Info-Bits August 2013

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www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395

able of ContentsC City

ouncilmembers Speak

Byte Back Graduates

uccess Story: Ezequiel

e la Guardia

ome Words from Our

udents

udent Profile: Kenneth

ross

olunteer of the Month:

chael Johnson

ve Questions with an

structor: Faith Nwaoha

yte Backs New Board

embers

pcoming Events

olunteer Opportunities

Byte Backs Online Newsletter | August 2013

INFO - BITS

By: Neil Rickard and Jessica Bates

Though Byte Backs August graduation

signaled the end of the summer term, it

marked the beginning of new opportuni-

ties for many of our graduates. It also

featured many prestigious guests, in-

cluding Councilmembers Muriel Bowser

and Tommy Wells as well as represent-

atives from the Office of the Chief Tech-

nology Officer, The Morris & Gwendo-

lyn Cafritz Foundation, and StreetWise

Partners.

The graduation featured this years

Golden Mouse Awards, which recognize the contributions of this years exce

tional students, volunteers, and partners. We at Byte Back were lucky to wo

with many amazing people this year, and it was a challenge to pick this year

winners. The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation won our Foundation Partn

of the Year award, particularly for their support for our newest program, Fir

Time Technology. The Office of the Chief Technology Officer was awarded th

Golden Mouse for Government Partner of the Year for saving our spring term

and Accenture was awarded Corporate Partner of the Year for their consiste

support throughout the year on volunteer projects and tutoring. StreetWise Parners won our Nonprofit Partner of the Year award for consistently supporting ou

students, championing their successe

and inviting Byte Back to partner wi

them at volunteer events. Simon Ye

won Volunteer of the Year for his ama

ing work as a Byte Back intern last wi

ter. The Student of the Year awa

went to Rahel Yacob for successfu

completing six classes this year alon

Ms. Yacob is currently excelling in hseventh class -- our A+ Certificatio

Training Program.

This was also the last graduation f

most of this years AmeriCorps volu

teers, many of whom served as instru

tors to the graduates. Director of Volunteer Services Ashley Luttmer spoke abo

their accomplishments throughout the year. Sharon Lee and Deborah Wrigh

DC City Councilmembers Speak to Byte Back Graduates

Connued

Councilmember Muriel Bowser addresses the crow

Councilmember Tommy Wells congratulates the

recent graduates.
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2AUGUST 2013 INFO-BITS


participants in the Enterprise D.C. program showcased their

businesses in presentations they developed during their

classes at Byte Back.

The featured speakers at the event were Councilmembers

Muriel Bowser and Tommy Wells. Councilmember Bowser

congratulated the crowd on their accomplishments, and

spoke about the important role that longtime D.C. residentsare playing in the citys economic growth. Byte Back offers

D.C. residents the training they need to invest in their futures

and the future of their city. Councilmember Wells spoke

about the impact that new technology is having on todays

economy, noting that you cant get away from computers.

He closed by applauding the audience for refusing to be left

behind in a new economy.

Speaker Kenneth Gross, a graduate of Byte Backs A+ Certification course, gave his own perspective

the citys economic situation [read more about Kenneth on page #]. He described his efforts to devel

himself at Byte Back after struggling through the difficulties of a career change. Kenneth told the audien

about how critical the support of his classmates have been in his success. He touted the benefits of ha

ing interned at the new First Time Technology location and described the new doors of opportunity ope

ing before him.

As the ceremony came to a close, Kelley Ellsworth took the stage. She encouraged the crowd to take

more classes, stressing that learning is a lifelong thing and that the most important lesson that we at

Byte Back can teach each other is that its never too late too learn. The Byte Back graduation celebrated

the end of summer classes, but it also celebrated the beginning of a new chapter of learning for all the st

dents there.

Congratulations to our summer graduates!

Student of the Year Rahel Yacob receives her Golden

Mouse Award.

