Class 1
GRADUATION
COMMENCEMENT
MONDAY, MAY 4TH, 2015 | TORONTO
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
npowercanada.ca
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
Class 1 Graduation
MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015
5:30PM TO 8:00 PM Welcome
TORONTO, ONTARIO
Stephanie Cuskley, CEO, NPower Inc.
Janet De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Opening Remarks
Julia Blackburn, Executive Director, NPower Canada
Student Speakers
Ghisele Mathiabo
Laxman Gnanendran
Accenture High Performance Award
Cisco Innovation Award
Ryerson University Excellence Award
TD Women in Leadership Award
Virgin Mobile RE*Generation
Insatiable Curiosity Award
Commencement Speaker
Presentation of Certificates
Closing
Stephen Gardiner, Managing Director, Management
Consulting, Canada, Accenture
NPower Canada, Board Chair
Jeffrey Maddox, Vice President, SP Sales,
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Vice-President, Research and
Innovation, Ryerson University
Glenda Crisp, SVP, Enterprise Data & Analytics
Technology, TD Bank Group
Floyd Rocha, Director of Marketing, Virgin Mobile Canada
Michael “Pinball” Clemons,
Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation
Technology Service Corps Program Staff:
Andrew Reddin, Program Manager
Joanna Kanter, Social Worker
Karim Waljee, Instructor
Stephanie Agosta, Program Coordinator
Stephen Gardiner, Managing Director, Management
Consulting, Canada, Accenture
NPower Canada, Board Chair
npowercanada.ca
Commencement Speaker
Michael “Pinball” Clemons
Michael “Pinball” Clemons is an icon
of sporting excellence, community
leadership, personal character and
integrity. The Economics graduate is
the pro-football world record holder
in all purpose yards which earned him
induction into the CFL Hall of Fame.
He was also the first black head coach
to win the Grey Cup in its 98 years,
but is probably better known for his
off the field exploits. Pinball is the
founder of his own foundation whose
most noteworthy project to date is
building over 200 schools in third
world countries over five years. The
author, philanthropist and entrepreneur is currently the vice-chair of the
Toronto Argonauts. Also a member of
the distinguished Order of Ontario,
Mike’s proudest accomplishment is
to be the husband of Diane, and the
father of Rachel, Raven and Rylie.
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
About
NPower
About
NPower
NPower mobilizes the tech community and provides individuals,
nonprofits
and the
schools
opportunities
to build individuals,
tech skills nonprofits
and achieve
NPower
mobilizes
tech community
and provides
and
their potential.
schools opportunities to build tech skills and achieve their potential.
Our Programs
Our Program
Technology Service Corps
Technology Service Corps
The Community Corps
builds brighter futures for underis a skills-based volunteering probuilds brighter futures for underserved young adults and veterans through free technology and
served
young adults and veterans
gram connecting technology profesprofessional skills training. The program includes technical classes, mentoring from business leaders,
by providing
free technology and
sionals
with high
impact nonprofits
internships and career development workshops at leading
corporations
and nonprofits,
industryprofessional
skills
training,
mentorecognized certifications as well as employment and alumni
services. More education
than 80% of alumni
are
and innovative
partners.
ring, internships
and employment
employed or pursuing
higher education within one year of graduation.
services.
npowercanada.ca
Board of Directors
Stephen Gardiner
Chair
Managing Director, Management Consulting, Canada
Accenture
Glenda Crisp
Vice President, Enterprise Data & Analytics Technology
TD Bank Group
Wendy Cukier
Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Ryerson University
Stephanie Cuskley
Chief Executive Officer
NPower, Inc.
Jeffrey Maddox
Vice President, SP Sales
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Debra Shime
Vice President, Community Impact
United Way Toronto
Congratulations
Class 1 Toronto Graduates!
npowercanada.ca
Mohamed Iqbal Abdulmuneem, 24, Toronto
Internship: Dixon Hall
NPower has given me an experience that I will never forget. Before NPower,
I was working as a security guard and volunteering with Young GE as a peer
mentor and youth leader. While I was looking for employment, NPower came
to my rescue. Not only giving me numerous employment opportunities, they
provided me with skill sets that not a lot of people can say they have. With all
the support and encouragement I have received throughout the whole program, I feel like I am now equipped with the knowledge and the talent that I
need to get my career in IT started.
