Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Pepsico Foundation Uplift Testimonials

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ivan Woodard – Python Certification Candidate

I am honored to be the recipient of the PepsiCo Uplift Scholarship. Words cannot express how much I admire this company’s actions in promoting diversity in tech.

As a black transgender person, I have experienced many of the societal barriers that prevent many people of color from entering technology fields. I grew up in Fayetteville, NC and had a very scarce education in science and math, mostly due to the trials of growing up with a single parent and struggling with a variety of economic stressors. But with my mom being my biggest supporter, she packed my bag for me and sent me to New York for college, where I went on to get my first degree in art history with a focus in digital art and design.

While studying art history, I began to see how art and design effects every aspect of our lives. From the eye-catching colors of an app, to accessible minimalistic websites, beauty is constantly at our fingertips. I see tools like programming languages similarly to the paintbrushes and pencils I have worked with as a traditional artist. Inspired by these parallels, I began my journey into web development and UX/UI at WCC while working part-time at my local museum as a Collections Assistant. My goal is to gain the skills to be a web developer and combine my training in art and technology to create accessible websites for businesses and creatives in need of a web presence. I thank PepsiCo again for this opportunity. I am grateful for this scholarship and your support of lifelong learners like me.

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

My name is Kevin Andrade, a recent Westchester Community College and Binghamton University Alumni. I recently graduated with an associate and bachelor’s degree in computer science. Westchester Community College opened my eyes to the IT world, it was a medium for me to pursue what I love doing the most. Education is the foundation of all learning. Earning the PepsiCo award will pave the way for many opportunities.

I have always enjoyed playing with technology from a young age; whether that was building computers for fun, setting up custom home networks or modifying the code contents of an open source game, I was always having fun throughout the process. I had the wonderful opportunity to pursue college. I am a successful first-generation Ecuadorian/Latino college graduate. I graduated with multiple honor degrees, was in the computer science honors society and received multiple scholarships enabling me to not have to take out any loans. Education was the avenue I chose to upskill myself.

Naturally through college I picked up many additional technical skills; I leveraged upon these skills to obtain successful software development internships.

My family comes from a very poor but noble upbringing; I wanted to change the past and help and lead them into the future. Education opened many doors for me. I learned the skills to become “wanted” in the STEM field along with experience and hope. Having graduated in the middle of a pandemic brought upon many difficulties, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Currently, I am working as a software developer at a tech consulting company, but unfortunately it is not as tech involved as I had hoped for. I decided to pursue the Red Hat – System Administration Course I at WCC. By receiving this award and completing the course it will enable me to become more “desirable” and help me jump into the next phase in life. Taking this course will help me immensely with my software development career, whether that is trouble shooting networks, installing software components, or managing users and data, I know that it will be an important skill that I would use every day.

I see myself as a successful full stack developer specialist who leads others onto the same path. Thank you, PepsiCo, the award that you have granted me will fuel the fire within my heart. I will be forever thankful for giving me this wonderful opportunity to advance.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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?

Nii Laryea – Python Certification Candidate

I am a son of West African immigrants from Ghana. The one solid rule my parents preached to me in this life, as they pursued their own American Dreams, is that education comes first. Whoever I want to be, wherever I want to go, whatever I wanted to do in this country and in life, would be based off of my education. That being said I first pursued a career in medicine, going to school, while working as an EMT and doing plenty of volunteer hours. Day in and day out, I quickly knew this wasn’t for me as the work didn’t move me as I thought it would have. Searching for a new career path, I found myself at home in the IT industry through the guidance of mentors I have known throughout the different stages in my life. Upon seeing, how IT can transform the everyday lives of the employees and the clients, which in turn transforms huge corporations, was something I instantly fell in love with. Information Technology focuses on improving everyone in every field and this was something I felt I can contribute to. This award will allow me to further my education in IT with the introduction to programming with Python & intermediate Programming with Python, all while maintaining my work balance. This will further my skills & knowledge in IT and be able to apply it in my future as I work towards becoming an DevOps Engineer. I would like to say thank you all at the PepsiCo Foundation for awarding me this huge opportunity and a chance to better myself.

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.