Java Gems' Facts Page

Meet the Step IT Up America class which is comprised of a group of 31 minority women from the Detroit area. This exciting group aca ranges in age from 20 to 55 years old. Four months ago most of us had very little to do with Information Technology and were seeking a change in careers for various reasons. Today we are IT Consultants!
We happily welcomed UST Global and Mentor-Global companies and are thankful for the launch of the "Step It Up America" Program in Detroit. After 4 months of extensive Java training by our Java Instructor, Jeff Zhuk, http://JavaSchool.com, we are on the way to becoming IT professionals. In our very first project we developed the Information Tracking Services. It is J2EE-based modern Web Application to capture knowledge, ideas or suggestions, and track their implementation.
We used Amazon Cloud and deployed the application at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Welcome to meet our team of IT Consultants!

TEAM JADES
	Malanee Calhoun spent most of her adult life working in various aspects of health insurance. In this time, she has seen a great deal of change take place and with each of these changes, there has been a great demand for technological knowledge and application. As luck would have it, she came across an article in the Detroit Free Press about the amazing opportunity with UST Global and their Step It Up America Program. She is currently excited about the opportunity that she has been afforded and intends to make the most of it.
	Monique Cleveland has completed an Academic Internship with the UST Global - Step It Up America program. Monique was trained in the JAVA Developer track. Since completion, Monique has expectations to become gainfully employed as an IT Developer. When not involved with IT, Monique enjoys spending time with family, writing and volunteering.
	Jessica Fritts is 28 years old. She loves information technology. She is currently taking classes towards a BAS in Computer Information Systems at Marygrove College. She is a WCCCD Alumni; graduating Spring 2013. Her short term goals are to obtain a Master's Degree in management from Walsh College. In her small amount of leisure time, she likes to draw, paint, sing, and laugh. Her favorite colors are earth tones. She currently is an Intern at UST Global and looking forward to a great future with them.
	Chirleya Carter Glover is a happily married mother of three, who resides in Detroit Michigan. Chirleya has a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies with a minor in Communications and African American Studies from Oakland University. In addition, Chirleya has earned a Health Insurance License and a Real Estate License both issued by the State of Michigan. Chirleya loves to read, travel, and spend quality time with her family.
	Sandra Mundra is married and has two exceptional sons! In her spare time she loves to tend to her garden, eat spicy, eclectic cuisine, experience Jazz and World music, travel and work on do it yourself projects. She also loves to ballroom dance a couple nights a week.She has a desire to learn the Argentine Tango, the Paso Doble, African dance and the classical South Indian dance Bharatanatyam.
TEAM TANAZANITES
	Meet Alysia Bulluck, a UST Global Intern with a focus on Java Developing. Alysia utilizes her technical and communicative background to propel her career forward in Information Technology. After 90 days of Soft Skills training, such as Client Facing and Mind Mapping, as well as Object Oriented Programming, she will have furthered her education and creative nature within the Step It Up America Program. Upon completion of the program, her objective is to work in an environment that enables her growth as a developer and supports project planning in group settings.
	Vera Chapman is a few credit hours away from her degree in IT and has always had an interest in fields that require teamwork. Coming from a large family, Vera has been a part of a team since birth. An ex-factory worker, emergency room unit technician, hotel reservationist and student are just some of her past jobs. After having a family, and seeing her children degreed, getting her own degree became her priority. There were insurmountable interruptions on the quest to finish school and just when she was at the crossroads, Step It Up America came along. There have been many challenges learning Java, however, the education has been priceless and the future looks promising. Vera looks forward to making a splash in the IT world, and hopes to pay it forward by helping others achieve their goals of entering the IT field.
	Deanna Craig is currently an intern for UST-Globaltr aining to be a Java Developer in the Step IT Up America program in Detroit, MI. She is engaged to Perez and a mother of one daughter, Mackenzie and two step-sons Izaiah and Nazir. Family is very important to Deanna, this is a major reason she decided to follow a new career path for a better opportunity in life. For 10 years Deanna worked in the Auto Insurance industry as a Claim's Adjuster and for the past 3-4 years she has been trying different jobs to find the right fit.Deanna is a senior at Wayne State University with a major in Accounting.The Step IT Up Program has opened up new doors for Deanna and she is soo excited about her future career in software development! .
	Melonee is a Detroit native. She graduated with a degree in Biology. She worked in the IT field for many years as a Main frame programmer, and then took a break from It to pursue other interests. Melonee found out about the Step It UP America program through an email, and hopes to someday own a smaller IT company or maybe someday become a subcontractor to UST Global.
