Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Pepsico Foundation Uplift Testimonials

2023 Testimonials

Martin Ruiz – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I was born to immigrant parents who instilled in me a deep respect for education, because of this I have been working from a young age and learning both in and out of institutes of higher education. I was on an academic track to a specific job market, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to realize that I wanted to explore and learn in other areas. This award will help me do just that.
This program will aid me in molding my future into one where I am not just productive, but also adding to and maintaining our collective virtual history, and by extension everything else. You have my heartfelt thanks.

Jay (Johannes) Charles – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am a full-time employee, and this grant will provide the opportunity and lay the foundation for a new career path.
The PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholars will alleviate financial barriers and providing financial freedom to focus on the pathway of becoming certified in COMPIA+ (Entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Program). Partnering with Westchester Community College gives students like myself the opportunity to be a part of something amazing and someday help other students become inspired to help others.

Lianne Leslie CompTIA DATA+ Certification candidate

As the youngest child of two immigrants from Jamaica and Guyana, I always considered education to be an absolute necessity for success. My parents held that a degree would benefit me more long term than anything else. One thing my mother learned: “Gold and silver will vanish away, but an education will never lead you astray”. My family originates from the city, where I attended Brooklyn Technical High School until COVID shut everything down. Then we moved out of the city to Mahopac.

I’m currently studying Environmental Science at WCC, with an interest in atmospheric science as well as data science. I plan to apply to a program at the University of Washington taking place later in the summer and then transfer to a four-year university and graduate with my bachelor’s degree.

Sean Muschett -CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am extremely proud to receive this award and hope to capitalize on this opportunity by paying it forward to fellow awardees. This letter is a token of my sincere gratitude to Pepsi. Co. for the opportunity they gave me to participate in this IT program through their generous grant.

I am thirty-six years old born in the Bronx, NY, raised by a single mother. I attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. for 2 years, had some struggles and left prematurely. I will work diligently to complete all the requirements of the course and hopefully I will be able to impart what I learn to the benefit of my community. I opportunity. I promise to make the most of it.

Marcela Barros DaSilva- CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I was ecstatic to learn that you wanted to be a part of my educational journey, and I am happy that you chose me to receive your gift.

I’m writing to express my gratitude for the great scholarship you’ve given me. I am grateful to you for making my goals come true. Your contribution has allowed me to concentrate on my studies rather than being distracted by financial concerns and I will pursuit new carrier path on Information Technology Field.

You will hear from me again in the future as I continue my studies to became a Software Engineer and eventually pursue even bigger steps towards new opportunities to change my life as an immigrant chasing her dreams to a brighter future.

Thank you once again for giving me the finances I require to attend the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship at Westchester Community College. You are influencing the future!

Mia Harvey- CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am 19 years old and I live in White Plains ,NY. Being a part of gen Z means my hand in technology was very early. I have a very involved mother and family who supported and nurtured any interest, like taking me to

BlackGirlsCODE workshops or coming to my track meets. My fascination with technology was instant. But not from just using devices and appliances but wondering how these things work and how to fix things myself.

I wish to take the CompTIA A+ to fix computers. Also to gain my certification in hopes of becoming employed as a computer technician in a good paying job. The importance of this course and of all educational settings is to provide relevant, accurate and comprehensible information. Some would argue “google it” is the answer but having a teacher who is well informed and trained is going to provide not only unbiased information but also mentor you
and help you become a critical thinker. When I pass the test for the CompTIA+ cert I will have the basic knowledge and intuition I will need to be a computer technician. I see myself going back to college to get a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. My goal now is to be well-informed in troubleshooting and repairing computers but I know eventually I will branch out to cybersecurity or fiber optics.

Glena R. Dias-Bajjo – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

As stated by Author Mr. Laurence Boldt, “Good Intentions are not enough; commitment and sacrifice are necessary”. The commitment you have demonstrated to providing the financial resource to higher learning is a blessing for myself and my family. I am originally from the West Indies and as a family of life-long learners, I embrace this opportunity with both hands and sincere gratitude. My dad was also a Computer Programmer, he lived and worked in the U.K. It was always asked of me ”why not follow in dad’s footsteps”? Now I am being given the opportunity to fulfill that lifelong dream, I have chosen the IT Help Desk Technician Comp TIA A+ program. As a single parent raising two wonderful college young ladies, one of whom just graduated with her Computer Science Degree and my other daughter who is visually impaired but computer savvy, they are indeed my driving force. I am building a better future for them as I create a stronger foundation for myself. This will be a wonderful addition to my AAS in Hospitality Management. I am extremely grateful, my future will be brighter as I plan to continue my career in IT either in Cyber Security or AI. This is a life changer, thank you so much PepsiCo.

Lesly Hernandez – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

Your generosity and commitment are exactly the kind of involvement that is needed to support those students who would like to further their education and thrive. Recently, I have decided to switch careers from human resources to information technology. This change took a lot of processing and thought. It was a big change and a step for me to find a career I am interested in and see myself building a lengthy career.

This award has helped me manage important goals, one of them being that I will be able to focus and manage the entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Program without having financial stress. A second goal is elevating my skills and comprehension so that I can gain and excel in my knowledge in order to succeed in this field.

Frank Olavarrieta – Python Programming Series

I am from Elizabeth, New Jersey. I graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2013 with a Master of Science in Network Security. In my spare time I like to find new security projects.
When I transitioned to my professional career, I unfortunately did not enter a cybersecurity role for which I had prepared, but I instead found several great network engineer opportunities. These gave me the chance to build a solid foundation of the core IT building blocks. I would like to transition to a cybersecurity focused role. SUNY WCC’s Python Programming course and certification can give me what I need to bring my career to the next level and allow me to land a cybersecurity analyst position and hopefully climb up to a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) in a few years.

Jamal Sharpe – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I was born in Atlanta GA and lived there for my childhood days through elementary school. I came to New York with my family when middle school started and that is also when my interest in technology came about. I started off with simple windows troubleshooting in that time just for myself. Later in high school I moved into iPhone repairs for people in my school and family members. I also did computer battery replacements, RAM, and Hard drive upgrades and more. I think this is the perfect time for a new career doing something that I enjoy. This will heighten my chances of finding a new career in a new area of expertise. I will be able to finally chase something that I’ve been thinking about for years. My big goal is to take multiple certifications from CompTIA working up to Security+.

Raul Cortez – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am 34 years old from New Rochelle, NY. I live with my wife and 2 boys between the ages of 5 and 9. I currently work in the food and beverage hospitality industry working as a waiter in the evening. I have always had an interest with technology and working with computers since a young age.

Recently I have been interested in changing my career and expanding my knowledge in the computer science field. Programs and education like this are important to me because it is a gateway to higher knowledge and better opportunity for great paying careers. Being awarded with this program will not only change my life, but it will also change my family’s life. It will give me better insight in the computer and tech field, as well as a chance to gain knowledge in new skills that I have always aspired to acquire. It will compensate me and give me a better chance of providing for my family and myself in better and more fulfilling ways.

In the future I see myself working in a hybrid/office like environment. I see myself networking and providing new avenues in the IT field for myself and others. This assistance feels like a profound and gracious moment in my life which I know will guide me to pay it forward and give back to someone who is aspiring to work in the same field as me.

Kwame Anyane-Yeboa – Python Programming Series

I have lived in the Lower Hudson Valley for several years. I am the son of immigrants from West Africa. My parents always believed that hard work and education the key to success in life. They always instilled in me the joy of learning and using my skills to achieve my goals.

Education is important because it’s through education and diligence that person may not only prosper, but also, help the community as a whole prosper.

I hope to use the skills I develop to start a career at a leading tech company. In ten years from now, I hope to work on exciting technology projects that will change the way of life for the community around me.

Franco Navarro – Python Programming Series

I am a full-time employee for Westchester County Dept. of Social Services Medicaid unit since 2007. I came to the United States from Peru in 1998 with my brother and parents. I got my associate’s degree in accounting from WCC, then got my bachelor’s degree from Concordia College New York.

Education is important because it gives you the opportunity to excel in this highly competitive world. I chose to take the Python Programming course because it is one of the most in-demand programming languages out there. In the future, I would like to change careers and get a job where I utilize Python on a daily basis.

Bilali Drame – CompTIA DATA+ Certification candidate

I grew up the eldest in a family of seven. My parents did not receive a formal education, so they could not be of much help with schoolwork. As soon as I could write and read, I helped my younger siblings with their schoolwork and being a role model. I appreciated every bit of these moments because I knew how much of a positive impact it had on our family. I wanted to make my family proud and inspire my younger siblings to reach their full potential.

I joined the military to serve my country and to afford myself certain privileges. The military taught me discipline and integrity, and these things have enhanced my decision-making skills and the importance of having a solid network of like-minded people. I wish to be able to accomplish my goals and dreams and to be an inspiration to others. Thank you for believing in me.

Daisy Barbecho – CompTIA DATA+ Certification candidate

I come from a family of humble beginnings in Giron, Ecuador. My parents migrated to the United States solely to raise a family with opportunities that were not financially possible back home. Facing difficult barriers such as understanding the English language, my parents chose industrial jobs such as housekeeping, construction, and carpentry. If it were not for my parents’ persistence, I would have not ended up with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Clarkson University with grants and scholarship funding.

Currently, I am working at a law firm on the finance team. I yearn to explore a career path in IT. My children are getting older, and the right time is now to do something for myself. I know I will look back many years at this exact moment, and be able to say to my kids, no matter what age, you can pursue your dreams even though obstacles in your life may say otherwise.

Thank you for providing this opportunity. I know once I pass the certification exam, I will be qualified and capable to apply to IT Business Analysts positions. It is no longer a thought but most likely a grand possibility.

Justin Bernard – Adobe Illustrator Certification

I am currently in my sophomore year at Westchester Community College. I live in Monroe, New York, am 19 years old, and I began my studies here in September 2021. I am aiming to graduate in the winter semester of this year.

I am interested in becoming a UX/UI designer and working my way up to be a UX strategist or researcher in the future. What makes this major unique for me is the resources allocated to the students from the college. Westchester Community College wants its students to succeed in their careers. I’m fluent in adobe photoshop, XD, InDesign, illustrator, and Figma. I believe this certification will build my knowledge of Illustrator and strengthen my design thinking. I seek to find an internship in the future, to feel prepared to enter the market. I’m excited to see what I can bring to the table.

Christian Ramirez – Adobe Illustrator Certification

I am 23 years old with Dominican roots. My parents came to this country when they were 18 years old, and they have made it their mission to strive and prosper. That motivates me every day to become the best version of myself. I enjoy reading and creating poster designs.

I believe that education is the key to unlocking one’s full potential and achieving success in life. This scholarship has not only provided me with the financial support I need to pursue my studies, but it has also given me the motivation to work harder and strive for excellence in everything I do. I see myself getting into web design, graphic design, and 3D editing.

Samuel Giraldo – Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop Certification

I am a student from Colombia. Education is the most important tool to get where you always have dreamed to be. I will have the opportunity to be admitted in better job positions and to receive a higher salary. All of this will let me succeed in life the way I have always dreamed. I see myself as a successful professional working one day for a company like PepsiCo.

Janvalsi Petit – CompTIA DATA+ Certification candidate

I grew up in a Haitian household. My brothers and I were constantly impelled to further our education. By the grace of God and hard-working parents, we were all able to finish college. I now have a wife and two daughters. I want to set an example for my family.

Every year, my father puts time and effort into preparing his garden. I would ask what motivates you? His response was “the fruits of my labor.” The garden is full of life, a vast range of colors, flowers, birds, creatures, and animals even the unwanted bugs or animals that aren’t invited are present. This knowledge is like a lost language and recovered with every effort of labor. Wisdom is hidden in all things especially nature and the unwanted animals or creatures are the mistakes, unwelcome racoons or skunks which allows us to revamp different strategies. They can sometimes destroy certain crops. My father taught me the foundation to applying labor so my plants may grow and later be harvested. Learning to problem solve is the key to opening doors.

I want to create a cleaner diagram for information to be used better. I currently work with students at a middle school and clarity is essential. Students cannot read graphs and struggle without the proper aid and enthusiasm. I have the ambition to help others organize, by ensuring a better relationship with ideas problem solving and creating templates.

Claudio Pauta – Python Programming Series

I came from Ecuador when I was a child, presented with many challenges from language barriers to new culture and hardships that my family and I encountered. I have an associate degree in computer network administration and want to continue my education in the Networking and Cybersecurity fields.

I’m currently working at Owl Cyber Defense as Electronic Development Technician. While working at Owl Cyber Defense LLC, I have been involved in many development projects for Government Agencies; (Army, Navy, FAA, etc.), Aerospace; (Boeing), and Security Assurance companies; (AtSec, TUV). I believe the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship will help me achieve my goals and contribute positively to my current and future responsibilities within the company.

Stephanie Serrano – Professional QuickBooks Online Training Certification

I am a 52-year-old married Latina as well as a retired Captain from the New York City Department of Correction. During my 20 years with the NYCDOC, I held various administrative positions and maintained financial data with confidentiality and integrity.

I plan to use the Professional QuickBooks Online Training Program to become a financial manager so I can help businesses improve their financial management and make profitable, long-term decisions and succeed.

Manaury Reyes – Intro to Machine Learning and Data Science

I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, oldest of three. My younger brother is also pursuing a cybersecurity education and I’d like to continue being his mentor. Our mom has always inspired us to go after our dreams and help others. I look forward to making her proud.

I am in the process of finishing my last class to complete my Associates Degree in Cybersecurity and have already obtained my Certificate in Cybersecurity from Westchester Community College. I plan to pursue a career in Ethical Hacking and Cloud Security. On my free time I continued my studies and obtained the Microsoft Azure Fundamental Certification. I am currently working on completing the CompTIA Security+ Certification and Ethical Hacking Certification. With the Introduction to Python Programing course, I will be another step closer to pursuing my dream career, thanks to the efforts of this scholarship.

Niurka Alcantara – Professional QuickBooks Online Training w/Certification

I am a second-generation immigrant from Dominican Republic, mother of three, a wife and believer of God. I arrived in this country in 2010 with my two oldest children. The Professional QuickBooks online training will provide me with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in bookkeeping. One of my dreams is to have my own business providing bookkeeping services.

I promise to give back to the community, just as you have done for me, by helping others achieve their dreams through acts of kindness and support. Your belief in me motivates me to work harder and strive for excellence.

