This month’s Alumni Spotlight shines onCarla Gorosito Cox, an Alumna from ourOpportunities Plusprogram.
Carla graduated from Virginia State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. She is currently a Sales Engineer at Unqork, Inc. She is responsible for configuring enterprise-grade applications for prospect clients and tech partners using Unqork’s No-Code platform.
Here is what she had to say:
“I was born and raised in Argentina. Growing up, we had a very rough time with my family. My mom, a single parent of 4, was not always available because she had to work a double shift to support us. The town where we lived was pretty small and college was a rare conversation among students. I always dreamed of coming to the United States because people here believed in potential, talent, and dreams. NASA and the space missions also inspired me. My biggest challenge was to undo a constructed mindset that all my peers seemed to be chanting, ‘I can't do that' or ‘I'm not that good.’ Once I overcame that, everything else just fell in place.
My professional highlights have been pretty recent. I landed my first tech job after an arduous but rewarding coding boot camp program through the University of Richmond in 2018. Since then I joined the Air Force in 2020, started a business in 2021, and began developing my dream mobile application. A personal highlight: I was able to make time to teach my 5-year-old daughter throughout the last quarter of 2020 and through 2021. I never knew I would be able to handle working from home and helping her succeed in school effectively. It empowered us as a family.
"I completed LP’s internship program at NAMI in Arlington, VA. When I think back about the internship, I think it was the first time I realized that I was able to do whatever I wanted to, professionally speaking, because there really isALWAYSsomeone who wants to help you get there. Liberty's Promise empowered me with that confidence. Additionally, the people I interned with were so great to me. I developed empathy for people affected by mental illnesses and I learned a ton of things that were useful throughout my life. I was able to help family members seek help and cope with their illnesses. This was in addition to learning how a non-profit operates to some scale and growing my soft skills. Overall, the biggest and best skill I learned was empathy and compassion.
"The greatest part of the internship was feeling useful and knowing that my work was actually relevant to my supervisor. This was a while back, in 2005. I had only been in the United States for 11 months, I think, so my English was pretty broken and my confidence level was very low due to my lack of knowledge of the language. However, this opportunity was such a blessing, it was a boost in confidence along with a deep dive into some technical English terms.
I would like to tell younger alumnido not be afraid, you can do anything. And remember, there are always people out there whose goal and dream is to help you achieve yours. Find these people and stick with them. Stay away from negativity. Also, not knowing what you want to do is perfectly normal; don't let this thought cause anxiety or stress, stay positive!”
Opportunities and Events
If youmade less than $58,000in 2021 and are aMontgomery County resident, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and FREE tax preparation. IRS-certified volunteers from nonprofit and public agencies will e-file your taxes. You can direct deposit your federal and state tax refund so it’ll be in your bank account, fast and safe!
Clickhere for more information andhereto make an appointment or call240-777-1123!
TheCity of Alexandriais offering free tax return preparation by appointment only toeligible residentsand toindividuals/families with income up to $58,000on Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon from February 5 through April 23. Expert volunteers will help taxpayers ensure all applicable credits/deductions are applied for, including tax credits. Call703.831.2918to make an appointment. See the English/Spanish flyer for additional details
Employment
Alexandria City Public Schools Substitute
ACPS is currently seeking enthusiastic substitute educators. A substitute may fill the role of a classroom teacher for half a day, a full day, a week, or even for several weeks. This is the perfect opportunity for eligible candidates who enjoy working with young people but are not looking to take on a full-time year-round position. For information on the requirements and how to apply for a substitute position atACPS.
Montgomery County Department of Police
The Montgomery County Department of Police is currently looking for highly qualified police officer applicants who are ready to answer the call for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement. Police officers receive very comprehensive training in a brand new training facility and all uniforms and equipment are provided. Applyhere!
Scholarships
Dream US National Scholarship
Due: Monday, February 28, 2022
Are you a student at NOVA, Marymount, or George Mason University in Virginia? The National Scholarship is a good opportunity for you. They are looking for highly motivated, undocumented students with significant, unmet financial needs. Scholarships are worth up to $16,500 towards an Associate’s Degree and up to $33,000 towards a Bachelor’s Degree.
The ACS Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences, majoring in chemistry-related disciplines, and intending to pursue chemistry-related careers.
