As a high school student with high hopes for an athletic future, Dashawn’s path was redirected when he discovered he was going to be a father. After a string of unsuccessful jobs, he decided to enroll in an IT training program that helped him secure an entry-level IT position. Motivated by his desire to provide financial stability for his family, Dashawn searched for additional technical training and credentialing opportunities that would help position him for a high-wage career. That’s when he found NPower.

Dashawn was caught in a vicious cycle of unfulfilling, dead-end jobs with no clear direction for his future. During a moment of clarity, he realized that he didn’t want to continue down this path and needed to make a change for himself and his family. Recalling his keen interest in technology, Dashawn made the decision to turn that spark of passion into a career. He discovered and enrolled in NPower Maryland’s Tech Fundamentals Program and credits the quality training, the instructor support, the professional development, and the career guidance is what made the difference in his journey.

Dashawn has taken full advantage of this opportunity and is currently enrolled in NPower’s National Cybersecurity Program. He continues to remain open to additional opportunities to learn through NPower. Dashawn continues to grow as an emerging tech leader within the Baltimore community as an active NPower alumni ambassador, sharing his journey to inspire others that tech can be a career possibility and in his role at Under Armour as an Information Technology Help Desk Analyst.

Earlier this year, Dashawn was recognized as a Rising Star NPower Alumni Honoree for his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the State of Maryland’s technology industry at NPower Maryland’s inaugural Tech Leaders Salute Luncheon.

“Thank you for making NPower possible, you’re helping young individuals get to the next level for their family and to provide for that family. It’s not just a gift, it’s bigger – it’s something way bigger.”