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.