Dunstan Wallace, a single Black Bronx resident in his forties, had tried many jobs, but had not found the right career fit. He had worked as Maintenance and Operation Specialist with the City, but lost his job in 2022 during the pandemic. Then he ventured into the hospitality industry. He worked as customer service representative and as griller, but when he lost his job in April 2023, he was ready for a change.

Dunstan had obtained a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in 2013, but had always been intrigued about working in the information technology sector. However, he felt the industry was beyond his skill set and plus, he could not afford to join a training program. So when he learned that as a participant of New York City’s Human Resource Administration, he could join Goodwill’s Bridge to Tech program at no cost, he jumped at the opportunity.

The Goodwill team provided him tutoring, motivated him to stay the course, and prepared him to search for jobs after graduation. After receiving his Google IT certification, he secured a full-time job as an Asset Manager at Baruch College on July 10, 2023. Dunstan recommends to others in a similar situation to his: “If you have an interest in the technology sector, take a leap and join Bridge to Tech to get your dream job.”

Story submitted by the Bridge to Tech team:

Remy Watson, Instructor.

Alexia Francis, Case Manager.

Adria Brown, Job Developer.

Sheree Ferguson-Cousins, Program Director.