Byte Backs 2013 graduates


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Connuedwww.byteback.org | 202.529.3395

Success Story: Ezequiel de la GuardiaAUGUST 2013 INFO-BITS


By: Lorena Holguin and Jessica Bates

Ezequiel de la Guardia believes it was fate that brought him

to Byte Back in 2011. He was walking down a street in his

neighborhood and came across a Byte Back flyer that had

fallen onto the sidewalk. He picked it up and realized that it

was exactly what he had been looking for. Though hed al-

ways wanted to learn more about computers, he had al-

ways found language to be too much of a barrier. Byte

Backs Spanish-language classes were a perfect match.

Mr. de la Guardia enrolled in our PC for Beginners course

that summer. He initially found computers confusing and

overwhelming. Soon after enrolling at Byte Back, he got a

job with Neighbors Consejo, which kept him too busy to

continue with his classes. However, he never forgot his ex-

perience at Byte Back and he knew he needed to go back and finish his course.

He re-enrolled at Byte Back in the fall of 2012. This time, he was ready. His teacher Lisvette was pa-

tient and respectful, and gave him the time he needed to become comfortable with the computer. He

soon passed PC for Beginners 1 and 2 and then moved on to Office Track. According to him there are

two main factors that made him successful: his desire to learn and his relationship with his teachers

He was inspired by his teachers commitment to their students

Because of the new computer skills, Neighbors Consejo has given him more responsibilities and

work. Mr. de la Guardia also feels more respected by his friends and co -workers, and hes constantly

referring them to Byte Back.

At our August graduation, Mr. de la Guardia gave a presentation on his native country of Peru with the

assistance of a translator. The dynamic, informative, and often funny presentation was a highlight o

the graduation. But he hasnt finished learning -- his new goal is to improve his English so he can take

more classes. Mr. de la Guardia wants his daughters, grandchildren, and everyone to know that its

never too late to learn and that Byte Back is a great place to start.

Spanish Version

By: Lorena Holguin

Ezequiel de la Guardia empez tomando clases en Byte Back en el 2011. Fue una gran coinciden-

cia que me entere de este programa. Estaba caminando en la calle cuando vi en el suelo un pan-

fleto de Byte Back, fue como cado del cielo. Era justo lo que yo necesitaba, pero porque no se mu-

cho ingles nunca pude encontrar la oportunidad de aprender.

Ezequiel tom la clase ms bsica de Byte Back, PC para Principiantes en espaol en el verano

del 2011. Al principio me sent perdido y confundido porque esa fue la primera vez que tuve contac-

to con una computadora. Habian estudiantes en la clase que ya saban que es lo que tenan que

hacer pero yo nunca haba trabajado con una computadora, no solo eso, tambien tuve que volver a

aprender cmo se aprende.

Ezequiel de la Guardia
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Connu

Some Words from Our StudentsAt the end of class, each student fills out a survey. Below are some responses from students who par-

ticipated in our spring classes.

Byte Back is AWESOME!!I love the energy at Byte Back and the teachers. My teachers did not take no for an answer andmade me understand everything that I was doing.That computer is a godsend. Awesome, thank you!I hope they never stop this program because they are enabling people. If you're not computer savvynow you're not going to get a job sweeping the floor! I think it's a great tool for anybody, old or

Despus de ese primer contacto con Byte Back, Ezequiel empez a trabajar con el Neighbors Con-

sejo, a pesar de todo, l saba que apenas haba visto la superficie de esta nueva etapa de aprendi-

zaje en su vida. De modo que en el otoo del 2012 se volvi a inscribir a la clase para principiantes

en Espaol.

Esta segunda sesin con Byte Back fue donde l pudo aprender ms: Recuerdo mi primer da con

las seorita Lisvette, recuerdo que ella tuvo paciencia y respeto para la clases. Esa fue la primera

vez que pude aprender por m mismo una buena forma de aprender las cosas.