Mayra Anguisaca Lazo – Professional QuickBooks Online Training w/Certification

I’m currently a business administrations graduate, with a cosmetology license. The professional Quick Books program offered will help with my home improvement business, and adding Quick Books knowledge in my resume will help me improve a lot when searching for a job.

Cemoy Clarke – Python Programming Series

Over the last few years, I’ve been working in transportation, driving tractor trailers and covering a large portion of the East Coast. This role has taught me numerous lessons about reliability, time management, and resilience. Simultaneously, I’ve been privileged to curate joy and inspiration as a church pianist, which gives me a platform for my emotions and creativity.

As a devoted father to two daughters, I am driven to further secure a brighter future for my family and provide them with better opportunities. I will be participating in Python Programming Parts 1, 2, and 3 – Exam Preparation, which will be a significant step towards starting my career as a Data Analyst with a focus on Python.

Angel Contreras – Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop Certification

I live with my family in a small apartment and even when they are both busy, they are always there to give me support.

As I am nearing the end of my last semester here at Westchester Community College, I have grown an appreciation for my professors and the counselors. I have been studying in Interactive Technologies and I feel that my education back when I was a kid has reflected into the future when I came to Westchester Community College. I am pursuing my dream and entering the Adobe Illustrator Professional Certification Program.

I can see myself making media that can entertain many people. Any media, which revolves around video games, animation, websites, is what I want to show what can be entertaining around the world. Making others happy is what makes me happy. And once I have achieved that, I feel like my life has been complete.

Samson Desamour – CompTIA DATA+ Certification candidate

Ever since childhood, I was drawn to health care with the goal of helping people. Then, the tremendous tragedy of the earthquake happened in my home county of Haiti and put everyone in peril. Almost every building collapsed and disappeared in the capital city, Port-au-Prince, causing a huge loss of lives. At this moment, it occurred to me that if I were a health care professional, I could have helped saving someone’s life. Life in Haiti can be difficult because of the severe poverty and lack of education. Personally, it was even harder because of obstacles within my family: Illiteracy, lack of income versus the numerous mouths to feed etc. I grew up in a poor farming community where fairly ten percent of the population had some high school education. I am from a family of seven children, and I am the third child. I am the first to have obtained a college degree. Despite so many hurdles and impediments, I remained hopeful that my life would change.

In sixth grade, I discovered my mother couldn’t read or write. She never had the chance to go to school. I vowed to try my hardest and obtain the education she never had. This became my dream, as a 12-year-old. Being educated to me carries the significance of becoming “eyes” for my mother.

In seventh grade, my English teacher, Monsieur Duclona, inspired me to work on my vocabulary and constantly learn new words on my own. By high school, I had taught myself enough English to translate for American medical teams who came to Haiti after the earthquake. I was exposed to people who dedicated their lives to help other people. I was fascinated by their work and the science behind it. My dreams took shape.

I was able to continue my education in Haiti with the support of an American sponsor and graduated from high school. That day was not only an achievement for myself but also my family and my village. My journey in the United States has been a long and arduous one, but through determination and a strong belief system, I have begun to see my dreams coming true. In 2015 I graduated from Westchester Community College with an associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social Science. I transferred to St. John’s University where I graduated with a bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration and human Services.

Currently, I work as a Logistic Analyst for the Afya Foundation of America Inc., a non-profit organization that rescues Surplus/Unused medical supplies and send them to third world countries where they are lacking. A big part of our focus is responding to natural disasters and war affected countries. Part of what I do at Afya is data tracking for internal and external reports. Intro to Data Analytics with CompTIA Data+ Certification: the skills I will be acquiring will play a huge role in my dreams becoming true.

Christian Gomez – Adobe Illustrator Certification

I’m a Dominican, African American attending WCC, majoring in an Interactive Technologies degree. I’ve always been infatuated with my creativity and my ability to make things. I’ve done as much as I can in with art, video editing, writing, and most recently 3D design, and work with Illustrator and the Adobe Cloud software.

The Adobe Illustrator certification program will help me out in my future with Graphic Design, to make something of my creativity, as well as give people a
sense of brevity from life. One side effect I love is having people be invested or entranced. Life is a very hard cycle for a lot of people, and if I’m able to express an emotion that captures the viewer, it means the world to me.

Maxwell A. Kogan – Adobe Illustrator Certification

Art and creativity has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Everyone in my family has a form of artistic passion. Both my parents are writers, my older sibling is a singer and chef, and my younger brother a burgeoning artist. I incorporate important aspects of my upbringing into my work. I’ve lived most of my life in New York, moving around a lot mostly within Harlem and the Bronx, and alternating between living with my mom and dad. That, in conjunction with my heritage of being both Black and Jewish, has influenced the way I create art meant to interact with the world.

I am always looking to learn about things I’m passionate about. My hope is to work in design, or at the least an adjacent industry using what I’ve learned to tell stories with my visuals and art.

Cristal Martinez – Adobe Illustrator Certification

I am a full-time college student born in the Bronx and my major is Fashion design & technology. I have always drawn since I was a kid and I still do but this time I wanted to design my own sketches digitally by using Adobe and with art & designing different types of textiles digitally like flat t-shirts.

I am into designing digital sketches. It is unique, doing what I have done to improve that and along with my discipline to learn how to be a boss and to not be afraid of learning new things even when you make mistakes, but that is the entire process in life.

Monica Coaxum – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I’m excited and eager to be receiving the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship to help support my studies as a member of spring 2023 CompTIA A+ Entry level IT Help Desk Tech. I’m 36 years young and have a beautiful, intelligent 17-year-old daughter. I began my career in 2003 as a Nursing Assistant caring for geriatric people. My time spent in the nursing home was fulfilling since it allowed me to repay the folks who had so generously shared their knowledge and experience with us. I provided quality care to the residents by giving them their daily needs, such as feeding, bathing, and cleaning. I eventually attended Westchester Community College in 2010 and graduated with a degree in liberal arts with a focus on social science. Uncertain of my plans, I took the civil service exam and was hired as an NYC Correction Officer in 2016. I transitioned into the criminal justice system and began working with numerous individuals incarcerated. Moving on, I returned to school and earned a 3.8 GPA while earning my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at John Jay College in 2020. My education up to this point would not have been possible if it wasn’t for organizations like PepsiCo Foundation awarding financial aid to students who wish to further their career. The path I have taken has been rewarding thus far, however this past year I realized the criminal justice system was not for me, and I resigned from the Dept of Corrections to pursue my education in the Technology at Westchester Community College.
I have always been the one to expand on my learning and switch career’s when opportunities present, however money has been a financial burden on me and like so many others. As I go on this next journey into the tech world it would not have been without your generous help. I appreciate everything you are doing for people, such as myself who financially can’t afford it. Your donation enables myself to focus on my program and not stress the money aspect. So many times, money is what stops most people from obtaining many great things in life. Receiving this Scholarship is a great honor and privilege. I can’t express enough how much you have alleviated my financial worries. I want you to know I will make the best of this opportunity and when I get the chance, I will pay it forward because you inspire me to do so.

Daisy Arias Bautista – Adobe Illustrator Certification

I am incredibly grateful to have gotten the news regarding my acceptance. Throughout my college experience, being able to improve my skills has been an honor. I am incredibly excited to be able to learn more about Adobe Illustrator with my fellow students. Currently, I am in Animation and Design for the Interactive Technologies major. It’s been a dream of mine to work in a creative field. Ever since I was a child, my parents have always seen me drawing. When it comes to my work, I try to incorporate my own experience and culture. As a first-generation Latin American, I want to keep my love for my community visible. I write my characters experiencing similar events in my life to drawing art that shows my emotion and mind space. I am hoping that this workshop will help bring my art to new heights.

I am the second person to go to college and will soon complete it. I want to study as much as possible to accomplish my goals and go above and beyond. This award will significantly change my life in a multitude of ways. One example would be finally understanding how to use Adobe Illustrator to its fullest potential. Knowing Illustrator is incredibly important, as it is a professional-level program. Along with this, other similar apps like Photoshop and Animate will become easier to understand as well. The knowledge gained from this workshop will definitely help me understand the programs. Lastly, I see this helping me in the future. I see myself in a studio creating works I love. I will be able to create more and upgrade my skills. I can help friends or customers with commissions and creative design. With this workshop, I am prepared for the classes and will learn to the best of my abilities.

Jherry Ramirez – Excel + Professional QuickBooks Online Training w/Certification

I am a Peruvian-born artist who immigrated to the United States at the age of five. I have spent most of my life in Westchester, and in 2015, I moved to Brooklyn to attend Pratt Institute, where I earned my Bachelor’s in photography and a minor in film in 2018.

After college, I struggled to find work and worked odd jobs to get by. The pandemic made the situation worse, but I managed to scrape by. Now, I am determined to find stability. I understand that being an artist is not easy, but it shouldn’t have to be so.

I will be taking Excel and Quickbooks certificate programs. I hope to open my own studio or work as a photo-editor or art director, managing it efficiently. I plan to use the skills learned through these courses to help my family and community via workshops and virtual learning.

Alison Augusto – Excel + Professional QuickBooks Online Training w/Certification

Your generosity has helped me reawaken a dream I thought would not come to fruition due to my past health issues. It has also brought back hope for my academic future. I am very excited about starting the QuickBooks and Excel Certification Program.

I currently stay at home taking care of my 7-year-old autistic nephew who lives with me. I plan on working at my father’s company as his bookkeeper which will allow me to be able to work and still be able to take care of my nephew.

Shontae Allen – Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop Certification

I’m a single mother of two children. Some people my age 37 or older have given up on their dreams due to many different hardships and the responsibilities of solely taking care of their family’s finances. I personally will never give up. I want to be an inspiration to the world, although we have made some mistakes in the past and feel like we can never make the career change, it is just not true. WCC and the PepsiCo Foundation have provided me with the opportunity to help my resume stand out with the Adobe Illustration certification badge.

Joshua Beazer – CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

Receiving this scholarship has given me a chance not to only further my career in technical support but also to show my immense gratitude, for the opportunity bestowed onto me. I was born and raised in the city of Mount Vernon, New York and I have been working with computers since I was child. In my youth I would always find myself toying around with any digital, mechanical, and technical devices I had lying around. You could say my family has a slight obsession, considering my father has the same love for computers as I current do, despite the fact I didn’t bare in any interest in what he did in the beginning. I ironically enough mirror the same skillsets that he has today.

Post High School I worked as a graphic designer for Benchmark Education Company. That line of work, primary focus, was the publication of children’s books that were ultimately sold to different schools. In my 5 years of working at the previously mentioned job, I learned how to utilize programs like; InDesign, Photoshop, and acrobat which allowed me to assemble the printed books together. Unfortunately, I did not see myself growing in Benchmark Education Company, so I started to purse a career change in Technical Support. For the past 3 years I have been assisting doctors and nurses with technical issues as an IT specialist for Optum tri state, in the helpdesk field. I pursed this certificate for the Comptia A plus so that I can reach higher peaks in my Tech career and in hopes of becoming either a desktop technician, system or network administrator. PepsiCo Foundation, thank you for blessing me with this opportunity!

Anthony Chapa

On behalf of myself, I want to thank you for this wonderful opportunity you have been able to grant me with this scholarship you’ve provided me. If I’m going to be completely honest, I never expected that I would be able to get this scholarship, especially with the next semester starting so soon, so it means the world that I was eligible to receive this prestigious gift.
A little bit about myself, I’m Anthony, a 19-year-old living in the suburbs of Sleepy Hollow, NY my entire life. I spend most of my time with friends and family, whether that be playing video games or simply just having a chat with them. Some of my hobbies include working on my digital art, whether that be commissioned work or artwork for myself, and streaming on the platform known as Twitch. When I’m not studying for an exam or finishing work for class, I’m streaming or working on digital art to bolster my portfolio and grow my audience.
Family is one of the most important values that I hold dear, and as such, my family is the thing that means the most to me. I’m surrounded by my mother Carmen, my father Luis, as well as my two younger brothers, Jason and Lucas. Although I may be Ecuadorian by blood, my parents were the only ones that originate from Ecuador, meanwhile my siblings and I were all born in the United States, though much of our culture is alive and well at home. Thankfully due to my proximity, I’m surrounded by family wherever I may go; whether that be my grandparents who are a short walk away, to my aunts and uncles who live a relatively short drive away. They all mean the world to me, so I do what I can to make them proud of not only my achievements, but myself as an individual as well.

Growing up, I was always told that education was one of the most important things in my life, right next to family. As such, I always sought to improve myself when it came to being in school. I pushed myself to become better and better, not only for my family’s sake, but for mine as well. I wanted to make myself proud of who I wanted to become, and who I was then. I was always told to do the best I could, and I did. I managed to get excellent grades, received awards and scholarships during my graduation, and felt like I achieved my goal of being the best I could be. Once college came around, I stuck with that mentality, in the hopes I’d be able to improve on what I knew, and to seek more opportunities for myself.

If I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t even aware that I was eligible for this scholarship. It was only when putting together finances that I recognized that I somehow received this scholarship. I was over the moon, not only for myself, but for my wallet as well. I was worried on how I was going to be able to pay for my tuition for the winter and spring semester. I participated in the Summer Research Program at WCC to pay off the tuition for the Fall Semester. When the weeks before classes started to arrive, I was so worried I wasn’t going to have enough for this semester. After filling for a Federal Loan, I thought all hope was lost. All of a sudden, I had found out I received both the PepsiCo Scholarship, and the RICE Scholarship as well. I was ecstatic, it felt like a complete blessing, and I could not have been more grateful for this opportunity. Thank you all so much again, it really meant the world I managed to receive this scholarship.

Eventually down the line, I do want to settle down and start a family. Obviously after I manage to find myself a job in the field of my current degree, then I can start thinking about having a family of my own, but it’s really all I can think about. Especially being in my parents shoes, watching as my own children go through the experiences I went through years ago, and encouraging them to be the very best they can be. I want to be a supporting figure, not only for my children, but for myself, to see how far I’ve come in life. Until then, I want to keep pushing, keep striving for my best, and never giving up.

Once again, I would like to give a massive thank you to the PepsiCo Foundation for presenting me with this opportunity, and once again to all my peers, family members, and professors for allowing me the chance to have this opportunity. Thank you everyone, I will continue to do my best, for my own sake, and for my family.

