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.”