Maria Luisa Aguirre, 26, Scarborough
Employed: CDI Computers
I came into this program without any professional experience or education in
technology. I had been working on a casual, part time basis at the TTC at the
time, and I wasn’t even sure if it was a program for me because it was completely new. But the challenge of learning about technology and the tools we
use every day was very intriguing. I worked hard to learn what I could and am
very happy with my decision to join this program. In the end, I met great people, learned new skills and now have full-time employment at CDI Computers
as a Bilingual Customer Service Rep. I have a newfound interest in learning
and working in technology and plan to continue learning by going to Seneca
College in computer programming. I am excited to be in my new career and
look forward to what there is for me in the future.
Vanessa Jasmine Aguirre-Orellana, 23,
Scarborough
Internship: Office of the Vice President, Research and
Innovation, Ryerson
Before this program, I was working part-time as a flower vendor and occasional childcare provider. I had very little experience in technology other than
taking some courses in high school. Now that I’m in this program and getting
back into it, I look back and wonder why I never pursued an education in technology. I really enjoy what I’ve been learning and hope to continue learning
more. I also am grateful for the internship experience, where I am finally putting into practice the theory we’ve been learning. I really found this program
to be beneficial and hope it can continue on to other young adults.
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
Juan Jose Ayala-Sandoval, 24, North York
Internship: Accenture
I was at a crossroad in my life, working as a shift supervisor at McDonald’s,
not too sure where I wanted to go next, but after hearing about the NPower
program, great opportunity had shown itself. Ever since I was young, I had
huge passion for technology but never knew how to pursue. NPower gave
me the means by giving us a capable teacher to help achieve CompTIA A+
certification and by giving me the connection I needed to get my foot in the IT
world. From this program, I made many new friends who have supported me
through the program, helping me grow as a person and soon to be IT professional. I will never forgot these people and experiences from the past weeks.
My future plan is to use everything I learned from the NPower program and to
give thanks for the opportunity by furthering my education in technology and
starting a career for myself in the IT world.
Nolan Curtis Craig, 21, Toronto
Internship: Healthy Minds Canada
To me, NPower is exactly what I could have asked for in a program. Monetary
need would always lead to me choosing employment over continued schooling, but the problem with employment was the need for continued schooling
to move up. As school is expensive with or without a loan, I was stuck. I’d
involved myself in employment programs as means of reaching otherwise unreachable positions, but the lack of schooling would result in stagnation. As
well, the employment programs would often provide no support after the initial program. Then came NPower, breaking the mold. NPower provided all the
necessary educational advantages without any negative consequences. The
focus is taken away from marks and grades to ensure you have the knowledge
necessary for both your CompTIA A+ certification and your internship thereafter. NPower is definitely one of a kind, and I look forward to seeing where
this program will take me.
Stacy-Ann Dailey, 24, Toronto
Internship: Healthy Minds Canada
I joined NPower with little experience and knowledge in IT, but I was very eager to learn. NPower’s Technology Service Corps is great because it can help
you acquire your A+ certification, it’s free of cost, has a great location and
classroom, offers site visits to big companies, internship experience and graduation ceremony at the end. I’ve learned to be more confident and to learn
from my mistakes because that will help me grow and understand the information I am learning. I have met and learned from great people and wonderful
teachers. The skills and fundamentals that I have learnt such as networking,
hardware, and much more will be with me for years to come. The best is yet to
come and I am very excited for the future.
npowercanada.ca
Sean Donoahue, 22, Toronto
Internship: Bullfrog Power
For many years now technology has been a hobby as well as a constant source
of entertainment and learning. NPower has allowed me to take this hobby and
start what will hopefully be a lifelong career in the field of ICT. By providing a
great environment for learning both the hard and soft skills that an ICT professional needs, NPower has created a great program that produces job ready
students. The classroom was a joy to be in courtesy of a great teaching staff
and wonderful classmates. I am very excited to start my internship and get
some real life experience in what will hopefully be a challenging role at a great
company. I am thankful to everyone involved in making this inaugural Canadian class a reality and hopefully there will be many more classes to follow us.