Angel Contreras

I would like to thank the donor who is supporting me with this UPLIFT Scholarship Award. I feel that this award could change my life because I feel like I have been given the courage to want to go out to peruse a dream career. I have been struggling with committing to my projects or any work, even now I still do. However, I feel that, with this award, I will have the ability to be a little more confident in myself. There’s still a long road ahead of me, and I’m not stopping anytime soon. This is important to me, but I also wouldn’t want to leave my family out of the picture. My family has been supportive of me; in my decisions, what I want to pursue, and what I want to do in the future. Despite us living in a small apartment, and with them both working long jobs to make ends meet, I’m glad that they have always been there for me.

As I have been going from high school to Westchester Community College and beyond, education has been very important to me because I want to be able to show what I have learned and that I have understood all of what my professors taught me. Especially when it comes down to main subjects such as English and Mathematics, for me it’s about understanding the material and being able to retain it once I start working. As for my degree in Interactive Technologies, it makes it even more important. When I was a kid, I was always interested in computers and wondered exactly how they worked and how they were able to display graphics onto a screen. This interest has carried into the present day and is something that I want to continue in the future. Where I see myself in that future, would be a man who is able to entertain and get people together through different types of media. Whether that be videos games, animation, interactive experiences, and much more in the realm of entertainment. Being able to make others happy through what I have created is what would make me happy and feel like my life has been accomplished.

Once again, thank you so much.

Ashanti Simpson

Before I get into this thank you letter, I would love to give my thanks to you for this scholarship opportunity because without the scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to attend college this soon, so THANK YOU. When someone would ask me if I had any idea of what I wanted to do in college my thoughts would always wonder off to weather I had the money to attend college, and where would I get it from without having to pay a whole lot of debt or even take out a student loan, so because of that I didn’t have an answer then. But when my guidance counselor had said that there is scholarship that we could apply for I was beyond happy that I would have an opportunity like everyone else to go to college and get a complete education without having to be in debt. If not because my family doesn’t have the money with all that is going on in our life such as trying to save enough money to get my brother up to America, because there isn’t really anyone to care for him back home in Jamaica because our mother had died when I was in my second to last year in high school and money was very scarce at the time to the point that we didn’t have money to attend her funeral because in that same year my grandmother as well had passed away before my mother had and we were just coming back from the trip from Jamaica after attending my grandmother’s funeral, when my family and I had heard the news of my mother passing. It was a heart-breaking experience for me not be able to be with her in her last moments, so because of the lack of money I wasn’t able to attend her funeral. And since it takes money to raise a child my parents had to working even more days than usual to make money to send to see to it that he can also attend school while he is waiting to be able to come to America.

It is important to me that I get an education so that I can help my parents with getting my brother with us as well as making my parents proud and as well as taking some of the stress off them so that they have less pressure on their heads. And by having an education means I can get a job that pays well were they don’t have to keep on struggling to make ends meet so I gladly welcome this scholarship/award. This award so far have change my life because it makes it easier for me to get an education without having to pay bags and bags of money and student loans that I don’t have, need and because of this scholarship I can finally say that I see myself working hard and making mine as well as my family life much easier and better so that my family doesn’t have to keep worrying and so that my little brother can be with us and not be lonely and get the proper care that he needs. So, thank you PepsiCo Foundation that I am now able to achieve that goal so a big THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this scholarship opportunity.

Delmar Moore

My name is Delmar Moore, and I am a continuing student at Westchester Community College. I have used my time out of school to acquire many skills; technology repair, mechanics, and home repairs, to name a few. I have children that I spend most of my time with, and I also enjoy spending time with other family members. I was born in Guyana and moved to New York with my family when I was eight years old and have lived here since then. I am an active community member and dedicate time to my county precinct. This allows fellow community members and I to voice our opinions on how to improve our neighborhoods.

Education is a vital aspect of life and an important stepping stone to many successes. It helps one open their mind to new ideas and supplies you with essential skills you’ll need outside of the classroom. The ability of reading comprehension, math, critical thinking, and intention is fundamental to the expansion of horizons. School doesn’t only teach you how to be book smart but also social competence. You learn how to deal with different personalities all at once and how to handle yourself and situations when they get hectic. You also learn how to adjust to new environments while also being able to navigate through a heavy workload. Most of all, it teaches you lessons that you carry with you on your lifelong journey, one being to never give up on yourself and to keep your faith strong. Another is that failures are a part of life, no matter what path you decide to take, so don’t let the fear of failure force you to conform; taking small steps is much better than staying in place. I’ve learned firsthand that it is challenging to reach your fullest potential without a college degree because it automatically puts you at the bottom of the barrel. Without it, you become hyperaware of your lack of qualification for specific job positions, which only leaves doors open for low-end jobs. This is why I always have stressed education to my kids and ensured they have everything they need to succeed in school.

The Uplift scholarship will provide me with the support I need to complete my two-year degree. Assistance from mentors and student support facilities will make all the difference when I get overwhelmed with assignments. An extra helping hand will ensure that I stay on track and complete my journey. Since this scholarship is catered toward underrepresented students in STEM, it will perfectly align with the long-term goals I am heading toward. Getting this scholarship will also be another form of motivation to pursue a career in IT. Uplift will also allow me to afford school materials and transportation that I usually struggle with. As well as ease my worry about tuition payments, allowing me to give my undivided attention to my course work.

In the future, I see myself working as an IT professional in the corporate world, managing companies’ networks and maintaining the end-users desktops. Cybersecurity will be a big part of the future as technology is continuously advancing, and having a degree in cybersecurity will open many doors for me in the corporate world. Over time I will gain more experience and build on my preexisting skills with new software. I plan to use these skills for institutions like hospitals, schools, and private sectors. This will only help me to compete for higher-paying positions. Eventually, I will advance to work for reputable companies like Morgan Stanley and Paine Webber.

Thank you for your time and consideration! I appreciate the opportunity to fulfill my dreams of becoming a cybersecurity IT worker!

Freddy Lucas

My name is Freddy Lucas. I am a 19-year-old college student pursuing an Associate degree and ultimately transferring to another school to pursue a bachelor’s in Cyber Security. I was born and raised in Yonkers, New York, where I have lived for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was born, I was taught by my parents that pursuing higher education would be the best way to improve not only my life, but also the community around us. In my pursuit of education, I was introduced to the STEM field in high school. In high school I studied Biology and Chemistry, but I was also taught a little bit of Microsoft Excel by my teacher, and I eventually found out that I enjoyed computers more than mixing chemicals. This award will continue to fund my educational journey through Westchester Community College. It will also help my development as 1st generation college student and the creation of a career in the technology industry in the future. In the future I see myself pursuing an entry level job in order to improve my skills as a Cyber Security trainee, but this will not be where my journey ends. I plan on climbing my way up the ladder and become doing something I enjoy such as a systems administrator or a penetration tester. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to seek higher education through an otherwise inaccessible medium such as college. Thank you for helping me achieve something that can make my parents proud.

Jerimy Michael Feliciano

I am currently a 24-year-old Hispanic male with the hopes of pursuing a career in the IT/Technology field. Growing up was very rough and I never thought id have the chance to attend college but with the award you guys have made that possible. My family comes from Puerto Rico and unfortunately never had the chance to attend college, so I am doing my best to make them proud. I have always had a love for technology, I was always the one who got the tv’s and phones working around the house. To me education opens many avenues to my future, and I learn as much as I can every day. Getting my diploma will set me on the path to get into my passion and make a career out of wherever I end up. I aspire one day to be a software engineer and work on systems to help my community and possibly underdeveloped countries. Thank you, guys, so much for the opportunity you have given me and making this all possible!

Matthew Alvarez

I’m writing this letter to reach out to the PepsiCo Foundation to show them my biggest gratitude.

It has come to my attention that I have been elected as a recipient for the PepsiCo Foundation scholarship. I will be honest I wasn’t expecting this scholar ship nor was I expecting to go to college. Both of my parents are retired with one of them having an illness. My parents had told me if I wanted a successful future that I would have to go to college and I agreed. I believed that this education would help me get a feel for what’s to come and expect in my future line of work.

At first, I was a bit skeptical starting college and didn’t know if this was for me, I couldn’t begin to comprehend where this choice of education would lead me. However due to you picking me for this scholar it has invigorated me to double down on my work and lead myself to a brighter future. For that you have nothing but my deepest thanks and I’m looking forward to my first year at Westchester Community College, thank you PepsiCo Foundation

Nolan Ward Amaya

My name is Nolan Ward Amaya, and I would like to thank you for choosing me to be a recipient of the PepsiCo Scholar Uplift Scholarship. I am a recent high school graduate embarking on my journey into adulthood, at the start of my path towards higher education and entry into the workforce. I am currently pursuing my passion for game design at Westchester Community College, where I am majoring in an Interactive Technology degree with a focus on Computer Animation and Game Design. I come from a diverse family, where my father has Usher’s syndrome which affects his vision and hearing. He is profoundly deaf and only has about 10 percent usable vision. He immigrated to the United States from El Salvador at 12 years old, searching for better education and services due to his disability. My grandparents on my mother’s side are deaf, and my mother is an American Sign Language interpreter. As a result of this, I have had the unique experience and opportunity to be immersed in deafness and deaf culture my entire life.

Education is something that is deeply important to me because it creates opportunities and connections that many individuals around the world do not have access to. I recognize that many individuals around the world do not have the same opportunities for education that I do, such was the case of my father when he was a child. Therefore, I view having this access to education and the ability to learn, particularly that which I am passionate about, as an honor. Likewise, this PepsiCo Scholar Uplift Scholarship that I have received is also a privilege that I will ensure to hold in high esteem. This award changes my life for the better as it enables me to experience college to the fullest by reducing the financial burden it imposes on me and my family.

In the future, I see myself fulfilling my passions because of the degree I earned from Westchester Community College and to be part of a major player in the world of online games. I would love to see myself partnering with Riot Games to help expand upon the accessibility and diversity, such as creating more features that cater to those with hearing or vision related disabilities or characters that positively represents this demographic. My experience at Westchester Community College with the award from PepsiCo will be the first step on the path to reaching my goals.

Sharon Stephenson – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am a mature married Black woman, embarking in the field of IT.  I will be studying CompTIA A+ at Westchester Community College, thanks to your generous PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce scholarship offer. 

Education has always been a core component of my lifestyle.  Knowledge and financial transitions are predicated on continuing education. That is how I live.  I am a person who has lived with invisible disabilities for most of my life including being deaf and hard of hearing during the pandemic.   

Through my lived experience, I recognize education being the means of mitigating my ability to always be gainfully employed.   I am thankful to be a recipient scholar. I value the financial and mentoring components offered through the training cycle.  I know I have the best opportunity for successful outcomes. I expect to complete the course work, become certified and begin on an entry level as an IT support Help desk employee for a local business in the Westchester County Metro area.  

Thank you for valuing my goal in securing this breakthrough as an IT professional. But also, thank you for creating support for underrepresented communities and demographics, in our pursuit of IT careers.  

Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah -COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I really thank you for giving me this opportunity, I appreciate everything your foundation does. Creating opportunities for people like me who overcome a lot but still prevail and have a chance to be great in life. Thank you. Let me tell you more about myself. I come from an African descent family from Ghana. My parents came here to provide a better life for their children. I graduated from Gorton High School in 2016 and after attended WCC for some time. While attending WCC my mother was battling breast cancer, my siblings were away at school while I watched my mom suffer overtime. School became hard as the years went on her health took a turn. She passed in 2019. It was very tough for me, she did it all for my family. The CompTIA A+ class was brought on to me by someone and I was extremely interested. I’d love to further my knowledge with the IT field, a field that is growing day by day. Education is especially important to me as it was to her and she never stopped telling me “go back to school” before she passed. This award will change my life, help me in so many ways. It creates a path for me to achieve the goals I’ve set for myself. This award will help shape my future. I see a path where I can educate myself to the best extent and gain knowledge that will help me for the rest of my life. I thank you again for this special opportunity. I promise to make the most of it.    

Emiliano Dominguez – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am of Mexican decent and actively looking to make an impact in my family and our society. I grew up in a family of six siblings, that was limited in continuing our studies. That big drawback left an impact on me growing up; however, I always knew that education is the key to success.  

The opportunity to participate in the Entry level IT Help Desk Technician program will make a world of difference for me. This is a huge step for me to go in the direction that I have always wanted to go towards attaining my dream. I’ve always wanted to resume my studies in Computer Information Systems and attain my Bachelor’s degree in the field of Computer Science. Hence, proving that education has always been of significance to me. During my time at home, experiencing COVID-19 and the impact it had on the world made me want to complete my studies. Watching the world become even more dependent on technology has made me aware of the increasing demand for IT, and Technology related fields. Getting certified in the IT field was always an interest for me as well. I want to set an example for my family members and peers around me. I want to prove that anything can be possible at any point in time. I want to show that if you put your mind to it, dedicate yourself, and with the right amount of discipline, you can overcome any obstacles and exceed far beyond what you had hoped.  

I’m confident this award will give me the opportunity to continue my education and expand my knowledge of technology. As well as provide me the confidence and skills in taking the leap into the IT field and attain other certificates to truly set myself up for success. In the future I see myself flourishing in the IT field and reaching new heights in my workplace. I will value the journey and look back in the distant future and be a witness of how this program has not only been one of the best things to happen to me, but to several others in the same program I will partake in. I would like to give the PepsiCo Foundation, an immense thank you. Getting this opportunity to continue my education is a blessing in every way. 

DaVonn Jefferson – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I cannot begin to explain how excited I am to take this first step on my new career path and The PepsiCo Foundation has made this possible.  

My name is DaVonn Jefferson and I’m a lifelong Westchester County resident. 

I have a fiancé and 3 beautiful children and I’m doing this for them just as much as I’m doing it for myself.  

Born and raised in White Plains, NY I graduated from Westchester Community College in 1999. My grandmother Grace Jenkins worked for WCC for over 40 years so I’m well aware of the benefits the college has to offer.  

Being a member of and completing the Entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Program, I feel will change my life by opening doors to a better career for myself. It will also provide a better life for my family.  

I take education very seriously and I cannot stress enough how important it is to get and maintain an education as learning never stops. With a great education you can get a better job, it provides stability, it shows the importance of hard work and it also helps us grow and develop. 