Ezequiel continu tomando clases con Byte Back hasta llegar a la clase de trayectoria Profesional,

en esta clase las cosas que aprendimos eran mucho ms serias, asi que decidi volver a tomar esa

clase para poder reafirmar todo lo que aprend

As que con una gran determinacin de aprender todo lo que Byte Back tena que ensear Ezequiel

retom la clase de Trayectoria Profesional. Segn l hay dos factores bsicos que hicieron esta

clase la ms transformativa: el deseo de uno de seguir aprendiendo y la qumica que ocurre en la

clase, entre maestros y estudiantes. La calidad del trabajo que Byte Back da a la comunidad y los

maestros a sus estudiantes se han vuelto una fuente de inspiracin para m. La segunda vez que

tome la clase de Trayectoria Profesional realmente me mostr que la dedicacin de Byte Back es

universal.

Gracias a las destrezas que Ezequiel obtuvo en Byte Back, Neighbors Consejo (su trabajo) le da

ms responsabilidades y trabajo. Tambin siento que se me respeta ms como persona. Mis jefes

me dan ms respeto. Cada vez que yo aprenda algo nuevo en Byte Back, ms gente quera saber

de este programa.

As que mientras se prepara para dar su discurso en nuestra ceremonia de graduacin de verano

del 2013 de Byte Back, Ezequiel se mantiene muy agradecido hacia la organizacin. No tengo

palabras para agradecerles todo el apoyo que me han dado, prometo aprender Ingls para podertomar ms clases con ustedes. Ezequiel quisiera que sus hijas, nietos y miembros de la comunidad

sepan que la educacin siempre puede continuar y que Byte Back es un gran lugar para empezar

de nuevo. Si pudiera inspirar un estudiante (futuro o actual) como asistente al maestro o dar

plticas acerca de Byte Back y lograr que tomen una clase, se que los estare ayudando a entrar a

una etapa de gran regocijo en sus vidas.


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Student Spotlight: Kenneth Gross

Connued

By: Jessica Bates

People come to Byte Back for different reasons, but every student wants to im-

prove their circumstances. When Kenneth Gross arrived at Byte Back, he was

already employed as an administrative assistant for the Department of Veterans

Affairs. Though he worked in the IT department, he didnt have the certifications

he needed to advance to a more specialized position.

Mr. Gross had tried A+ certification training programs in the past, but he never

felt motivated or prepared enough to take the A+ exam. He was referred to Byte

Back by another nonprofit, and after learning more about the program from Di-

rector of Certification Carine Umuzayire and Registrar Francisco Vasquez, he

signed up for our A+ Certification Training Program.

Though many of our students qualify for free or low-cost classes, Mr. Gross invested his own money

towards the Byte Back tuition. The thing I got at Byte Back that other programs were not able to give

me was a small classroom setting where everyone is like a family and where I was able to get direct

attention, he said.

young.Byte Back is the best program I have learned a lot from Byte Back. After Byte Back, my son wasdiagnosed with blood cancer. But with him being sick, Byte Back helped me to keep pushing. Be-fore I went to Byte Back and finished two classes, I didn't have my high school diploma. Now inJune the 18th of 2013, I have completed and received my high school diploma. So thank you, ByteBack.OMG I loved Andrew, I wish I could get him again. So patient, actually taking time with each andevery one of us to sit with us to make sure we understood. I just want to say thank you. I'm overwhelmed that you guys are able to offer free classes. Youguys open the door for us to catch up with the world. Keep it up. You have some of the best teachers there who are willing to help students learn how to operatecomputers, you have a beautiful picnic every year with plenty of food and plenty of things to dosuch as taking classes, and things for kids to do. We can't ask for more. We appreciate the teach-ers the most, because they really make sure that you got it. I appreciate that and the time and at-

tention that they take to find out what are people thinking.

Byte Back has really been a blessing to me it has raised my confidence in the technology world,and I am able to help others because of Byte Back.You are doing a great job providing a much needed service. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all for the job that are being done to help us to pursue our

dreams. I will be forever grateful. I have already pledge in my heart to support Byte Back financially

whenever I am able to.

