Every year from September 15th to October 15th , Latin American Heritage Month is recognized in Canada. As the month comes to a close, NPower Canada would like to celebrate this rich culture by recognizing some of our alumni who are part of Latin American communities.
According to New Canadian Media, the population of Latin American folx in Canada rapidly grew to over 1.1 million people in 2023. Despite the increasing population, Latin Americans in Canada are underrepresented in the tech field. Coming from a culture that values community, authenticity and hard work, NPower Canada strives to amplify the voices of Latin American folx to give them opportunities to showcase their talents in this field.
We reached out to alumni, Sofia R. and Paul C., who are recent graduates of the Junior IT Analyst program. This is what they had to say about their experiences at NPower Canada.
Arriving in Canada in 2021 from Colombia, Sofia aspired to find meaningful work and stumbled upon NPower Canada during her job search. “Completing the Junior IT Analyst program was an incredibly enriching experience. It allowed me to dive into the digital world in ways I never imagined,” she said.
Sofia saw a difference in her skills both personally and professionally. “The program provided me with hands-on training and a deep understanding of key IT concepts, which have been instrumental in shaping my professional development,” She shared. Looking back on her time in the program, she recalled, “I had the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and collaborate with fellow participants, further enhancing my knowledge and confidence in tech.”
When we asked Sofia for advice for those considering NPower Canada’s tech programs, she said:
“This journey has opened my eyes to the many opportunities within the IT sector and broadened my perspective on the roles I can pursue. It has been a pivotal step in my career, allowing me to explore paths that align with my growing passion for technology. If you’re like me and want a path in tech, you should do it.”
Paul, originally from Costa Rica, moved to Canada in 2023 in search of new opportunities to elevate his career. Before joining the program, Paul faced challenges with job applications and the interviewing process, which NPower Canada later helped him achieve. “I had been looking for a job in the technology sector for months, and applied to over 150 positions,” he shared. When he learned about NPower Canada, Paul knew he had to take the chance and immediately applied.
Paul described his time with NPower Canada as “an invaluable experience that not only equipped me with essential technical skills, but also helped me develop crucial soft skills that enhanced my resume. This prepared me for even the most challenging interview processes.” Upon completing the program, Paul transformed both personally and professionally and found a full-time position as a Windows L1 Technical Analyst at MYRA Systems. He reflected, “The experience was key in helping me achieve my career objectives, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity as my involvement with NPower Canada gave me the boost I needed to secure a position in the tech field.”
Congratulations to Sofia and Paul, and we look forward to seeing you both grow in your future career endeavors.
As Latin American Heritage Month comes to an end, we celebrate the diverse voices and stories within our community. Alumni like Sofia and Paul exemplify the impact of NPower Canada’s programs, empowering individuals to pursue their passions in technology.
We look forward to continuing to support and uplift our alumni as they navigate their journeys in the tech industry and beyond. Together, we can honor and elevate the rich heritage of Latin folx that inspires us all.