In 2-3 years I see myself in a completely different role (career). I will be working in Cybersecurity hopefully until I retire.  

Once again to The PepsiCo Foundation, thank you so much for the opportunity to become a WCC PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Scholar and for your support. It is very much appreciated and I will take full advantage of this opportunity.  

Marshal Benitez – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am the second child in a family of four siblings and I am of Ecuadorean descent.  I am participating in the entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Program at Westchester Community College.  I believe education is the way to achieve one’s goals for a productive and proactive life.   

I want to thank the PepsiCo Foundation for sponsoring me in this endeavor to update my computer skills through the entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Program at Westchester Community College.  I think this award will put me in the path of achieving my long-term goal to obtain gainful employment in the IT field.  I see myself obtaining that gainful employment as I complete the program in a responsible and timely manner. 

Jonathan Useche – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I was born in Colombia where I lived with my mother and my sister until I immigrated to the United States at the age of 19 years old. My mother has been a single hard-working woman most of her life who did her best to keep her two kids well-educated. As a result, I have always considered education a priority in my life since my childhood, and even now my appreciation and desire for continuous learning remain strong. Therefore, I would like to express my entire gratitude to the PepsiCo Foundation for encouraging people like myself to keep on pursuing high-quality education. 

I firmly believe that education provides opportunities for personal growth to anyone who really commits to it regardless of how demanding and challenging it might be. In my case, it took me over seven years to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science while being employed full-time. 

Despite my academic background I have not been able to enter the technology workforce. However, I am continuously looking for opportunities to launch my IT career. That is why I am really grateful to be considered as a candidate for the PepsiCo Uplift Workforce Award, which will help me to be part of the Spring 2022 IT Help Desk Technician program.  

The award will definitely change my life by providing me with a new skill set to enhance my current knowledge and other tools such as the CompTIA A+ certification required to enter the IT field with a strong foundation of concepts and procedures needed to succeed. 

In the future I see myself using my skills to support and maintain the technological needs of a company while developing a more refined path towards a long and successful career. 

Wesley Mojica – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

Several years ago, after an unexpected retirement, I was afforded the time to be a full-time Dad to my two children and caregiver to my elderly parents. As mentioned, the retirement was unexpected. However, I was fortunate to have a loving wife that partnered with me throughout that time period and it was with her support that was able to be totally present in my children’s upbringing as well as my parents’ final days.  

My parents always instilled in me the importance of education and as such I achieved my bachelors degree, which was very much specific to my former career. I carry the importance of education in my heart; my wife and I have instilled the same values in our children. As such, and as of late, I have been searching for what to do in the next chapter of my life.  

I began to research careers in Information Technology and Security, it was an area that always interested me and lets face it, it is our present and will remain in the future. I came upon a ton of information, most of which was very much a stretch financially. To the point where I thought I would not be able to enter this field because in short time my children will begin their collegiate careers.  

As fate would have it, I looked into what I thought could be an affordable alternative at Westchester Community College (WCC). I inquire and to my surprise there was a scholarship available in this very field of study. I gave it a shot and the stars aligned for me. I met with a Program Navigator at WCC regarding the CompTIA A+ class and was awarded the scholarship.  

I am delighted to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the PepsiCo Foundation for helping me take a step towards achieving my ultimate goal, which is to teach my children to be life-long learners. 

Valery Nibbs – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am a retired teacher looking to make a career change.  I know that information technology will continue to be a growing field.  I would like to begin a new career in this field and be a part of that future. 

The training in the Comp TIA A+ program would give me a strong foundation in information technology and enable me to find employment in the field.  With this career move I would like to see myself as the person that could help and support companies keep their systems up and running. 

Getting this award really helps me toward making that career change.  Learning new skills and furthering my education is less stressful with financial support.  I believe in being a lifelong learner.  Education broadens your perspective and gives you continuous options. 

I am forever grateful for being selected as a WCC PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce scholar. 

Wesley Smith – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I was recently informed that I was one of the recipients to receive the PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship. Thanks for the opportunity to receive this award which will assist with my goal of gaining, employment in the IT field through the entry level IT training program. PepsiCo’s contribution will allow myself and so many other recipients of this scholarship, an opportunity to follow chosen career paths. 

My work experience and background, has been a long and a traveled one. I’ve worked in Administrative, held various jobs, doing what I had to in order to support myself and my family. But, none of these jobs were in the IT field which I look forward to exploring the training provided in this program.  I’ve often wanted to pursue an IT career, but lacked the funding, qualifications, or certifications in pursuing this dream. Being laid off during stages of this Pandemic, has forced a lot of people to reinvent themselves, and focus on what makes them happy with regards to a career. 

As I stated, I’ve been awarded the PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship, for the WCC Entry Level IT Help Desk Technician Program. This course # CE-COMP 2219WP 20572, begins next week and will end late August. I’m elated to begin this program. I’m and confident that I will utilize, the skills and expertise I gain during this time not only to expand my knowledge, but to also further myself in this field. Additionally, upon or before completion of this program, I look forward to gaining employment in the IT industry.   

Lastly, I want to extend a sincere and heart felt thank you for this scholarship and especially to Pepsi Foundation for taking a chance while helping me gain entry into the IT field which has always been highly competitive. I’d also like to thank all of the individuals that have guided me along during this process (via email, phone calls, zoom, etc.). I truly appreciate the support and investment in my future.  

Juan Carlos Bardales Sinacay – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I was born in Peru and the father of two teenage children, I am an entrepreneur, persevering and always looking to the future with optimism. 

I have experience in several areas and this IT program is what I need to expand my knowledge and achieve the desired success. 

My most sincere thanks to the PepsiCo Foundation and WCC for selecting me to study this CompTIA A+ class program, where I will acquire new knowledge in this career, which will allow me to improve my technical, professional and personal future development. 

I also commend the Pepsico Foundation and the WCC for helping people achieve their goals and objectives by educating and training them professionally in IT to gain the credentials needed to work successfully in this growing job market. 

Juan Carlos (H.) Bardales Pinedo – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship c/o WCC Foundation. I am really excited and grateful for you generosity, wich is going to help me in my professional career and improve my future. 

I am very happy to have been selected by this foundation to be able to start my career at Westchester Community College in the information technology career and I will always be very grateful to this foundation for the help they offered me and more people. I’m 22 years old and I feel like I still have a lot of things to do, including this opportunity. 

Erislaine Neder – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I want to take the time to thank you for the WCC PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Scholarship. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to achieve and focus on this career path that I’ve been excited to enter. I currently work as a part time receptionist at an outpatient mental health clinic. I look at my current job as a beginning stone into the general workforce, especially after coming out of COVID from a teenager to a growing adult. My family is small but something I’ve always loved about them is that they support my dreams. My mother came to this country when she was a teenager and studied nursing after High School, unfortunately she never got to complete her studies since she was a single mother. Because of her experience, she always made sure education was of importance with my brother and me. I’ve always had an interest in the IT department all my life which grew from helping various family members and friends with their technical issues. So, when I saw this opportunity being offered by WCC I quickly asked for more information. After seeing I was accepted for the scholarship, I was even more ecstatic. This award would help me learn and complete the CompTIA A+ Entry-Level IT Help Desk Technician Program. I hope with this certificate it would help me get a good job where I can use these skills in the workforce. I also hope that this could help me dive deeper into the IT world and go into the cybersecurity branch. I was raised by hard workers, especially women who didn’t get the chance to study what they wanted. This award reminds me of who I am and the community I represent. I will work my hardest and be thorough with my studies, because I know there might be a younger Latina girl who can see me a role model and also work hard to achieve her dreams. So once again, thank you for choosing me for this scholarship. You have helped me get closer to my future success.   

Jaydon Bowie – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification

I graduated from White Plains Senior High School in 2020 during the pandemic. I am African American and Latino. I speak English and Spanish fluently.  My mother is Hispanic and my father is African American. My parents separated after my first birthday and I was raised by  my mother.  My mother has instilled in me the importance of getting an education and setting goals. She has been a constant reminder of how important it is to pursue your dreams. 

Since the age of 14 I’ve been someone that expresses themselves very creatively through poetry, songwriting and singing. However, when I attended Westchester Community College term during the pandemic I struggled with fully remote courses. I believe that the experience would have been different if I were able to take in person courses on campus.  The remote classes were not as engaging. My major was liberal arts and humanities. However, I have been interested and knowledgeable about technology and the aspects of IT work.  I often help family and friends with settings and using cell phones.  I am knowledgeable using google docs, Microsoft Word and Excel worksheets 

I have pursued trade school options in the medical field. I tried a Phlebotomy course, but soon realized that the material wasn’t my true passion.  The same setback happened when I attempted to do a trade school course for EKG, which was quite difficult as I had to pass a test with a minimum of eighty percent or higher. Regardless of the challenge I felt motivated to give it my best effort. I have the confidence that I will succeed in the IT field trade school course. Not only will I achieve this for myself, but also to make my mother proud of me. My education has always mattered to me regardless of any setbacks I have gone through. I see myself having a future where I can be financially stable, support myself, and help others.  A future where I am a fully independent contributing member of society. The WCC workforce program I’m participating in is the “entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Training Program CompTIA A+” will offer a hybrid learning program that I am so very excited for. I truly appreciate the award, this scholarship will change my life in the sense that thanks to the generosity of the PepsiCo Foundation, I am able to take a course that I could not afford on my own. You are making my dream come true. Thank you so much for this opportunity and this scholarship. 

Allen Williams – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

My name is Allen Williams and becoming a WCC PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce  Scholar is a great honor. Thank you for selecting me to participate in the CompTIA A+ Entrylevel  IT Help Desk Technician Program as becoming a leader in the field of technology has been  a goal of mine for several years.  As a resident of Westchester County for most of my life I have a diverse perspective. I have seen  people, and families at all ends of the educational and economic spectrum. Through my  experience I have learned that higher education can create discipline, guidance, and solid  backing to having a successful career. Education is important to me because I am aware that  through education, I will create a better life for my daughter and me.  When I successfully complete this program, I will continue to work towards creating my own  technology business. This includes continuing my education, gaining experience, and earning a  technology and business degree. The business I create will provide opportunities for people like  me who need a chance to be seen. I understand that this is the first step, however, the first step is the most important.  This award will change my life because it will provide me an opportunity to accomplish a goal, I  have had for myself for some time. I am proud to be a WCC PepsiCo Foundation Uplift  Workforce Scholar and I plan to make you all proud for selecting me. 

Galvert Barbecho – Intro to Data Science and Machine Learning featuring Python

It is with great pleasure and honor to accept this prestigious award from your organization, and with SUNY Westchester Community College’s assistance, to give under privileged minority students access to educational opportunities for them to advance in their careers and to prosper in their respective lives with this opportunity. 

For educational lovers like myself, seeing opportunities like this is like finding a needle in a haystack, but with higher distinction and honor. For several years, since graduating from SUNY Westchester Community College and Pace University, searching for IT related academic programs (such as a Master’s Degree, accelerated technology program, certifications, etc.) and affording it, has been a very hard goal to obtain when one’s financial abilities is greatly hindered due to personal obligation and financial hardship. When I found out about this program, it brought me great delight and joy as my career aspirations and current job demands tied perfectly into this program at the right time. 

Since 2021, I have been working in new a role that is primarily focused on Databases and Data Science in Software Development. I am very much looking forward to gaining more technical skills and applicable knowledge with Python, Excel, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, since I plan to use what I will learn into my current role to make our department workflow move with more efficiency and accuracy, since we oversee a large amount of data. 

Upon successful completion of this program, I aspire and hope to make a difference in my organization and be a responsible leader in my department that can help make our jobs more organized, structured and secured; impeccable to say the least. Education has always been something I have been striving to obtain in my life, whether it be in my career, or my life in general. One of my simple principles is to “never stop learning; always be humble and grateful” for everything in life. For someone with a background like myself, being a first-generation college student and having parents that had risked their lives to come to this Great Nation to create better opportunities for themselves, being grateful and humble is what you become knowing where your ideals, suffering, and history come from. 

 Words alone are not enough to express my deep sentiments. I want to sincerely thank all of those who work in the SUNY Westchester Community College PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship Program that have accepted me into this program. One day, when I am in a greater financial position in the future like those who have paved the way and believed in me, I will give back to SUNY WCC’s Scholarship Program and donate funds so others, like myself, can have the opportunity of a lifetime and positively impact their community at large. 

Tanya Hopkins – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

My name is Tanya Hopkins I am 39 years old, and I live in New York City in the Bronx, I am a single mother of a 10-year boy, my family is from the Caribbean, they came to this country to have a stable and prosperous life.  Currently my job title is a Clinical Data Specialist I at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I have my certification in medical coding through AHIMA.  

      I am diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease HB-SC. One of my dreams and aspiration is to Become a Clinical Researcher Specialist in the Hematology department at MSKCC. I would like to become a researcher for patients with blood disorder and Sickle cell Disease. I graduated from college 10 years ago. This is my first time utilizing my degree in health Science at my current job. For me to do my job and my future career effectively. I must be proficient I tech skills, there is a shift happening in Health Information Management.  This requires all medical coders to have technology skills. The scholarship that you are offering me will help me register in data analytics and python. These two technology programs will help me enhance my technical skills and broaden my horizon in clinical research at MSKCC. I am grateful for this scholarship and opportunity to help me further my career in data analytics and clinical research. 

Kwame Anyane-Yeboa – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

I would like to thank you for considering me for the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Scholarship. I have long admired PepsiCo’s dedication to serving its customers and community. I happy to participate in the new initiative to help students achieve rewarding careers in the Information Technology Industry.  

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kwame Anyane-Yeboa. I have lived in the Lower Hudson Valley for several years. I am the son of immigrants from West Africa. My parents always believed that hard work and education the key to success in life. They always instilled in me the joy of learning and using my skills to achieve my goals. 

I believe that education is important because it’s through education and diligence that person may not only prosper, but also, help the community as a whole prosper.   

I am participating in the Data Science and Machine Learning portion of the Workforce Program. I hope to use the skills I develop to start a career at a leading tech company.  This will change my life by increasing my financial position, and also allow me to add my knowledge making a good candidate for any job in the work place. 

In the future, ten years from now, I hope to work on exciting technology projects that will change the way of life for the community around me.  

I would like once again thank PepsiCo and the Uplift Workforce Committee for choosing me to participate in this new program. I will do my best and take every opportunity to explore, learn, and create concepts and projects that will uplift us all.  