Shane Falconer, 20, Toronto
Internship: TD
Before attending NPower I was in college but, for many reasons, I couldn’t
continue my studies. I’ve always had an interest in technology. Ever since I was
a child, I remember days where I would just open computers, take everything
out and try to fix everything through trial and error. From there I decided that
technology was something I was really interested in. One day I received an
email from an old guidance counselor about NPower and instantly thought to
myself “This would be a great opportunity for me” so I took the chance and
it’s been great so far. I can’t wait for what the future holds.
Stephan Fowles, 18, Toronto
Class
1
Internship: Deloitte
As a kid growing up I always had a strong interest in computers. As I started
high school, I entered into a co-op course which allowed me to get volunteer
experience in the IT industry -- from there my passion for computers grew
stronger. I was lucky to be told about this program from my co-op teacher
because joining NPower has to be the best decision I made in my entire life.
Meeting new people, learning how to operate and support computers, travelling and seeing some of the top technology companies in the IT industry
has all been a great experience. In the near future I hope to find a permanent
job in the IT Industry and later on continue to pursue getting my Network A+
Certificate.
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
Julius Gammad, 22, Toronto
Internship: Davenport-Perth Community Centre
Before I joined NPower, I was hanging around at home most of the time. I
had been going on interviews but I was not receiving any responses. Most
positions I would apply for would tell me that I needed more experience. So
one day, while I was browsing online for jobs, I saw NPower on a community
centre website, and after researching it, I signed up. I joined because I want to
expand and focus my technical knowledge, and hopefully gain employment in
a field that I excel in. Along the way, I made a lot of friends and connections.
My self-esteem flourished because of NPower professional development. I am
really thankful for being accepted into this program. It helped me grow and
gain a lot of knowledge and training. Hopefully 10-15 years from now, I will be
a System Administrator or Network Administrator then attend an alumni event
or be a guest speaker so that I can share my stories to the future generations
taking the NPower-TSC program. More power to NPower!
Laxman Gnanendran, 24, Scarborough
Internship: TAO Solutions
Before NPower, I spent about three years in University doing an arts program
that never fit me. I was lost and decided to pull the plug on University. So
I found a job in Security; a job that didn’t fit and never challenged what I
thought I was capable of. I did however enjoy the company of my coworkers.
We spent a lot of time dreaming of our future but never having the courage to
step out of our comfort zone, and this kept me there for well over two years.
Recognizing that I had a spark for technology, I applied to a three-year college
level IT program and was accepted to start in January 2015. The problem was,
I couldn’t afford it. When I first heard of the NPower program through a radio
station, I thought it sounded too good to be true but applied anyway. Since
then, my time in the program has been nothing short of magical. Our site
tours and guest speakers have been monumental in helping me figure out a
path in the IT industry. NPower has given me a broomstick, an owl, box full of
every flavor beans and a train full of friends. I could not be any happier and
excited for my journey. Thank you.
Jaleesha Husbands, 23, Brampton
Internship: Cisco
I have always had a passion and fascination for technology ever since I was
a child. This passion led me to obtain a diploma in Electronics Engineering
Technology, but after I graduated I had a difficult time finding a job in my
field. I saw a posting for the Technology Service Corps program and I decided
that I would apply, and applying for this program was the best decision that I
have made for myself! I have gained so much knowledge from this program
in such a short amount of time. This program not only taught me about the
technical side of IT but also the professional side. I have gained so much more
confidence within myself and I am truly grateful for this experience. Thank you
to all the NPower staff for always helping and encouraging me. I am looking
forward for what the future holds!
npowercanada.ca
Shahriar Imran, 24, Toronto
Employed: FedEx Canada
Before joining NPower, my life was at a crossroads. Desperate for full-time
employment in a skilled field of work in order to complete my immigration to
Canada, I found employment opportunities few and far between especially
given my lack of work experience. As the clock rapidly wound down on my
time in Canada, the opportunity to join the Technology Service Corps (TSC)
presented itself in the most unexpected of ways. Since then, life has dramatically changed. NPower has provided me the practical skills and certification
to start a career in Information Technology while giving me the opportunity to
meet and network with established professionals in the field. My future plans
after graduating TSC is to grow within the field of IT and continue my education in Development.