	Satin Thompson is currently participating in "Step it Up America" which was founded by UST Global. This program gives minority women the opportunity to train within the IT field. Her current role in the program is to train as an intern with a concentration in Java Programming. Thus far, the program is increasing her knowledge as she continues this journey within Information Technology.She highly recommends the program!
	Lori Warren is a UST Global intern majoring in Java Development. She is set to graduate with her Java class in October 2014. Ms. Warren was attending Baker College with a major in Health Services Administration when she heard about the Step It Up America program. She decided to put her education on hold in order to pursue what she felt was an opportunity of a lifetime. Although she only has four classes left before completing her Bachelor's Degree in Health Services Administration at Baker College, she is looking forward to working with a sponsored company through UST Global.
TEAM RUBIES
	Karen Bland is a native Detroiter with a background in business and Financial Services. She attended New York University where she obtained her MA degree. She is an IT instructor with WCCCD and is currently transitioning into the technology field as a programmer.
	Michelle Bundy from Detroit, MI is a strong researcher with an analytical mind. She attended International Academy of Design and technology where she studied fashion design. Her education in design has honed her ability to plan and think critically. Entering the field of software development is a welcomed challenge for her and she is enthusiastic about finding ways to affect change through technology.
	Farzana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1995 and thereafter worked as a Medical Development officer in the Pharmaceutical industry. She completed a post graduate Diploma in Computer Software Systems Analysis. Then she worked as Software Developer and Programmer in ERP for 6 months. She continued her education and went to a highly reputable institution called IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Bombay and she completed a certificate course in ERP, SCM and MIS. Farzana then worked as a Visual Basic Developer for 2 years where she became a team lead. She managed a group of 10 software programmers for an IT company that compiled databases of US legal records. She has completed a full time fast paced Java and Oracle training under the StepItUpAmerica Program.
	Shantel Lacole Williams was born on September 14, 1987 in Detroit Michigan to Walter Lee Williams and Gladys Louise Williams. She was raised in Detroit and attended Detroit Public Schools from K-12. After High School she attended Med Right Training School for Phlebotomy and she also Attended Dorsey medical School receiving a Medical Assistant Diploma. She Began work for Medical Team and continued for 5 years in the medical field. During that time she received an award for outstanding citizen from the Troy police. The award was given after assisting fire fighters in vacating Troy American House. Since then she decided to take another approach in careers. She thus decided to apply for Step It up America via UST Global. Her goal is to grow as a person and professionally.
TEAM DIAMONDS
	Ebonie T. Anderson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Renaissance High School where she excelled in academics and was very active in student affairs. She later went to Bauder College where she received her Associate's Degree in Fashion Design. Her personal motto is "Nothing is impossible!", and she meditates on those words daily. She currently operates a small sewing and tailoring business but she is very excited to enter the field of Information Technology.
	In 2012, Ardema Carlisle graduated from Crockett Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduation, she decided to continue her education at Wayne County Community College. While attending classes she worked as a receptionist for a local tax service company called Tax Connection World Wide. Tax season ended and Ardema found a flyer advertising UST Global's Step It Up America program floating around campus and decided to take on the opportunity.
	Raven Childress is an intern with Step It Up America in Detroit, MI. Using continual focus and discipline, she is constantly challenging herself by learning two to four different topics a week; Thanks to neuroplasticity. Raven is thankful for having the opportunity to meet new people and broaden her horizons by learning Java- Object Oriented Programming. She is an artistic and gifted individual who plays a number of instruments.
	Shardai White was born and raised in the city of Detroit. She is in the process of receiving her degree in the field of Telecommunications. Her diverse career background has allowed her to deal with any situation and understand all people have different needs. Hard work, humility and determination have always been a model to which she has lived by. Her passion is to change the world one city at a time starting with Detroit. She has served in a youth ministry for over 3 years and has long term goals to have 3 non-profit organizations targeting troubled youth, girls ages 4-18 and seniors in need of personal care.
	Kenya Williams was born and raised in Detroit, MI. She is a product of the Detroit Public School system. Her high school of choice was Cass Technical High School. Because of performing well academically in middle school, she was awarded the Wade McCree scholarship. After high school graduation, she attended Wayne State University and majored in Elementary Education. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education in 2009. Her grade point average was a 3.63. She has taught at two Detroit charter schools, both at the middle and elementary levels. She has over 4 years of teaching experience.
