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Meet Nehemiah

Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center, Inc

“EDUCATE, EMPOWER, ENRICH”

How did your organization start?

Our organization started when I saw that there were youth, teens and adults that did not know how a computer worked. They knew how to use a computer, but could not identify hardware components and did not know the terminology, where the functions keys were or how computers process information. That concerned me and I looked up the stats from the Census Bureau and it said that less than 5% of minorities understand the importance of computer technology. That is what compelled me to make sure our younger generation had a fighting change by exposing them to these fields at an early age. Preparing teens for the job market and a more lucrative and financially stable future.

What issue are you addressing?

There are over 5 million STEM and I.T. jobs in the U.S. and not enough qualified people to fill these jobs. The U.S. is demanding that we, as a society, educate, train and equip a more prepared and qualified workforce for these lucrative fields. We are addressing decreasing the educational inequity, financial inequality and social disparities that exists in the communities we serve. We provide STEM, robotics and I.T. exposure and training to everyone, but our focus is in under-served and under-represented communities to help rebuild and restore lives in the communities we serve.

Where did your passion for this cause come from?

My passion came from seeing how the minority community is being left behind and perishing due to the lack of knowledge. After I acquired my Computer Science degree and I.T. certifications, I was compelled to give back to the community by exposing at-risk youth and teens to the STEM, and robotic fields. I started by setting up summer camps at the Parks & Rec centers here in Greensboro. Donating equipment and offering free afterschool enrichment and tutoring. Then, started empowering the adult population, women in particular, in the I.T. fields by providing I.T. certification training and workforce development skills. The movie, "Hidden Figures" compelled me to implement the "Phenomenal Women in STEM" initiative to help women acquire I.T. certifications and hands-on skills in non-traditional careers. My passion is to help and see others succeed and flourish by helping them fulfill their purpose in life.

Why is your work so important for Greensboro?

Our work is so important in Greensboro because our younger generation is not adequately equipped to enter these fields. Early and consistent exposure is the key - which creates career awareness. Young adults, ages 16-24, and women lack the skill set and experience to attain employment in the I.T. field. We are now a Registered Apprenticeship Employer Partner with ApprenticeshipNC. This will not only allow us to train and certify individuals, but also provide the critical one-year hands-on experience that most employers are looking for when hiring. Many students in our class have gone to college, but still can't get an I.T. job without a certification and/or experience under their belt. The Nehemiah Center is developing a more marketable workforce for Guilford County residents. Helping us fulfill our STEM Academy motto: "Educating for the 21st Century & Beyond!"

What are you most excited for as it relates to FF10?

I am most excited in getting feedback from outsiders on ways our organization can have a more professional presence. I'm also excited about the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses, organizations in Greensboro, and to reach more clientele to serve.

What have you already learned from the process?

I've have already learned how to delegate responsibilities more; rebrand and enhance our webpage and social media presence; and developing more community collaborations. There is no sense in reinventing the wheel. We all can serve the community better by working together as a village.

What do you hope to get out of FF10?

I hope to gain more wisdom from my coaches and other business owners in Future Fund. To inspire more individual donors and corporate sponsors that can help us become a community staple in Guilford County. This will allow us to offer our services free of charge. And continue to help residents to become more productive citizens - which, in turn, will decrease crime by changing the financial fabric and income in economically unstable households.