

Keynote Speaker

Diana Gonzalez

Cloud Solutions Architect
As a Cloud Solutions Architect and passionate advocate for innovation, I inspire audiences to embrace the transformative power of technology. Drawing on my deep expertise in designing scalable cloud strategies, I simplify complex concepts to empower individuals and organizations to succeed in the digital age. Beyond the technical realm, I am committed to creating inclusive spaces, using my platform to champion authenticity and uplift underrepresented voices. Whether discussing emerging trends or sharing personal insights, I strive to spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and help others see the boundless possibilities within their reach.
Alumni Speaker
DeVon Jones
Fall 2023 Graduate
Class Speaker
Brian Fagbemi

Check Out Our Graduation Booklet

Coming Soon

Monica Garza

Monica heard about NPower through Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), which connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and veterans—with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.

While Monica is passionate about the study of psychology and will soon be pursuing her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, she is celebrating her graduation from NPower, where she obtained I.T. certifications. Understanding that every job and sector is now a tech one, Monica aims to merge her psychology degree with her proficiency in data analysis, driven by a desire to infuse the human element into statistical insights.

She had the incredible opportunity to serve at Girls Inc., a non-profit where she was truly blessed to assist children and families in overcoming their obstacles. Her heart resonated with guiding young girls, nurturing their courage and empowerment, and witnessing their transformation into bold, empowered individuals.

Monica enjoys interior designing, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and tasting new foods. She aims to illuminate the stories and lives behind the numbers, enriching our understanding and fostering deeper connections within her community.

 

“I am thrilled and deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute my skills to the San Antonio Hope Center. I eagerly anticipate the chance to support the organization by managing data and assisting in advancing all its future projects. Together, we’ll make a positive impact in our community”

Choice Jackson

Choice is a U.S. Air Force veteran and native Houstonian currently residing in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She began her career in the Health Sciences but later discovered her love for all things IT while in the military. Though she maintained her connection with healthcare, she interweaved technology into her repertoire by obtaining multiple degrees and certifications.

Shortly after obtaining her master’s degree, Covid-19 cut her career in cybersecurity short, which led her to NPower in the Spring of 2022. Through NPower, Choice was awarded an apprenticeship at Citi and subsequently secured full-time employment as an Engineer Analyst in the E-comm Archive Engineering Department.

“My apprenticeship has literally changed the entire trajectory of my life… thanks to my apprenticeship I am now a triple threat.”

Today, Choice gives back by serving on the Leadership Committee of Citi’s Pathfinders team and mentoring NPower apprentices. She was recently chosen to lead the incoming January 2024 cohort. She also pays it forward by motivating and mentoring other veterans and young adults interested in IT, like her daughter, who is also enrolled in the NPower Texas program in Houston.

Brashanda Walker

Six-year U.S. Air Force veteran Brashanda overcame significant hurdles and obstacles to claim her space in tech. She relocated to Texas with her toddler son, bounced back financially and mentally from personal hardship, and navigated life as a newly single mom. Brashanda didn’t think she had what it took to pursue a career in technology when she initially learned about NPower Texas.

Brashanda proved she had everything she needed and more to complete the program. Leaning on the support of the NPower network and those around her, she remained dedicated and successfully launched her tech career. Now, as an Infrastructure Tech Lead and Vice President for Citi, she is poised to create generational wealth for her son to build upon.

“NPower was a great decision for me…the opportunities I’ve been given have allowed me to improve my family’s quality of life, including purchasing my own home.”

Understanding the immense value of mentorship and sponsorship along with the power of representation in these spaces, Brashanda fully leans into reducing barriers and making the path easier for other young women of color in tech. Currently serving as a Regional Advisory Board member for NPower Texas and a Command Shift Alumni Council Member, she has shared her journey at various engagements, including serving as the keynote speaker for Command Shift’s recent Communities and Confidence event, a virtual mentorship event that connects NPower alumnae and young women students with executive-level tech leaders. Brashanda continues volunteering outside the NPower network to impact her community positively.

 

Porfirio Lopez

Porfirio thought he would enter law enforcement when considering a future beyond the Army. But things didn’t go according to plan, and he was facing a future without any prospects. Until a friend told him about NPower. For Porfirio, joining the Army was a great decision. The challenge, the discipline, and the camaraderie made him feel part of something greater than himself. As he thought about the future beyond the military, he considered a career in law enforcement. “I thought it was going to be the next big opportunity for me,” he said. But it didn’t quite go to plan.

“When law enforcement didn’t work out, I was left without a job or any sort of backup plan. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do next.”

Porfirio has always been interested in computers, so he contacted a military friend to discuss his options. He was worried that he might be too late in the game to begin a career in tech, but the conversation turned to NPower, and Porfirio felt hopeful. He decided to apply to the tech fundamentals program in Dallas and was immediately accepted. While at NPower, Porfirio learned the computer basics and, at the same time, acquired the professional development needed to land a role in tech. He just completed an internship and has been interviewing for the first of what he hopes will be many challenging and fulfilling roles in the tech industry.

“I thought I was too late to start in tech, but NPower proved otherwise. I’m grateful for the opportunity NPower has provided me to set myself up for success.”