Sinthujan Kukarasaiyar, 18, Toronto
Internship: Magnet
Before I joined NPower I was a 1st year university student who had very little knowledge about technology and didn’t have a clear path for my career.
I developed an interest in IT in grade 12 when I joined a youth leadership
program called BCG Spark Lab where I learned about entrepreneurship and
planned a small social venture in a group. Once I joined NPower, with the help
I gained from the staff and the students, I got a clear goal for my future as well
as knowledge on hardware, software and how to network with people. I’ve
really enjoyed my internship with Magnet at Ryerson’s DMZ and appreciate
the innovative environment. I’ve been inspired to potentially pursue a career
in web development or quality assurance and I am excited to see what the
future holds.
Peggy Lee, 23, Toronto
Employed: Synnex Canada
I always had an interest in technology and was fascinated with the many versatile functions in which people interact with computers. However, I didn’t understand the fundamentals of technology. I instinctively grabbed the opportunity to advance my technological skills when I first heard about the NPower
program from a youth employment center. It was a difficult feat trying to balance this program while completing my post-secondary degree, but it was
made possible with the aid of peers and staff at NPower. By sharing the same
passion for technology, we enhanced each other’s strengths while mitigating
our weaknesses and pushed forward for the finish line. My plan after NPower
is further improving my skills, staying in contact with my new peers and setting
a prime example for future NPower candidates!
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
Khalid Mahamed, 25, Brampton
Internship: United Way Toronto
Before joining NPower, I was attending York University and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Going from high school where everything is
monitored to University at the age of 17 was something I wasn’t ready for and
at the time I struggled with the balance of school and pleasure. Realizing I was
not making the best decisions in life, I decided to take a break and went to
Egypt for 6 months. During that time, I was able to reflect on my life, become
more grounded and redirect my focus. Upon my return, the first thing I did
was make a promise to work hard despite any challenges. I joined NPower to
pursue a career in IT and get hands on experience. My passion for technology is always growing because there’s always something new to learn and it’s
always advancing. This program and my experience on internship has helped
me so much with my knowledge in hardware, software and networking.
Ghisele Mathiabo, 22, Toronto
Internship: City of Toronto – Toronto Employment and
Social Services
Before I enrolled with NPower, I was in college taking Business Finance. Due
to financial reasons, I decided to leave college and work two fulltime jobs,
mainly in restaurants. I decided to join NPower because I wanted to learn
more about technology and because I am fascinated by how technology is
always changing. My experience throughout the Technology Service Corps
(TSC) was fantastic because I learned the basics of hardware, software and
networking. I met great, smart people and Mr. Waljee is the best. I appreciate
all of the NPower staff for believing in me and helping me come this far. My
plan after NPower is to gain more hands on experience in the IT sector and
probably go back to school to pursue accounting to have the best of both
worlds: business and technology.
Leonie McCleary, 24, North York
Internship: Virgin Mobile
Before I started NPower my life was on ‘pause’. A traumatic family experience
changed my priorities from my studies in Health and Society at York University to dealing with the situation at hand. I also no longer wanted to pursue
nursing and didn’t see what career path a study of the social science of health
would lead me to. I started exploring new paths and then I was introduced
to NPower Canada. Since being in this program, I have learned so many skills
in IT and professional development that are invaluable. What fascinates me
about technology is it is ever evolving and changes rapidly. My future plan is
to combine my prior health studies with my new interest in IT by finishing my
undergraduate studies in Health Infomatics. I always had a passion to support
and care for people and pursuing a career in IT will still allow me to do that
by contributing to advancements that will support people by adding convenience, flexibility and mobility to someone’s user experience. I look forward to
what new beginnings life is going to bring.