Zion Safo – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

I am a student in my first year of college. I’m 18 years old and was raised alongside my sister, Sela, by my mother. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but when I was 4, I moved to Ghana, where I grew up before moving back to the states in 2017. 

By taking this class, I can give back to my family, who helped me get into college, and make them proud. If I can learn an essential coding language like Python so early in my college career, I will have a chance to become a Data Analyst. I know I’d be able to build up the basics for becoming a Data Analyst sooner. I would be able also to find a job sooner. With the certification, I would be able to take coding jobs over the summer to help pay back my mother for her massive help with my tuition since I know college isn’t cheap. 

In the future, I will be able to leverage Python and use this language to make data more valuable for businesses. I know I would be grateful to have had this opportunity to take the Python classes as it is one of the best open-source, object-oriented programming languages in the IT market now. As a Data Analyst, I would be able to help businesses with web development projects and create custom solutions for fintech organizations.  And it would all be thanks to you, so thank you indeed for this opportunity! 

Sindy Gonzalez – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

I want to take the time out to thank you for the opportunity that the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship will provide in beginning my new career in Information Technology. As the daughter of an immigrant woman, my mother instilled in me the importance of education. I was the first member of my family to go to college and in 2010 received a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. I am currently in the behavioral health field working full time as a Behavioral Intervention Specialist. Since the Covid-19 Pandemic began, I have been feeling less compelled to continue a direct hands-on role such as mine entails. Covid-19 changed the way I want to work, however making a career change and going back to school seemed financially unachievable.  

I began researching courses at Westchester Community College to learn new skills. I was immediately drawn to Computer programming and Information Technology. With the help of the program navigator, I was able to choose the following courses: Introduction to Programming with Python and Intermediate Programming with Python. This scholarship will empower me with the knowledge and confidence I need in advancing my career. I am excited to begin my new journey in a new field. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity. 

Manuary Reyes – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

I just want to thank you so much! The process of this and even being able to look back at the journey brings me so much joy. I’ve been sharing it with friends and family so much that I have to remember to even send this back lol. Thank you again 

I am a son of West African immigrants from Ghana. I first pursued a career in medicine, going to school, while working as an EMT and doing plenty of volunteer hours. I quickly knew this wasn’t for me. Searching for a new career path, I found the IT industry through the guidance of mentors I have known throughout the different stages in my life. Information Technology focuses on improving everyone in every field and this was something I felt I could contribute to. As a PepsiCo Uplift scholar, I was able to learn Python and an introduction to machine learning all while maintaining my work balance. These classes gave me the confidence to make a jump in my current career and pursue a position at Bloomberg. I started with a contract job first and I managed to become a datacenter engineer full time hired by Bloomberg. Perseverance, hard work and the PepsiCo scholarship support… My salary has doubled within the year! 

Claudia Zamora – Python (Intro & Intermediate) 

I am beyond grateful for being selected to obtain the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship for my studies this semester. Growing up as a first generation Peruvian-American, I understand the challenges surrounding higher education in the Hispanic community. Education and learning have always been at the forefront in my mind and what I believe is the key to success. Regardless, of the challenges and setbacks that I have faced, having the opportunity to obtain a higher education, and succeeding despite not having the odds in my favor make the journey worthwhile.   

I am participating in Westchester Community College, Workforce’s Introduction to Programming with Python, Intermediate Programming with Python, and Python Exam Prep. I am taking this course to assist me to gain foundational knowledge in the computer programming language, Python. This award will drastically change my educational trajectory because it will assist me to obtain a baseline knowledge in Python before I begin my Cybersecurity master’s degree program. My goal for the future is to obtain my masters in cybersecurity and in doing so, will also give me the ability to advance in my career, to a more technical role in information security. 

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to advance in my studies and being a pivotal steppingstone on my path to succession.   

Ameha Lemma – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

First, I would like to thank the Foundation for generously funding me with the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship. I am pleased and highly appreciative of this opportunity.  

I am originally from Ethiopia and moved to the US recently. I came from a non-tech background – in the Architectural and Engineering field.  

I have witnessed the IT industry dramatically changing the world around me within the last decade, and I have always been interested in learning more about it. Starting my life here in the states afforded me the right opportunity to make a change in my career. I became curious, particularly about the IT Cloud Computing career path. In the last couple of months, I have learned different skills and was introduced to Cloud Computing, AWS, Linux, Python, SQL, and other automation tools.  

I wanted to develop these skills and dig deeper into coding languages to prepare myself for the IT-Cloud job market better. Towards that end, I was looking to build my Linux and Python skills when I came across the Westchester Community College short-term workforce programs. I applied and was accepted for the Python program as well as for the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship opportunity. I am currently unemployed, and without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to access the program. In addition, the scholarship award has encouraged me to continue to pursue my goal. I know this opportunity will be a stepping stone for me to grow and be part of the IT field as a Cloud Computing professional. 

Marcela Barros Da Silva – Python (Intro & Intermediate)

I was ecstatic to learn that you wanted to be a part of my educational journey, and I am happy that you chose me to receive your gift 

I’ writing to express my gratitude for the great scholarship you’ve given me. I would not have been able to attend Data Science and Machine Learning Featuring Python without your help, and I am grateful to you for making my goals come true. 

Your contribution has allowed me to concentrate on my studies rather than being distracted by financial concerns and I will pursuit new carrier path on Information Technology Field. 

You will hear from me again in the future as I continue my studies to became a Software Engineer and eventually pursue even bigger steps towards new opportunities to change my life as an immigrant chasing her dreams to a brighter future. 

Thank you once again for giving me the finances I require to attend the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship at Westchester Community College.  

Please do not hesitate to inquire if there is anything else I can do for you. You are influencing the future! 

Tom Okiro – CompTIA Data +

I am very grateful and honored to be the recipient of the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship. Your foundation’s support of this program provides opportunities to individuals to bolster skills and gain marketable credentials that will make them attractive job applicants. Your generous sponsorship will enable me to pursue the Data Analytics with CompTIA Data+ Certification course this summer at SUNY Westchester Community College.  

I attended SUNY Purchase where I was an Economics major, Computer Science minor. Most of my coursework entailed research, interpreting statistics and presenting final analyses. Upon completing my studies, I took a position at an insurance consulting firm as a Project Management Administrator. A big part of what my firm did was to offer clients insights into their risk management expenses which required extensive data collection, analysis and reporting. I later moved on to a pharmaceutical firm where I worked as a Rebate Analyst, a role which required a lot of data analysis, synthesis and presentation. I currently work for the Arc of NY, an organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities. I’m looking for ways to enhance my skills in order to take steps towards my career growth. Obtaining a reputable credential like CompTIA Data+ will enable me to prove my skills and work experience. 

To share a little about myself, I am a native of Kenya and came to the United States as a student. In my free time I enjoy running, cycling and hiking. I enjoy the outdoors when I am not sitting at a computer. I believe in lifelong learning and intellectual exploration, I always make a point to keep abreast of new vocational programs and opportunities such as the ones offered through Westchester Community College’s Workforce Development division.  

In conclusion I would like to reiterate my gratitude for this opportunity. It will go a long way in alleviating the cost obstacle to obtaining a credential that will help further my endeavors. Thank you for the great support your foundation provides. 

Justine Leon – CompTIA Data +

My name is Justinne Leon, I am 31 years old. I was born in Bogota, Colombia and brought to live in the United States at the age of 8 years old. I come from very humble beginnings as we lived in a low-income neighborhood in the outskirts of Bogota. We were one of the lucky families that made it to the United States seeking a better future. I was also blessed to attend White Plains High School in Westchester County where I met teachers and mentors that made me believe in my potential and believe that through education one can succeed; that education was also an integral path to a fulfilling life both for myself and for my family.  

I attended the College of New Rochelle and studied Biochemistry, and beyond my bachelor’s degree, I completed a 2-year internship program at Columbia University where I met amazing scientists that propelled my career forward. My first corporate job was working in research and development (RnD) at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and ever since I have held roles in different capacities such as customer service and lead technical trainer of diagnostic instruments across the United States. This year, I will complete 7 years with the company. Recently, I made a transition in my career switching from customer service to now holding a Marketing lead role as a Product Manager for North America. The skills I have acquired in RnD have greatly helped me understand the business and the products we sell; however, marketing is a new challenge for me. I have a few knowledge gaps pertaining to data analytics and making business decisions. Therefore, to grow professionally and advance my career I would like to take a data analytics certification course.  I know this course will help me adjust to this role and empower me to one day take on a leadership role at the company as head of North America Marketing enterprise.   

Thank you, PepsiCo foundation, for making this possible and sponsoring me to take this course. As a single mother of a beautiful princess taking on extra courses creates budget constrains but this scholarship facilitates my dream of becoming a leader for the company I work for. On a personal note, achieving these goals are not just for financial gains but to set an example to other Latino women to seek opportunities and to continue growing despite challenges. We can set a new standard, and woman are capable of being leaders in today’s world-leading industries. Thank You on behalf of myself and my family. 

Giannina Frino – CompTIA Data +

I am so excited and grateful to be a PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholar. My experience working in education in an urban school district with a large racially and economically diverse population has allowed me to see firsthand the impact of disparities in education. 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are the areas of education where the impact is easily seen and has led to uneven progress increasing racial and ethnic diversity in fields like computing and engineering. These fields are important now and will be even more so in the future. The PepsiCo Foundation has made a commitment in bridging this gap and I am excited to be part of it. 

This scholarship will allow me to take the Data Analytics with CompTIA Data+ Certification. The ability to understand and apply data and develop solutions to complex problems is an important skill. My goal is to use the skills that I will gain from this course to build on my training in social research and continue to contribute to the field of education and research using data analytical skills. My family instilled in me at a young age the importance of education and I consider myself a lifelong learner always eager to learn new skills and seeking ways to apply any knowledge or skills acquired to help others around my community and me. Data and social research is a pathway to do this, by asking important questions shedding light on issued through analysis. I am eager to begin my training and wat to thank the PepsiCo Foundation for this opportunity! 

Tatiana Moreira – CompTIA Data +

I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the PepsiCo Uplift Workforce scholarship. I feel very lucky to be selected as the recipient of your scholarship and very appreciative for this opportunity to be able to further my studies. 

Your generous gift will allow me to enroll in the data Analytics course and hopefully, open a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities to advance my career or explore new possibilities as I complete my education at Westchester Community College. I am very thankful for receiving your thoughtful gift. I am a single mother for my two daughters; because of your scholarship I will be able to be an example to my girls and hopefully inspire them to work hard and dream big regardless of financial struggles. Organizations like yours make it possible for people like me to reach their goals and accomplish a rewarding career. 

By awarding me the PepsiCo Uplift workforce scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school: learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me. Thank you so much for this opportunity. 

Albert Calhoun – CompTIA Data +

I am from Columbus, GA. As the youngest child of a middle school principal and high school business education teacher, I have always had an appreciation for education. Some of my educational attainments include a B.S. and M.S. in Psychology. My appreciation for education has allowed me to give to my community by teaching Psychology courses at my alma mater in Alabama. However, the IT skills that I had been able to hone since a kid has me heading in a different career trajectory. With my daughter having a highly peaked interest in technology I consistently am trying to introduce her to different ways of using technology. My acceptance into the CompTIA Data+ Summer 2022 program cohort is an exciting opportunity. I envision that this being supported by the PepsiCo Uplift Foundation will provide me with the skills to lead in an area that excites me to no end. This is an opportunity that allows me to reach my goal of leading a data firm that will assist companies in turning data into information. Therefore, I would like to take the time to say ‘Thank You” to the PepsiCo Uplift Foundation for providing me with this opportunity.  

Joel Jere – CompTIA Data +

I am writing to thank the PepsiCo Foundation for awarding me the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship to support my studies during Fall 2022 at SUNY Westchester Community College in the “Computers, Microsoft Office & Information Technology” training program. I will be studying Data Analytics with CompTIA Data+ Certification, beginning on September 19th, 2022, and Intermediate Programming with Python starting on November 7th, 2022. 

I currently do not have a job; however, my wife and I have two children still in school. Therefore, there is a need for me to acquire skills in demand by employers. I hope that enhancing my Data Analysis and Python programming skills will make it more likely for me to selected for a post by a prospective employer and I can then contribute to my family’s upkeep. 

I studied Economics and Statistics in University more than twenty years ago and I got a working knowledge of software packages that were in common use at that time. However, those software packages are not as popular as Python and CompTIA Data+ currently. Hence, it is crucial for me to acquire a working knowledge of Data Analytics with CompTIA Data+ as well as Python Programming. My hope is that by this time next year, I will have a job as a data analyst and earning enough to meet my family’s needs better. 

Adult continuing education makes it possible for adult workers to acquire skills that are currently in demand by employers in an ever-changing workplace.  

Once again, I convey my heartfelt thanks to the PepsiCo Foundation. 

Rudolph Pallas – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am the son of a German American Banker and Latina American immigrant from Bolivia who has worked in the Public Library and Public Education system. I completed a Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Manhattanville College in 2005 and worked many years in Healthcare and Customer Service. In December 2019, I completed a Cybersecurity Degree at Westchester Community College with the intent to enter the IT Profession just before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. The WCC short-term Workforce program that I am participating in is the IT HelpDesk Technician/CompTIA A+ Spring 2021 Class. Education is important to me because it offers me the opportunity to study an exciting curriculum that will assist me in breaking into the field of Information Technology with an eye on moving into the IT/Cybersecurity Profession.

The PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Scholarship award will change my life because it will help get my foot in the door of the Information Technology field and begin work as an IT HelpDesk Technician. The scholarship will get me into the WCC Spring 2021 CompTIA A+ Class which will set me up to pass the CompTIA A+ 1001, 1002 Certification. With this certification, I will be able to negotiate a higher pay-rate/salary as an IT HelpDesk Technician. The CompTIA A+ Certification will also be the first step in a series of exams including the CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ that will qualify me to graduate from an IT HelpDesk Technician position and begin a career as a Cybersecurity Professional.

I want to whole-heartedly thank the PepsiCo Foundation for this Scholarship award. As an IT Professional/Cybersecurity Professional, I will have the opportunity to work in an exciting and rapidly growing field that will offer me the job security to eventually buy my own apartment, upgrade my car, and get married and settle down knowing that my finances will be steady and that I will be working in the field of my passion; IT/Cybersecurity.