Kenneth Gross


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Connue

By: Ashley Luttmer

Michael Johnson has been an active participant in the Byte Back community since he

first volunteered last spring. As the director of information systems at Industrial Bank,

he had advanced IT skills, but Byte Back gave him the opportunity to teach. He

taught an early morning workshop on phishing at Community Computer Day, which

was highly informative and well-received by attendees. That afternoon, he sheltered

his daughter from the rain with his umbrella as she painted childrens faces.

In June, he taught the evening section of the Online Tools course for the Enterprise

DC program. He has been a special guest speaker for the A+ Certification Program,

and hes spent several class periods sharing his experience and career advice with

the A+ students. Most recently, he tutored two students at the July session of the monthly Job Seeker

Boot Camp. In addition to his willingness to teach students in a variety of settings, Michaels kindness

and suggestions for improving services in the future have been invaluable.

We are so appreciative of all the effort Michael has put forth for Byte Back. He says, The appreciation

of the students has to be the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with Byte Back....that makes it all

worthwhile. Thank you for your hard work, Michael!

Volunteer of the Month: Michael Johnson

Interview by: Alaide Vilchis Ibarra

Q; What has been your favorite moment as a Byte Back instructor?

A: It was teaching the PC for Beginners for Seniors class. I loved watching them

improve throughout the class. It ended right around Christmas and that was

when we finished learning email attachments. All of my students were really ex-

cited because they could share family photos.

Q: What is your favorite lesson or concept to teach, and why?

Five Questions with an Instructor: Faith Nwaoha

After completing the program, he felt so prepared to take the exam that he decided to take it a fe

weeks early. He became certified on June 28 and he was even a featured speaker at Byte Backs Jul

graduation. Mr. Gross is already reaping the benefits of his new credentials. After passing the certifica

tion test, I received an email from my supervisor saying that I would immediately be put to train wit

the IT employees. I am very excited to soon be applying for an IT specialist position, Mr. Gross said

Soon, hell be doing the kind of work hes been curious about for years. Hes even encouraging his so

to take the A+ Certification Program.

Since taking my A+ class at Byte Back I started fixing computers for friends and family on the side

Mr. Gross said. Pretty soon I was getting requests from a lot more people from church and other plac

es! Im thinking after I retire from my government job that I will start a family computer repair business.

We hope to see Mr. Gross around Byte Back again soon!

Michael Johnson

Faith Nwaoha


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Connued

Byte Backs New Board Members

A: I think my favorite lesson to teach was the eCommerce/Online Tools class section of shopping

carts and payment mechanisms. People were very interested because most people shop online so

they were curious to see what goes on behind the scenes.

Q: What do you like best about living in the D.C. area?

A: I liked the free stuff. Those museums are outrageously exciting!

Q: What do you most hope to convey to the students you work with?

A: I taught students in different age groups. What I wanted seniors to learn is the fact that you never

stop learning. It may take a while longer to learn something but that doesnt mean you cant learn it.

For younger students, I wanted to convey a sense of accountability and responsibility. Most of them

eventually understood this and started self-studying to take tests they found challenging.

Q: What is your favorite website? Why?

A; My favorite website is www.cnn.com because it keeps me posted on what is going on around the

world. I used it a lot in teaching PC for Beginners and eCommerce classes.

Ingeborg HoltIngeborg currently works at Booz Allen Hamilton as an associate supporting thehealthcare market. Her professional background includes working as a consultantfor Oracle, and earlier, as a software engineer for the National Institutes of Healthand the Institute for Genomic Research. Ingeborg grew up outside of Philadelphiaand holds a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Computer Science. Ingeborg is excitedto contribute to Byte Back's mission and make a lasting difference in the lives andcareers of D.C. area residents.