npowercanada.ca
El Roi Pablo, 22, Pickering
Internship: Cisco
In April 2014, I completed Software Engineering and Interactive Gaming at
Centennial College. At first, I was searching for a job coding and programming, but after half a year of looking, I thought to myself that I need to explore what else there is for me in the IT field. A friend of mine had referred
me to NPower since he was not in the required age group of the program and
thought that I would have a better chance in succeeding and to get my foot
on the door in the IT field. NPower has helped me in so many ways such as
preparing me to get my A+ certificate and for my interviews, learning different
roles in the IT field, and extending my network through friends I met in the
program, site visits, and guest speakers. Joining NPower has been truly one
of the best decisions I made in my life.
Dornel Phillips, 25, Toronto
Internship: Compass Group
Like many Canadians, my journey in Canada began as a newcomer. I came to
Canada with the dream of not only obtaining, but achieving more than I would
in my place of birth. I was born in Guyana and came to Canada at the age of 9.
Over the years, I discovered I was a person who had many interests and technology, especially new ones, was one of them. Before becoming a member of
the TSC class in Canada, I attended university for business. After graduation,
like many of my peers, I was unable to find proper employment. I started to
work part time with youth which in itself is rewarding. It was at that job I was
introduced to this opportunity. When I started at NPower I knew more than
average about computers, but being part of this program has increased my
knowledge by leaps and bounds. The technical training has been great, but
the networking, site visits, guest speakers and professional development have
also been invaluable. I want to say being part of this program has opened so
many doors for me. Doors I wasn’t always privy to. I plan to further my education, as well as my presence in the technology and business field as the two go
hand in hand. Thank you NPower, my teacher and classmates.
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
Ammarah Rana, 23, Toronto
Internship: Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood
Community Health Centre
I moved to Canada three years ago from Pakistan. Before I was introduced to
NPower’s Technology Services Corps (TSC) program, I was unemployed, inexperienced and confused about what exactly I wanted to do. I was out of high
school for five years, looking for different educational and job opportunities
and feeling like I was not doing enough. I was looking for a chance to grow
and explore my personal potential and to learn more about everything. I have
been interested in technology all my life in one way or another, whether it be
working with computers or other devices. So when I was introduced to this
program from my employment coach, it caught my attention and I decided to
join it instantly. It was the best decision I have ever made. Everything changed
the day I came to the class for the first time. TSC has provided me with all the
necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to succeed not only in the IT field
but also in life. I met great people and made beautiful friends. Andrew, Karim,
Joanna, Stephanie, Heather and Julia are the best people and a perfect team.
I appreciate all the NPower staff and my fellow students for sharing their wisdom with me. After getting my A+ certification and graduating from TSC, I
plan to start college, take Security+ certification, become a project manager
and get more fame than Bill Gates.
Tariq Rend, 22, Toronto
Internship: Infrastructure Ontario
Graduating from NPower Canada, I have definitely gained more valuable work
experience and technical knowledge than most of my years at University. Prior
to completing the Technology Service Corps program, I was just a regular student pursing a regular degree with no job to gain experience and not enough
experience to land a job. However, during the program, I was equipped with
priceless insights from relevant speakers, opportunities through notable companies associated with NPower, and the colossal amount of support from the
instructors and staff working for our own professional development. After being in a class of genuinely motivated students, that environment has forever
shaped my future ambitions for the better. After graduation, I plan on pursing
a business idea that will allow me to Pay It Forward to others. Thank You
NPower for pushing me in the right direction.
npowercanada.ca
Emmanuel Wilson-Jeffers, 24, Mississauga
Internship: Office of the Vice President, Research and
Innovation, Ryerson
Before coming to NPower I was working in various part-times jobs and trying
to navigate a career path. I have always had a passion for information technology but was unable to get into the field. I was extremely happy to learn about
the NPower program for young adults, and I saw it as an opportunity to get a
foothold in this field. I am impressed by the dedication of NPower staff, who
trained and mentored my class in this program. I am working hard to gain my
A+ certification, work experience and plan to continue studying IT in college.