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Lewis Fitch – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

Thank you for affording me the WCC PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Scholar award!

I have spent most of my life in Yonkers, New York, and have enjoyed every memory. I come from a large family who instilled in me the love of learning, so it has only been natural for me to continue that passion. I received two Associates degrees in Marketing and Cybersecurity from Westchester Community College then received my Bachelor of Business Administration from Mercy College. Education is significant because it has enhanced my career and provided independence. In addition, education has provided me with the knowledge that has uplifted my level of productivity.

This award will afford me the opportunity to continue growing as a networking professional. Also, this award will provide me with new skills relevant to the information technology, thus providing variation to my expertise and ability to support an organization.

My goal is to continue learning about computer networking. Specifically, I would like to advance my knowledge as a Red Hat System Administrator and increase my networking expertise diagnosing and solving more complex network problems.

Again, thank you!

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Jorge Escoto – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

My name is Jorge Escoto and I am thrilled and inspired to be part of this excellent PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Program. I come from a lovely hard-working family, who migrated from Central America to the US in the late 70’s, due to political problems in our country.

I graduated from Eastern District High School in Brooklyn and after that, my family moved to Westchester County, where I enrolled at Westchester Community College for one semester, working full time and attending school at night. After that, I transferred to Mercy College to pursue a career in computer information system, where I earned an associate degree in this field and very close to graduate, but unfortunately I had to stop to take care of family responsibilities and it has been a challenge to go back and complete my Bachelors. Starting this program can be a decisive first step towards new opportunities.
I worked for Leake and Watts Organization for 16 years, which is a school in Yonkers, Westchester, for Especial Education students who have learning disabilities, teaching them how to read and write while working in Real Estate part time after teaching.

I am participating in a short-term workforce summer program at WCC called 2021 CompTIA A+, which begins on June 2nd Education is very important to me because knowledge is power. This award will change my life and my family lives in many ways. I will be able to apply the skills, I will learn to get a better job and a brighter future for my loved ones. I am married and I am inspired by my wife, who is pursuing her Bachelors. We have a 14-year-old son and we both want to set a good example for him.

In the future, by completing this Program, I see myself being successful at what I do, combining my passion for helping people solving technical problems and better my financial situation.

I am thankful to have been selected for this great PepsiCo Foundation program.

I want to thank WCC PepsiCo Foundation Program Uplift workforce for giving me a chance to improve my professional life and I am committed to do my best to complete this program with excellence.

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Glena Bajjo – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. As stated by Author Mr. Laurence Boldt, “Good Intentions are not enough; commitment and sacrifice are necessary”. The commitment you have demonstrated to providing the financial resource to higher learning is a blessing for myself and my family. I am originally from the West Indies and as a family of life long learners, I embrace this opportunity with both hands and sincere gratitude. My dad was also a Computer Programmer, he lived and worked in the U.K. for a few years. It was always asked of me” why not follow in dad’s footsteps”? while my love for computers was there. Now I am being given the opportunity to fulfill that lifelong dream, I have chosen the IT Help Desk Technician Comp TIA A+ program. As a single parent raising two wonderful college young ladies, one of whom just graduated with her Computer Science Degree and my other daughter who is visually impaired but computer savvy, they are indeed my driving force. I am building a better future for them as I create a stronger foundation for myself. This will be a wonderful addition to my AAS in Hospitality Management. I am extremely grateful, my future will be brighter as I plan to continue my career in IT either in Cyber Security or AI. This is a life changer, thank you so much PepsiCo.

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Bridgette Harrison – Python and R Programming for Data Science and Machine Learning Certification Candidate

I am a highly-motivated single mother of a 5-year-old boy. Having parents who emigrated to the united states in the 1970’s from Jamaica, the importance of education was impressed upon me at an early age. I always had a very strong interest in technology and passion for learning about the newest technological developments. Despite being fascinated with how classical computer hardware functioned and having taught myself as much JavaScript and HTML as I could over the years, I was still unable to take the steps necessary to break into tech. Being able to pursue a COMPTIA A+ certification through SUNY Westchester Community College’s Short-term Workforce program, thanks to the funding from the PepsiCo Foundation, would allow me to do exactly that. I am excited and filled with hope to have been presented with the opportunity to pursue my true passion and to make an impact on the information technology field.

In the future, I hope to be an innovator in the financial services sector by helping companies implement technological solutions to increase business efficiency.

Having a career in technology and being able to give my son an even better quality of life thanks to having a COMPTIA A+ certification would be a dream come true.

I cannot thank the PepsiCo Foundation enough for their generosity and for making the opportunity to receive this specialized technical education possible.

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Frankt Coleman – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship. I am truly honored to be the recipient of this award.

I am a 27-year-old, African American living my two sisters and my mother in the Bronx, Ny. In my early 20’s I attended Dominican College and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. I have spent the last few years trying to become a police officer but, it didn’t work out for me. While trying to become a police officer, I started to learn and practice how to code. A couple of months ago I attended a boot-camp prep program for a month and that really inspired me to focus all my attention on breaking into information technology. One thing about me is that I love to learn new things. I think it’s important that we educate ourselves as much as we can because it gives us knowledge of the world around us that develops into a perspective of looking at life. This award will most certainly change my life because it will be the steppingstone I need to break into the field of technology. In the CompTIA A+ program that I am attending, I will learn the skills required to assemble, refurbish, upgrade, configure and troubleshoot personal computers.

Receiving this scholarship motivates me to work even harder toward my goal of becoming a cybersecurity analyst and hopefully one day attain my dream of becoming a Chief Technology Officer. I am extremely appreciative of this award and thank you for your confidence and willingness to help me achieve my goals.

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Shomari Marbury – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

My name is Shomari Marbury. I’m from White Plains, NY and have lived here my entire life. My mom is from South Carolina originally but has been in New York over 50 years, my father was born and raised in White Plains. I initially went to college to study communications but hit some road blocks along the way and realized maybe that wasn’t the right field for me.

I was involved in a NYS Workforce job readiness program about 3 years ago that gave me the opportunity to discover different career field options, that is where I realized maybe the IT field is something that is possible for me to do. Currently I work at Westchester Medical Center as a Patient Flow Coordinator, I hope after I get the proper training, I could find a position in the IT/Helpdesk department here at Westchester Medical.

Education is important to me because it can help me move forward with my life and become even more independent from my family. This award will help change my life because it will help make gaining into a field I’ve been interested in for a while but never really had the time to really devote to making it possible. In the future I see myself with not just a job but a career that I love, living independently and really hopeful for what the future has even more in store for me.

In conclusion, PepsiCo Foundation I would like to thank you for seeing something in me and helping me finally make my dreams for a better future possible. Thank you for giving me this awesome opportunity when you could have given it to someone else. For that I will be forever grateful and forever in your gratitude.

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Neal Crawford – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am a middle aged African American male father of 3 beautiful children. I reside in Yonkers, NY where I have lived for 50 years. I am currently participating in the IT program at WCC Short- term workforce.

Education is very important because as the world evolves, we must evolve along with it, staying current with the new technology and programs. This is a new generation where computers, tablets and smart phones are dominant in all genres so knowledge of IT would be a plus.

This award will give me a new career path in my advanced age, opening new doors and opportunities for me and my family. My outlook for the future would be a position in a well-known organization that gives opportunities for advancement, growth and continued education. Thank you to PepsiCo for this opportunity and scholarship. Bringing hope to the hopeless and better prospect for careers.

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Jimmy Castano – IBM Data Science Certification candidate

My name is Jimmy Castano, and I will be participating in the IBM skills academy Data Science course hosted by Westchester Community College thanks to your generous contribution.

I was born and raised in Boston, MA shortly after my parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic with my older brother and two sisters. As a child I was fascinated by information. I spent hours reading astronomy and paleontology books checked out from my local library and in my teens spent countless hours absorbing documentaries on space, history, and culture. Curiosity has played a large factor in what drives me in education and self-improvement, and I was fortunate enough to have wonderful peers and mentors in high school to help push me along.

I knew from a young age to seize opportunities in education that my parents did not have the chance to, and have fun while doing it. High school robotics taught me so much about growing as part of a team, and working toward a common goal. Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps taught me about hard work, discipline and leadership. The Youth Astronomy Apprenticeship Program taught me to be more comfortable communicating to people, using my passion for space as a vessel to show others the wondrous unknown of the universe. I did not want the growth to stop, and so I continued my pursuit of knowledge studying Physics and Astrophysics as an Undergraduate. Enrolling in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps I felt the call to serve and commissioned as a Naval Officer following graduation. After five years of active service I am separating due to a renewed sense of wanting to be closer to friends and family, and to explore other opportunities in the civilian sector.

My studies in Astrophysics have a close relationship with Data Science. For my coursework I took data sets from advanced telescopes peering deep into space. With the data, I learned to manipulate it for quality, and apply relations and understandings we have on physics to arrive at answers to questions we have about our universe. The process of problem solving with powerful computation tools and methods felt very rewarding. Though I got a chance to practice these skills I never received formal training on the tools and techniques of Data Science that I used.

The Uplift Scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for me to get a fresh start in the field to build from with the IBM skills academy course. I plan to use the knowledge I gain from this course to jump start a potential career in professional problem solving that is Data Science. In the future I hope to continue growing and leading teams, problem solving to provide value to any organization I work for. I once again thank you for your support and this wonderful opportunity provided to me.

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Jose Nunes – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

My name is Jose Nunes, me and my family immigrated to the United States when I was 4 years. A son of a mechanic and housewife. Both of my parents only received an elementary school education, not because of lack of intelligence or academic ability, but because of their family needs. This was the norm in my family and community for many generations.

I am the first family member to go to middle school, to graduate from high school and graduate from college. I know how valuable access to education is and I do not take it for granted. I am an electronics and computer teacher at Saunders Trades and Technical High School in Yonkers NY. Most of my students are first generation immigrants just like me and face similar challenges that I faced. The Uplift Scholarship for Red Hat Administration course will allow me to learn current marketable skills that are in demand and to teach them to my students. This scholarship is not just for me, but for the 60 students I teach every year. Thank you for investing in me and my students.

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Marcos Nunes – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

My name is Marcos Nunes, I am the son of immigrant parents and have always been taught that the importance of education. Education is a major key to success, and I value every opportunity given to me. I am currently a junior majoring in Cybersecurity and this Pepsi Uplift Scholarship for Red Hat Administration course is a great opportunity to help me advance in my future career as a Cybersecurity professional with a Red Hat Administration Certification. This opportunity is equivalent to a “foot in the door” and I am truly grateful for this privilege of being a PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholar.

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Jhavier Daley – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

My name is Jhavier Daley. I was born in Jamaica on April, 24 1994. I came to United States with my family in 2000, and I loved it ever since. I was able to hear about the CompTIA A+ program from Westchester Community College because I attended a work force program before that helped me enter the work force again but with a supportive team behind me, it was a blessing.

When I heard about this program I was extremely excited. I have always wanted to try my hand at an IT program, unfortunately I did not know where to start, and now I do. I am currently working in a hospital and working towards my nursing degree, which is a passion of mine.

Exploring the IT realm has been an interest of mine, from understanding how the computer hardware and software function to the unseen force of the internet and how this power tool can be used beyond the everyday necessity. Having an immense and diverse education is very important to me. As I advance in my years of life, I understand how vital having an education is, and an education does not have to be school and a classroom, it can also be a program offered to you from a college, sponsored by an amazing enterprise that knows the dream does not stop.

This program will give me a huge advantage when it comes to Nursing Informatics and a better understanding of the technical side of the field. This award will help me pursue a career in Nursing Informatics, a career that seemed dim and very far away.

Now I am energized, full of hope and faith and motivation and I’m very grateful for this opportunity and the support that will be readily available to ensure my success. I plan to show the younger generation inside and outside my family that opportunities are the gateway to a fulfilling life, and always take advantage when its presented.

Thank you PepsiCo for seeing the benefits in giving those that want more out of life a chance to go and get it. I’m looking forward to the rewards of completing this program and how it will affect my life in a positive way.

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Kadeem Francis – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

My name is Kadeem Francis and I was born and raised in White Plains, New York. My parents came to this country from the small, beautiful island of Jamaica. With a family coming from a place where they had few resources, limited on education and opportunity they have continuously instilled the importance of seizing opportunity and furthering my education. I want to express my appreciation for your support in presenting me with an opportunity to make a difference. I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life as an IT Help Desk Technician which will hopefully prepare me to one day reach my goal of being a design expert. This changes my life because I have been struggling financially to finish/get back into school and now with this award I can focus on my education and put all my energy into doing well in the program. Your generosity is allowing me to make my dreams and goals into a reality. I hope in turn one day I’ll be able to give back and help others achieve their goals.

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Stephanie Webb – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding the wee Short-term Workforce program. Your generous contribution will allow me to pursue my studies and gain the CompTIA A+ certification.

Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges, but has also helped me realize how important education is to me. Receiving this scholarship will literally pave the way for me to finally be able to better myself, have a career that I am proud and help support my family. I plan on graduating in October of 2021, at which time I will pursue a career in the IT as a Help Desk Technician. I will use the knowledge, skills, and expertise I gain during my time at the wee Short-term Workforce program to contribute to the IT community after graduation.

Over the next few years, I want to explore and develop skills in IT that will allow me to pursue a Cyber Security certification. In 5 years or more, I want to have gained experience in penetration testing for major clients. I will be looking for opportunities to expand my responsibilities within IT to work towards my goals.

Without your donation, I wouldn’t be able to achieve the goals necessary to fulfill my professional ambition of becoming a Help Desk Technician. Thank you for your continued support and investment in my future.

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Christopher Lowe – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholar. I graduated from Suny Old Westbury in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, because I had a strong interest in media at the time. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the media route wasn’t the one for me. Through research I’ve learned that the tech industry is booming and there is a need for employees. The Covid era that we’re in has taught me to think to the future, and we’re trending in the direction of a tech driven world. The entry level IT help desk technician program is the perfect opportunity for me to get my foot in the door through the ground level. This course will give me the knowledge I need to be able to fulfill day to day IT problems and educate me on the best practices to attain employment. In addition, the CompTIA A+ certification is the first step in the ladder of various certificates needed in order to elevate in the tech world. My 2-year-old son Logan is the motivation for me to want dive deep into tech. The opportunity to give my child the life he deserves and create a future for myself and my son presents itself. This award just made my goals attainable. Within the next 3-5 years I plan to be in either the cyber security area of tech or VMware. Thank you for helping me with the jump start I needed to be able to reach the career goals I have for myself.