Edan Lichtenstein

Edan comes to Byte Back after serving for the past four years as a board mem-ber for First Time Computers, the last two as the board vice president. As part ofthe FTC leadership, Edan used his background in national politics and technolo-gy to make an impactful and immediate difference at the local level. Edan beganhis work on bridging the digital divide when he was working as a legislative assis-tant for Congressman John Lewis while earning a computer science graduate de-gree at George Washington University. He is excited to continue this work withByte Back and use technology to help more people in the city.

Edan is now building a website development and content strategy consultancy shop Ruckt - withan emphasis on creating an appealing and focused narrative that captures attention and leads to a

desired action and a stronger brand. He earned his bachelors degree from Cornell University.William J. McBorrough IV

William J. McBorrough IV is an information assurance and cyber security leader with anextensive background managing, designing, and implementing physical and informationtechnology security solutions and programs. He also serves as member, technical advi-sor and board member to a number of organizations including security technical ven-dors, industry groups and nonprofits promoting STEM education and training.Mr. McBorrough is a firm believer in education as the ultimate key to success. He is on


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Tours of Byte Back Would you like a guided tour of Byte Back? For more information and to

arrange a tour, please contact Development Associate Cristina Moscoso at cmosco-

[email protected] by calling (202) 529-3395.

Upcoming Events

"Volunteering is the most effective means to give back to your community and to continue to developthe human spirit."

- Ted Frazier, Byte Back Instructor

Volunteer Opportunies


AUGUST 2013 INFO-BITS

the faculty of various universities including University of Maryland University College and EC -CouncilUniversity where he conducts research and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses. He holdsa Bachelor of Science in Computing Engineering with a concentration in digital networks and a Mas-ter of Science in Information Security and Assurance from George Mason University. He also holdsprofessional and security certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional(CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk Information System Control(CRISC), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).Lawrence Mercker

Lawrence Mercker is a native of Lafayette, Indiana. He holds a BFA Degree in VisualCommunications, a masters degree in education, and a masters degree in politicalscience. After serving for 30 years as an instructor pilot, evaluator pilot, director ofsafety, and assistant director of operations, he retired from the US Air Force in 2002at the rank of Colonel. He then converted his pilot and management experience into asecond career with US Airways Airline based at Reagan National Airport. In 2010, heretired from aviation and co-founded a consulting business, Strategic ExecutiveCoaching, based in Atlanta GA.

Since 2010, Lawrence has worked as a volunteer with nonprofits in DC and as a substitute teacher

with the DC public school system. He sees this opportunity to serve on the Byte Back Board as agreat way for successful professionals to help their community.

Dorothy WeissDorothy is a seasoned nonprofit professional with expertise in philanthropy,the nonprofit sector, and public policy. Currently an independent consultant,she has served as an executive director, development director, and communi-cations specialist at both the community and national levels. Among other po-sitions, she led a regional association of grantmakers for ten years and di-rected fundraising and capacity building at two national policy organizations.Dorothy has a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard and a Bachelor

of Arts from Cornell University. After years in the policy world, she is thrilled tobe joining the board of a direct-service organization making a tangible difference in D.C. residentslives.

Leslie TorbettLeslie Torbett is the director of recruiting at Acentia, which provides technology and managementsolutions to the federal government and commercial markets. She has a BA in business administra-tion and management from Mary Washington College. As an experienced talent acquisition leader,Leslie brings a nuanced understanding of todays job market to the Byte Back Board.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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About Byte BackFounded in 1997, Byte Back seeks to improve economic opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area by providing computer

literacy and job training for disadvantaged communities. Byte Back offers courses ranging from basic computer literacy

to Microsoft Office to internationally recognized computer certification preparation. Byte Back is licensed by the DC Edu-

cational Licensure Commission as a postsecondary educational institution.

b t b k | 202 529 3395

AUGUST 2013 INFO-BITS

If you're interested in volunteering with Byte Back, please contact Ashley Luttmer, Byte Backs

director of volunteer services, at [email protected] (202) 529-3395.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/PostAward2010http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/cfpdc/nonprofit-detail.php?id=94481

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