Thank you NPower for creating this wonderful opportunity for me.
Abdelsabour Mahamat Zene, 22, Toronto
Internship: Ministry of Community and Social Services
Before this Program, I was attending Seneca College and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Technology. Once I complete NPower
Canada’s Technology Service Corps and get my A+ certification, I will finish
getting my degree. I joined NPower Canada because it’s a great way to get
my foot in a career in IT and some great hands on experience. I love technology because there’s always change and new material to be learned throughout
the years which make it exciting. This program has helped me learn the basic
skills I need to become an IT Technician (for example, hardware, software and
networking). I have also improved my interview and presentation skills.
history of success
80%
■ Graduation rate
■ Of alumni working and/or in school
Since its founding in 2001, 900+ students have graduated from
the Technology Service Corps training program.
corporate partners
Corporate support for Technology Service Corps has increased
dramatically in the last year, highlighted by by the engagement
of a growing number of Fortune 500 companies.
employment
Job placements and internships are rising with Technology
Service Corps students now working at leading organizations
in public, private, and non-profit sectors.
growth
We are committed to expanding Technology Service Corps to
serve even more young adults. The growth and success of
Technology Service Corps is seen in richer curriculum, higher
graduation and employment rates, and expansion to regions
across the U.S. and Canada.
npowercanada.ca
Tech skills. Opportunities.
Brighter Futures.
#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS
Thank you for partnering with us and sponsoring an intern
Accenture
Bullfrog Power
CDI
Cisco
City of Toronto
Compass Group
Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre
Deloitte
Dixon Hall
Healthy Minds Canada
Infrastructure Ontario
Magnet
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ryerson Centre for Cloud and Context-Aware Computing (RC4)
Synnex Canada
TAO Solutions
TD
United Way Toronto
Virgin Mobile Canada
Thank you for hosting Class 1 Graduation
Accenture
Cisco
TD
npowercanada.ca
Thank you to our volunteers
Accenture
Anthony C. Espiritu
Caroline G. Gayle
Dean Foroglou
Elizabeth Fletcher
Josef Hrebik
Mashal Kara
Miranda Rutherford
Neeraj K. Goel Paul Bruch
Paul Singh
Preston Szeto
SafdarMahmood
Stephen Gardiner
Thomas Kim
Bell Canada
Brittani Jarvis
Nicole Baxter
Brainhunter
City of Toronto
Rhonda Britton
Tina Scott
CivicAction
Hilary Best
Sevaun Palvetzian
Deloitte
Paul Klysen
Digital Media Zone
KirstynDeVries
Stacy Woloschuk
Government of Ontario
Chris West
Hitachi Canada
Glen Lomond
Gordon Martin
John Mehrmann
Lalitha Raavi
LinkedIn Canada
Cisco
Marketwired
Alice Okundaye
Allison Dunlap
Bernadette Wightman
Derek Bailey
Jeff Sweeney
Jeffrey Maddox
Justin Chin-You
Karl Goddard
Mushfique Khan
Rachel De Abreu
Rohan Karamandi
Ryan Boyle
Samantha Yiu
Willa Black
Jonathan Baldock
Kishan Salgado
Patrick Bowen
Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation
Michael “Pinball” Clemons
Modis
Sandra Ford
Royal Bank of Canada
Tiffany Smye
Ryerson University
Ron Babin
Shannon Dyck
Virgin Mobile Canada
Alison Bishop
Angela Au
Chris Delladonne
Daniel Rodrigues
Daniela Yanez
Floyd Rocha
Gregory Hegger
Gwen Shen
Joanne Kviring
Jonathan Joseph
Joseph Ottorino
Justin Carreiro
Kevin Campbell
Lisa French
Lucy Gao
Melissa Keszthelyi
Mirjana Mostic
Rahim Lalani
Sadi Chowdhury
Selena Powers
Sheryl Davey Kerametlian
Tegan Monaco
Virendra Bhrarani
Zina Sotoodeh
Founding Partners:
c/o Diversity Institute, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St. Toronto ON M5B 2K3
@npowercanada
npowercanada.ca