Damion
I’ve worked at The Children’s Village for six years, and my role has evolved over time. I started in the Information Technology Department (IT) as a generalist, handling day-to-day technical issues, and recently transitioned into a more analytical role focused on applications and systems that support our organization. Technology has always been my background—I went to school for IT—but I never expected it to connect me so deeply to the young people we serve.
That changed when I was asked to help build the Technology Hub on our Dobbs Ferry campus. I split my time between IT and building out our Technology Hub for our young people. When you work in an office, you mostly see the office. But when you begin working directly with young people, you quickly realize they aren’t bad kids—bad things have happened to them. Once I saw that, working with them felt like something I had to do.
One of the most meaningful moments for me came leading a Cisco Introduction to a Cybersecurity cohort. Out of seven youth, four have already completed the course, and the remaining three are on track to finish.
I’ll never forget one participant who passed his final exam and immediately forwarded the certification email to his mom. He called her right away, telling her to check her inbox. That reaction, that pride, made every challenge worth it.
The program didn’t start out easy. The first sessions were chaotic. Everyone wanted to do their own thing, and instead of forcing structure, I met them where they were. We balanced learning with music, YouTube, and conversation. I didn’t want it to feel like a classroom. We listened to rap music throughout the program, and slowly, the focus followed. Confidence grew. Commitment followed.
One moment that really stayed with me was working with one young person, James. During the third week, he told me he’s a rapper, but that if music doesn’t work out, he wants a backup plan. He showed me that his girlfriend was pregnant and said, “This is why I need this.” That moment reminded me how real the stakes are for our youth.
Before the cybersecurity program, we piloted a robotics program for younger youth on campus—especially for kids who don’t go home on weekends. The response was incredible, and we’re hoping to expand the program, because the interest and excitement were undeniable.
Since working with youth across campus, I’ve seen their confidence and curiosity grow. Younger kids still ask when we’re going to start learning AI and robotics again. For our older youth, earning certifications gave them a sense of pride. One of them told me, “I’m a professional now.”
I hope what they take away is that this certification is a first step. It’s proof that they can commit to learning something new, carving out time, staying focused, and investing in themselves. If technology can help them see a future they didn’t think was possible, then this work is worth it.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program at The Children’s Village provides youth with access to industry-recognized technology education and certifications. As an approved Cisco Systems Networking Academy, The Children’s Village offers youth pathways to certifications, internships, and future opportunities in high-demand technology fields—helping them build confidence and momentum toward their goals.
