Caught in a vicious cycle of working seven years in various retail positions, Mikenzhie felt unfulfilled and longed for more. She wanted a high-quality career but didn’t know how to pivot or where to start to begin this new career she couldn’t fully imagine. When she was introduced to the NPower program, Mikenzhie knew this was her escape from retail and a stepping stone into a career where she would be able to maximize her full potential. The nights of studying and applying herself paid off as Mikenzie graduated and launched her tech career with an apprenticeship with the Baltimore Community Help Desk.

With the new-found confidence Mikenzhie gained since joining the program, she has not only become the tech professional she knew she could be but has also served many members in the Baltimore community. Never settling and constantly pushing herself out of her comfort zone, Mikenzhie has since been promoted to Team Lead of the NPower Community Help Desk where she is helping to bridge the digital divide by providing communities with digital access through tech support.

“Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith, especially if you want to take a huge pivot and are currently stagnant. There’s nothing wrong with being different and trying different things. Surround yourself with people that are taking the path you want to take. Don’t be afraid to network, don’t be shy, just try your best because no one’s perfect. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for help! If I didn’t ask, I wouldn’t have gotten my current opportunity in the Baltimore Community Help Desk!” – Mikenzhie Smith