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Devin Rich – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your support in assisting people of color in the pursuit of higher education.

I come from a small family consisting of two younger sisters and my parents who separated when I was small. At a young age, I learned the responsibilities that come with being the man of my household. I strived and continue to strive to be an example to my little sisters and I strongly believe that playing sports taught me hard work, discipline and confidence within myself- characteristics which remain embedded in me today.

Presently, I am a PACs coordinator for the radiology department at White Plains Hospital and have been in this role for the past three years. As a PACs coordinator my responsibilities include managing the daily functioning of the Picture Archiving and Communications System which consists of management, maintenance and troubleshooting. Working in this field has greatly piqued my interest in technology and has allowed me to discover a newfound passion. This discovery is what drove me to apply for the CompTIA A+ class. My objective is to build a strong foundation in today’s core technology which is exactly what this course will teach me.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to further advance my education with the help of the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship as I have no doubt that an education will help enhance my career prospects. Ultimately, my aim is to venture into full stack development with the end goal of starting my own tech firm and creating job opportunities for minorities such as myself. Giving back to my community is a personal aspiration as I first handedly have experienced the struggles of growing up underprivileged with big dreams. I would like to inspire our men, women, and youth to revolt against the odds and to seize the moment! I thank you again for this enormously generous gift; this is only the beginning.

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Agatha Santos – Computer Information Systems Candidate

I am honored and very grateful to receive this award as a PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholar. This will help me very much in achieving my goal of becoming the first in my family to earn a college degree. Making my family proud and taking advantage of the opportunities that they never had is one of the driving forces in my life.

I am the youngest of three siblings, raised by my parents in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. I came to the United States as an au pair three years ago, looking to explore the world and gain new experiences. After meeting people that have studied at community colleges and hearing about their positive experiences and what they have gone on to accomplish, I decided that I should continue my stay here in the US and pursue an education at Westchester Community College.

I have always had an interest in technology and business, which is why I have chosen to study Computer Information Systems. I see myself in the future as a leader at a company, helping guide business decisions through implementing and improving technology. I enjoy coding and would like to incorporate that into my career as well.

Thank you again for this amazing opportunity.

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Clara Antwi – Computer Information Systems Candidate

My name is Clara Antwi, and I would like to express my gratitude for your assistance and sponsorship.

I am a Computer Information Systems major at Westchester Community College. I enjoy reading, baking, and watching movies and shows. After the next semester ends, I’m hoping to get into another reputable school with the best of grades.

I was born in Ghana and raised by two retired teachers who value education and its advancement. Education is important because it allows me to learn from a variety of individuals, including myself, build lasting memories, form enduring relationships, and be exposed to new experiences.

This scholarship will help me further my studies, propel me, and help me achieve my academic goals of completing my degrees. I envision myself graduating with a smiling face, making everyone proud, and working in a reputable firm with a steady income, without any regrets in the future. And once again thank you for your sponsorship.

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Viviane Karpinski – Computer Information Systems Candidate

I am beyond grateful for being chosen as one of the recipients of the Uplift Scholarship. Your generous contribution will help me tremendously to move forward on my goal of completing a bachelor’s degree on Computer Information Systems.

I have dedicated my life to reaching out to those in need of help. I have learned from my parents, who are Salvation Army Officers, to be the support to others. We have moved often as a family, and as a consequence we have been the helping hand to many communities around New Jersey and New York. We have brought hope to the hopeless, food for the hungry, guidance for the lost, and gifts under trees during Christmas time.

Education gives us the power and the ability to fight poverty. I hope to use my education not only to my benefit but other’s as well. I n the near future I hope to be using my skills to support myself and to enlighten the minds of those who did not have the same opportunities as me.

It brings me great joy to have your support in this wonderful journey.

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Zack Malave – Computer Information Systems Candidate

My name is Zack Malave. I am 18 years old and currently living with my mom and dad and have a twin sister and an older sister who I deeply love. I just wanted to say I am deeply excited and thankful for being selected and wanted to thank you for being given me this opportunity.

Ever since going to BOCES in Yorktown, I discovered the world of Digital Design and it was hard but also amazing and fun. I wanted to have a career in it and take it into college. I wasted no time of applying for classes at WCC, and I could not wait to take them when coming in the fall.

This is my first year attending at WCC and it has been quite a journey so far. I am surprised on how many opportunities WCC had to offer. After learning about the PepsiCo Foundation, I knew I had to take this opportunity and I am glad I did.

This award will help support me in continuing my education in WCC, as I would use it for buying books for classes and for transportation.

I am achieving becoming a web and digital designer in the future. I loved doing this during my 2 years at BOCES and I cannot wait to show [what I can do] in college. I hope one day to have a business myself in helping clients but that is a long way to go but am hoping to get there. All I want to say is thank you, for choosing me with this award as I will use it well in the future during my college journey and experience.

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George Moses – Computer Information Systems Candidate

Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

I was born in the United States but was raised in Jamaica. Education is important to me because it a means of achieving financial independence for myself.

This Scholarship will significantly reduce my financial burden by eliminating the issue of student loan debt, allowing me to focus more on learning and excelling in my classes and, ultimately, my career. My professional ambition is to work as a database administrator.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your generous contribution to my education.

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Benedict Mensah – Computer Information Systems Candidate

My name is Benedict Mensah, and I am honored to be one of this year’s recipients of the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholar Award.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding the PepsiCo Scholar Award. Thanks to your donation, I am able continue my education at Westchester community College.

I am currently in the Senior year of my degree with a major in Computer Information Systems. After my scheduled graduation in May of 2022, I plan to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in a Four-year College.

As an immigrant from Ghana West Africa a first generation to pursue College it is my greatest dream to attain highest degree in higher Education. Living United a States with my father and three younger sisters and being the first born I always want to set a good example for the younger ones to follow and to prove to them that no matter where they come from, they can achieve every goal or dream they set their mind to. I believe higher education open many opportunities and maximize your potential of becoming a prominent person in society.

Ghanaian Statesman Kofi Annan states, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family”. It is my dream to learn as much as I can. Therefore, college education is important to me. Life became financially difficult after my father got lay off from work due to pandemic. I was going to take one class so I could work fulltime but thanks the generosity I will be able to take all the classes I need in order to meet the required credit hours to graduate as scheduled.

My education pursuits would have not been possible without your generous donation to the PepsiCo Foundation. Thank you for enabling me to reach my fullest personal and professional potential.

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Kyle Miller-Moody – Computer Information Systems Candidate

My name is Kyle Miller-Moody. I just recently turned 28 living in Westchester. I am currently an audio engineer working in the city at the UN. In my spare time I enjoy making clothes for my brand and cooking for my food page.

Currently I’m a trying to achieve my second degree in CIS with a certification in Cyber Security in order to expand my knowledge and skill set. Hopefully if everything works out properly, I will have this completed by next spring and I can begin the job hunt.

To me education is the foundation of success or the key to it from what I’ve seen. In order to become successful in anything one must educate themselves in the field they wish to be successful in. Without education we don’t advance and if you don’t advance you get left behind.

This award is exactly what I need to continue to advance and move forward and boost my career. Not only does it release a financial burden, but it also provides hope and influence to continue.

In the near future I see myself furthering my education a bit more with certifications and once that’s complete, I see myself establishing myself in the cyber security world and leveling up from there.

I greatly thank you for this opportunity for me to further advance myself to the next step in my career.

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Shemar Tyson – Computer Information Systems Candidate

My name is Shemar Tyson. I am a Jamaican citizen who recently migrated to the United States to further my education and live a better life.

For us Jamaicans, America appears to be a place of opportunity and a place to gain success, and I have come here to obtain all of that. The reason my education is so important for me is because I value myself. I don’t really possess a skill at this point in my life that can make money, so I’m choosing brains over brawns.

This award can change my life as it will motivate me to continue to perform so I can receive more awards like these in the future. This will evidently impact my grades.

I joined the army a month ago, so honestly where I see myself in the future is advancing in multiple degrees as that equals more pay in the army as your certificates are considered accolades. I believe in the next 10 years I will have 2 bachelors and be active duty in the US Army.

I am super grateful to receive this award and I couldn’t thank you enough for choosing to support me.

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Anthony J. Chicaiza – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

Education is important to me for three reasons; to Achieve Knowledge, Improve Personality and Develop as a person. Today, everyone wants to fulfill their dreams and become successful. It is only education that enables anyone to reach their goals. This award will change my life because it will give me the opportunity to challenge myself to extreme limits, step out of my comfort zone and meet new people who have the same goals and aspirations to become successful in the IT field. In the future, after completing this program, I see myself gaining relevant experience and obtaining a career in cyber security.

Once again, thank you PepsiCo Foundation for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to prove to myself that I belong here. With the past year that showed so much uncertainty, you have given me the light at the end of the tunnel that is a bright future. Thank You.

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Julian Guy – IBM Data Science Certification candidate

Thank you for investing in my journey as I pursue the IBM Skills Academy Data Science Practitioner Certification. From a young age, my parents encouraged me to pursue an education. They believed education could open the doors to a stable (and hopefully fulfilling) career. They were right. Education has indeed opened doors for me, but I’ve also come to realize that those doors don’t stay open unless you keep learning.

I am grateful for institutions like WCC that create environments for people to pursue lifelong learning. WCC has always been one of my go-to places for learning something new. Growing up just five minutes from the main campus, I’ve had many opportunities over the years to develop skills and explore new passions at WCC. I have particularly fond memories of summertime courses in the basement of the Westchester County Center, practicing still life drawing with talented local artists.

One of our primary goals is deriving meaningful insights from massive amounts of data. Suddenly the skills I learned in college, now over five years ago, have become a lot more relevant.

I’m excited by the opportunity to pursue the IBM Skills Academy Data Science Practitioner Certification because I’d like to brush up on visualizing, modeling, and deriving insights from real-world datasets. I hope to bring these skills back to my company so I can make a greater impact at my workplace. Moreover, I hope the skills I learn in this course can set the foundation for transitioning into a career in Data Science.

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Ivan Woodard – Python Certification Candidate

When Ivan was accepted as a PepsiCo Uplift Scholar to pursue a Python course, he was working part time as a collections assistant for a local Art Museum. At that time he could barely make ends meet. His will to add new technological skills and his perseverance allowed him to get hired and find a new career path. Prior to taking some classes at WCC, Ivan got a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History.

I just wanted to thank the PepsiCo Uplift Foundation for supporting my studied at SUNY Westchester Community College.
I recently started a new full-time position at a company called Kobrand Corporation as a Content Management Coordinator. It’s an amazing company and I was offered 5x my salary from my last position. I credit this success to what I’ve been doing at WCC. This year has been extremely difficult in many ways, but this new job will be a key factor in getting on my feet again. Words can’t describe how grateful I am. I gained so many practical skills and support in such a short amount of time that will take me farther than any other degree I’ve had. And I’ve learned that hard skills really matter more than most theoretical concepts when it comes to a career.

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Kevin Arthur Andrade, Advanced Applications Engineer – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

Kevin Andrade was a Westchester Community College graduate and a recent Binghamton University Alumni when he applied for the PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship.

I recently graduated with an associate and bachelor’s degree in computer science. When I applied for the PepsiCo Uplift scholarship, I was working as a software developer at a tech consulting company, but unfortunately it was not as tech involved as I had hoped for. I decided to pursue the Red Hat – System Administration Course at WCC. By receiving this award and completing the course I became more “desirable”. Taking this course helped me immensely with my software development career, whether in trouble shooting networks, installing software components, or managing users and data. And it definitely helped me get my new job. Using the skills I learned from the class and my Java developing skills I managed to land a job at BNY Mellon as a Full Stack Developer. I was able to get a good 35k increase as a lead full stack developer with the assistance of the class. I really appreciate the PepsiCo Uplift scholarship support.

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Kevin Ponder – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

I will be using this scholarship to partake in the Red Hat System Administration I class, which will greatly help in advancing my IT career forward.

I am currently a Field Service Engineer for Dell who plans to advance my career further within the field of IT, and with the help of this scholarship, and subsequent class, I will be able to pursue a future position as a System Administrator. I come from a family of four, while currently only living with my Mother, and younger brother. My parents had separated when I was 16, and that circumstance in my life has only motivated me into becoming the best man that I can be. So, this class will be particularly important to me as I continue to not only support myself, but to also help support my mother and brother.

Thank you so much again for this opportunity. I am honored and grateful and will most certainly be using this incredible gift to advance my career.

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Rafael-David Sanchez Jr. – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for your extremely generous Uplift scholarship. I am delighted and deeply appreciative to know that I am a recipient of this award.

Education is more than just taking notes and exams. In my opinion, knowledge is what prepares you for the real world. I am a Computer Engineering major at the City College of New York with plans of pursuing a master’s degree in Cybersecurity. After I graduate in spring 2022, coursework aside, this education that I have received has taught me how to work with a team, solve problems, and think critically, all of which are important skills to have.

As a student with interest in Cybersecurity, I believe that it is a necessity to know the ins and outs of the systems that I would be working with. With that being said, I will be participating in the Red Hat Linux System Administration program. Thanks to you, I will not only be able to develop, enhance, and expand my skills and abilities, but also advance my career in Linux.

This scholarship is absolutely life changing. As a student that does not have the finances to pay for this program, I would not have been able to participate. This means that I would have missed out on a big opportunity to improve my skills and further my career. Thank you so much for your generosity and support. I promise that I will work my hardest.

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Debra E. Williams – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

My name is Debra E. Williams. I was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. While attending High School I became a teen mom. So I didn’t get the opportunity to go away to college. I did however attended business schools in the late eighties and nineties to sharpen my office skills. I am currently underemployed as a customer service representative at a small medical manufacture. I am glad to be employed but there is no employment growth here.

I am very pleased and honored to be one of this year’s recipients of the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship.

Receiving the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift scholarship will allow me to further my eductional pursuits, and update my professional profile. Which would not have been possible without your generous donation. I can truly see myself in a new career with endless growth oppourtunities. I hope to one day pay it forward to help other students who are like myself with their goals in higher education by assisting them in the same way you are helping me. Thank you again for your generous donation and enabling me to reach my fullest personal and professional potential.