TEAM EMERALDS
	Jenae' A. Conley is a native Detroiter. She graduated from Schoolcraft College and earned an Associate's Degree in Culinary arts. She had a passion for Culinary Arts, yet she has a great appreciation for Education and the Arts, which is something important, even in her family. She represents herself as a life-long student, and is always ready for new education and skills to proceed, even if it's not a part of her agenda. There is nothing wrong with learning more and being in a state of reinventing herself as a young person starting out. She is very excited about what's "possible" even if it's beyond her reach.
	Sheena Ray is currently training to become a junior java developer. She has over 10 years of experience in customer service.She is looking forward to parlaying that experience into the IT field.
	Sydni Rondeau is a native Detroiter, born June 18th, 1991. She attended Northwood University and her majors were Entertainment Sports Promotion Management/Business Management/ Management Information Systems. She received her Bachelors in Business Administration in the fall of 2013. Joining the Step It Up America Program has allowed her to enhance her skills and prepare for the IT World.
	Christine Sterling graduated from Redford High School in 1987. She incorporated a construction company in 2004. She operated the construction company until 2013, since her last project she searched for other opportunities to begin a new career. In February of 2014, she received a flyer with UST Global information and proceeded to complete the information required and was chosen as a "Step it Up America" intern. Her goal is to further her education for advancement in the IT field.
	Keyanna Toomer was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Wayne State University. She transitioned to a career in IT after receiving a great opportunity with UST Global and their Step it Up America Program. She is currently working as a Junior Java Development Intern.
	Pelecia relocated to Detroit, Michigan from LaGrange, Georgia on April 2, 2013 to seek employment. In seeking employment she came across an opportunity from Step It Up America. She is now training to become a Java Developer and is very excited to begin a new life changing journey.
TEAM SAPHIRES
	Erica Glenn is fascinated by reinvention. Taking what works about oneself and reaching new heights with new skills. It's her thing. She has gone from academic scholar to manager to writer to performer to radio professional to business owner and now, IT professional. Wow! Driven and ambitious, this lady is not afraid to fail. She knows even failures present the opportunity to WIN! And that is precisely what she has done and what she will continue to do.
	Tiphany Johnson is goal oriented, self-motivated, diligent, organized, and has a warm sense of humor. She loves a challenge and enjoys interacting with others. She was born and raised in Chicago with her Mother and two sisters. In 1999 Tiphany launched a web design business, Tiphany Johnson Designs, LLC. In her community she was recognized for rendering outstanding customer service by the Richton Park Chamber of Commerce, Richton Park, Illinois. As a single parent, Tiphany has successfully raised two beautiful, strong and intelligent young ladies. Tiphany deeply feels thus far that raising her daughters to be strong, kind and intelligent young women is her highest achievement.
	Zun-Quenvyun Watkins is a recent graduate from University of Michigan-Dearborn. She studied biology and psychology for the past few years, and obtained a B.S in biology. She was on the career pathway that would lead to becoming a nurse. A friend of hers sent her an email, and encouraged her to "check out this IT program for women". This was the BEST DECISION ever! She feels privileged to be part of something so great! Through the program she has found a new passion, learning the Java language.
	Nicola White is a professional corporate coordinator and trainer with over 20 years experience. A passionate student of excellence, she uses unique training styles to ensure retention of subject matter while keeping the learner engaged. Nicola successfully trains diverse populations from youth to seniors, and people with limited education to corporate executives. Training subjects/topics include: Microsoft Office Suite, Creating Power Resumes and Interviewing Techniques, Diversity, Conflict Resolution, Professional Development, Leadership Development, and Team Building. Nicola is Certified in UNIX and has successfully completed training at UST Global in java and web developement.
	Laquana Williams is a native of Detroit, MI and intern at UST Global Step IT Up Program. When she isn't trying to finish her homework or her latest Java program, Laquana is with her Great-Aunt who just turned 92 this past May. Laquana's aunt is the woman who inspires her to do her very best in anything that she puts her mind to. One of her favorite quotes by Les Brown is "Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars."
	Jeff Zhuk, Java Instructor; ITS, Inc., Chief Architect; Consulting and training for corporate and government agencies. Patents: Distributed Active Knowledge and Services \| Knowledge-Driven Architecture \| Rules Collector \| Adaptive Mobile Robot Systems \| Collaborative Security and Decision Making \| More... Publications: Integration-Ready Architecture and Design (book) \| IT of the future: Semantic Cloud Architecture (book) \| Fixing Education and Corporation Hobby: Mountaineering and guitar - Everest 21360 feet, 6500 meters

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