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Naome Mathieu – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

I want to sincerely thank PepsiCo for awarding me with this wondrous opportunity. I come from a very well-educated family. While mostly college educated, a lot of them have been blessed with worldly opportunities that have inspired great triumphs. The doors that have opened and closed in my encounters will be innumerable. I feel that this door will lead me down a desired path of financial security and happiness in my career. Education is so important because it can’t be stripped from you. Your knowledge is the most tactical and proficient weapon in a world of disorder and inequality.
The program I decided to go with is the Red Hat System Administration. I am thrilled to have been chosen to learn in depth of Linux commands and architecture. I am truly appreciative and eager to learn! This award has shined a light on my perspective of self-confidence and serves as ammunition to continually moving forward and ‘pop’ off my success!

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Shadashja Slater – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in the funding of the 2021 CompTIA A+ class. I am very honored to be the recipient of this award.

My name is Shadashja Slater I’m a 32 yr. old mom of 2 amazing daughters. I’m from Mount Vernon NY, a very small town in Westchester County. In 2016 I started working for Target Mobile located inside of Target in Mount Vernon. While working for TM my interest in technology grew tremendously. Helping people fix setup or activate their electronics is something that kept me going every day.

Education is essential to learn, thrive, and excel in the real world I must first learn how to do them. Education gives me the option to choose to do what I like rather than being forced to do something else. I believe the CompTIA A+ class will help me become more educated in the IT field and also to get a good job so that I can become financially stable in life.

In the future I want to be able to find opportunities to apply the skill set I develop here in a way that gives back to the community. Once again thank you for your generous gift. Your support will go a long way in achieving my educational and career goals.

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Tracy Elliott – Python Certification Candidate

I am honored to be a recipient of the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Workforce Scholarship. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support to students like myself who needs it the most.

I am a first generation college graduate. I grew up in a loving but financially challenged home supported by only one parent. The lack of financial resources helped me to realize the importance of a college education. Although growing up less privileged was difficult it made me very innovative, at 8 years old I taught myself how to sew doll dresses from old clothing, and at 10 years old I started my own business designing (Glitter) on roller-skates for all the girls in the neighborhood.

My goal is to participate in the Python Programming summer session at the WCC Workforce Program. This opportunity is a perfect gateway for learning Intermediate level programming that will help to guide my career towards prosperity as an IT Business professional by gaining the skill needed in exploratory data analysis and visualization utilizing information technology solutions.

Again, I cannot express my gratitude enough, and I want you to know that your generous support helps me to achieve my dreams of become involved with local schools in my community by helping teachers better use technology in the classroom as well as building healthy relationships with seniors eager for guidance in the use of technology.

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Ademar Cruz Cabrera – IBM Data Science Certification candidate

It is important to me to be able to take the “Data Science Practitioner IBM skills Academy” course because I am sure that this knowledge is going to give me a boost in my career as an unemployed computer system engineer.

I truly believe that at the end of this course, my resume is going to look more professional. Therefore, I will have several opportunities while looking for a job.

We are truly thankful to Pepsico Foundation, who is supporting professionals and being a key point for their careers.

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Eduardo Rondon – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

No words can express how grateful I am to be chosen for this scholarship. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

Although I was born in New York, my family comes from the Dominican Republic. My stepfather is a flight attendant for American Airlines and my mother stays at home to take care of my little brother due to him having type 1 diabetes, especially in these pandemic times. By the time I graduated from high school, I already knew what kind of career I wanted to pursue and that is cyber security. I have always been interested in this field because aside from the fact that we sometimes hear of companies being breached and their data being stolen, not many people know just how much happens behind the scenes. Right now, as I write this letter, countries are currently engaged with one another in cyber warfare and criminal entities are trying to break into secure networks with the hope of stealing information for some type of gain. I wish to help those that I can be aware that such threats never cease to exist, even if we go months without hearing anything in the news about the subject, and to safeguard them from such threats.

I chose to be part of the Red Hat System Administration 1 course because it is a certification that I was already looking to pursue before I was made aware of this opportunity. I strongly believe that having this certification under my belt will help me in my development as a future cyber security analyst and beyond. Having an opportunity like this is very helpful because it allows me to take part in something I normally would not be able to afford and receiving the kind of education that I will be getting from this course will be invaluable for my future. As the old saying goes, “knowledge is power” and I wholeheartedly believe that to be true. I take my education very seriously because to get good at my chosen craft, I must put in the hours and practice all that I am taught. Especially in the kind of field that I am pursuing, I want to be as knowledgeable as I can be so that I can help others to protect themselves online and through that, shift the power away from the criminals and put it the hands of the people I will be protecting.

Thank you again for choosing me to be a PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholar. Because of your generosity, I will take one step further in my journey in cyber security.

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Nathaly D Uruchima – Red Hat Linux Certification Candidate

My name is Nathaly Uruchima, a Westchester Community College alumni and current SUNY Binghamton University student. During my time at Westchester Community College, I discovered the area of information technology. After taking a Cisco Certified Network Associate course at Westchester Community College I became enamored with the IT world. Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the Pepsi Co award; this is an amazing occasion to continue expanding my skillset and broadening the opportunities I will be able to take.

Being first generation Latin-American, I understand how important education is. My parents immigrated from Ecuador to the United States for a better future. Being able to continue my education is important as it will aid me in creating a successful future. Being the first in my family to purse a technical STEM major, was a huge accomplishment.

I have learned several skills to make myself ‘wanted’ in the field. I took the initiative to pursue the Red Hat System Administration I course at Westchester Community College to further develop my skills and to make myself more appealable to employers. By taking this course I will learn many fundamental and important skills such as, trouble shooting networks, firewall restrictions and package management, and many other things.

In the future, I see myself as a successful full stack web developer who can lead others on the same path. A strong knowledge of back end and front end is needed for me to reach this goal along with a good understanding in Linux administration. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to help me advance in my career. Thank you, PepsiCo, for this award and for giving me this opportunity to advance and expand my skills.

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Jostan Tejeda – Python and R Programming for Data Science and Machine Learning Certification Candidate

I am extremely grateful for this opportunity that has been given to me. My name is Jostan, born and raised in the south Bronx. I have 2 little sisters, I come from two immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic. My parents came to this country in hope of a better life; not only for themselves but for their children and many generations to come!

I will be part of the Introduction to Python and R Programming for Data Science and Machine Learning workforce. I’m really looking forward to taking this course in hopes of gaining a new skill and expanding my options in the IT industry.

Education is extremely important for me because I’m on pace to be a first-generation college graduate! I also believe education will open many doors for me in the IT field. This course will be such an important part of my career because it’s going to teach me a new skill set that can possibly be my pathway to success.

I see myself starting my career in the IT field but along the way opening an IT company and hopefully become the best company in the world!

One again a huge thank you to the PepsiCo Foundation its truly an honor to be part of this program!

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Jose Escalante – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am 28 years old and currently working as a sales associate. I went to Saunders Trade and Technology High School and that is where my interest in computer software grew. After high school, I wanted to continue my education but I did not have the finances to do so and I had to dedicate my time to work. This year, I decided to set some goals and time for myself. One of my goals is to advance my education by going back to school or enrolling into a computer software program.

By furthering my education, that would give me the opportunity to grow professional work experience. I decided to do some research on community colleges and that is how I came across the Entry-level IT Help Desk Technician Program at Westchester Community College.
By awarding me the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship, I am able to participate in the training program and advance my education in computer software. Thank you again for providing me with this opportunity and I hope that one day I will be able to give back to my community just like you did for me.

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Dominick George – Python and R Programming for Data Science and Machine Learning Certification Candidate

I have an interest in computer science and have been branching out into whatever I can because of my long-time interest in computers and the almost limitless possibilities of making them do whatever you want, as long as you knew how to tell them. This time last year I participated in a summer intensive provided by All Star Code for web development skills, I’ve taken both computer science classes offered by my school, and not too long ago I happened to stumble upon another branch of computer science for me to dip my feet into. I had found free Machine Learning curriculum provided by Microsoft on GitHub and I decided to take a crack at it. To my dismay I quickly realized it required a basic understanding of python and that I did not retain enough from the computer science class on python I took 2 years ago that was also watered down due to the pandemic. I prepared myself to relearn what little Python I did know and learn the rest of the basics when not even one day later my godfather mentions a summer class named Introduction to Python and R Programming for Data Science and Machine Learning and asks me if I’d be interested.

I hope that I was able to show my passion for gaining as much information at least a little, because my philosophy on education goes something like “I never know when I could need to know this, so why not learn it?” This award could lead to me getting hooked on what I learn in this class and go on to choosing a career in data science, but even if it doesn’t, I still know this knowledge could help me in so many ways I can’t even comprehend them all no matter what field I go into. Whether I become one of the most versatile workers in my field with expertise in almost everything I could possibly need or just use it for fun in the future, I still am happy knowing that one day a situation could come up that requires one of the random things I learned just because I could!

So, for allowing this first-generation college student raised by a single mother to pursue my passion for computer science, all I can do is thank you from the bottom of my heart and ask that you watch me (hopefully) go on to do bigger and better things in the future

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Marc Paillant – COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate

I am humbled, honored and as well excited to be rewarded a Scholar of this magnanimous program helping minorities around the world succeed in their professional livelihoods. I am a descendant of two Haitian Born Immigrant parents who came to America to achieve the American Dream; the dream of freedom, professionalism, and success. I cannot thank PepsiCo Foundation enough for allowing me to receive full tuition coverage of $2,500 and as well the benefits of receiving a personal navigator to assist me in pursuing the development of my education. I would like to state that with this Scholarship from PepsiCo Foundation it will be of a great help for me and especially my Mother who cannot afford to help me pursue my education financially but is here in spirit and concern. The PepsiCo Foundation has lifted a burden off not only my shoulders but as well as my family, our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the program, organizers, and chairmen.

I am the eldest of two siblings. Coming from a Carribean home has taught me certain principles and morals that were taught by my parents which instilled a certain character in my siblings and I. This very character today has helped me establish a love for IT. I dream of owning my own CyberSecurity Firm where we practice protecting individuals who would potentially be at high risk of privacy related concerns and as well as data leaks. I know this is a very big goal but with the help of PepsiCo Foundation the first step has already been completed.

I would like to express once again my sincere gratitude and appreciation for this most wonderful reward. With this honor being bestowed I would like to thank the PepsiCo Foundation, Westchester Community College, and my Personal Navigator who has truly been of great assistance in preparing me for this educational process. This has been a generous and serviceable aid to the families rewarded by this program. A welcoming and true excitement brews not only in my heart but I am sure as well as other members who have participated and have been awarded in this program. A deep concern of admiration and respect and thank you once again to the Organizers at PepsiCo Foundation and as well as those at Westchester Community College who made this possible for all people of backgrounds, gender, and ethnicity. To really make a difference in this world is to invest in the development of others, something PepsiCo Foundation has and is doing. For that many others and I are forever indebted for this sincere and courteous gesture in investing in the success of others. Thank You PepsiCo Foundation.

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Michael James – Python Certification Candidate

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Looking back on my life, I don’t understand why I never pursued a career in technology. During the Spring of 2021, I began researching different career options on the internet. The thought of getting a second degree crossed my mind along with obtaining certifications from various technological fields but I was never able to find the right path that suited me.

I see either IBM Practitioner courses as the finish line for my particular race. Let us not forget that no race begins without a start. That start, which is my foundation, will begin with Introduction to Programming with Python followed by Intermediate Programming with Python. Once I complete both courses, I will choose which IBM course will follow

I believe education is important because as human beings, we are constantly learning and evolving. Having an education demonstrates the ability for one to focus on and complete a particular subject. It shows discipline. Having an education opens doors and creates more opportunities. No great civilization is built with a stagnant, uneducated people leading the way.

Receiving a scholarship from the PepsiCo Foundation is very humbling. I am very thankful for receiving it and will no doubt, focus on the opportunity to learn something entirely new. It serves as the preface of “volume two” to my life. When I say volume two, I am referring to my re-creation. Receiving this creates new opportunities in my life to provide for my family and be a productive citizen within the new age.

As stated earlier, new possibilities will be created in my life after completing the Python courses. In no way am I stopping there. I intend to proceed from there with either the IBM Artificial Intelligence or the Data Science Practitioner courses. From there, I will have the options of either working for a private company or working for myself. It is difficult to say at this moment since I’ve yet to take a Python course. I would like to add that I’ve been reading about blockchain technology, and I must say that I am completely fascinated by what I am reading. Maybe, this can one day be added to the Westchester Community College catalog?

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Nii Laryea – Python Certification Candidate

When Nii was accepted, he was working for WestMed, part as an EMT and starting an IT career there. He was not very happy at that time with the job opportunity.
I am a son of West African immigrants from Ghana. I first pursued a career in medicine, going to school, while working as an EMT and doing plenty of volunteer hours. I quickly knew this wasn’t for me. Searching for a new career path, I found the IT industry through the guidance of mentors I have known throughout the different stages in my life. Information Technology focuses on improving everyone in every field and this was something I felt I could contribute to. As a PepsiCo Uplift scholar, I was able to learn Python and an introduction to machine learning all while maintaining my work balance. These classes gave me the confidence to make a jump in my current career and pursue a position at Bloomberg. I started with a contract job first and I managed to become a datacenter engineer full time hired by Bloomberg. Perseverance, hard work and the PepsiCo scholarship support had a great impact in my life. My salary has doubled within the year!

The process of this and even being able to look back at the journey brings me so much joy. Thank you again.

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Chavay Johnson – IBM Data Science Certification candidate

I am honored and grateful for this generous award. This great gift is enabling me to attend the Data Science Practitioner Certification program this fall at Westchester Community College. I have dreamed about becoming a Data Scientist, but it was clearly impossible due to limited resources. Last year, I was laid off due to Covid-19 Pandemic and have struggled to find new employment. As an unemployed African American woman with a family to support, this has made me feel defeated and lost. My background is Project Management, but I lack technical skills. To make myself more marketable in the current job market, I wanted to upskill and learn a technical skill. Thus why I chose Data Science which is in high demand and there are a lot of jobs available. The PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship is changing my life by supporting me and enabling me to attend the certification program to achieve my goal. Five years from now, I will be a Data Science Practitioner at an organization that utilizes data to make decisions and solve complex problems.