Bay Area - Management Consultant Associate, Accenture 

Keimani Fondel was working at TSA, a job that, while stable and important, didn’t fulfill her career ambitions. She found herself feeling stuck in a role that didn’t offer opportunities for growth or excitement. Keimani realized that she wanted more from her career—a job that would challenge her, engage her passion, and offer room for advancement. That’s when she found out about Year Up United. 

Keimani’s journey through Year Up United, and an internship with Accenture, propelled her into a launching a successful career as a Management Consulting Associate at Accenture, where she now confidently navigates the corporate world. The program not only equipped her with valuable technical skills but also helped her develop essential soft skills, particularly in public speaking. Initially, she lacked confidence in her speaking abilities. However, as part of her growth, she was encouraged to be her class graduation speaker—a challenge she embraced. That experience boosted her confidence, and today, Keimani effortlessly delivers presentations to roomfuls of people. Inspired by the program’s impact on her life, she is now dedicated to helping others find similar growth opportunities. 

Tampa Bay - GIAM Operation Assurance, JPMC 

Thai Nguyen’s journey to success began with a combination of military service and working at his father’s furniture store, balancing multiple responsibilities while searching for ways to access the future he wanted for himself and his family. Despite his hard work, he lacked the resources and mentorship that would help him reach his goals. His decision to join Year Up United was driven by a desire for a stable and promising career. Through the support and camaraderie of his Year Up United peers and mentors, Thai gained the skills, confidence, and connections he needed to take his future into his own hands. At the end of his learning and development phase, Thai earned an internship at JPMorgan Chase. 

Since completing the Year Up United program, Thai Nguyen has not only found continued success at JPMorgan Chase, where he works in Identity Access Management Operations Support, but he has also become a strong community advocate and leader. He has given back through volunteering, mentoring, and making meaningful contributions, such as supporting the Fort Myers community after Hurricane Ian, earning him Year Up United’s 2023 Gross Family Service Award. Thai’s impact extends beyond his career, as he’s now a proud homeowner, offering a stable future for his family. 

Pittsburgh - Data Analyst, BNY 

Chance Pendley spent over a decade at the Boys & Girls Club in Pittsburgh, moving from participant to volunteer to employee. Despite his dedication and love for mentoring kids and teens, career advancement felt out of reach. That all changed when his boss introduced him to Year Up United, which aligned perfectly with his interest in a career in technology. Chance joined the Data Analytics track, where he developed valuable skills like Excel tools and power queries, which became essential for the internship he earned at BNY and his future career. Along the way, he discovered the power of a supportive community and professional networks that would shape his journey. 

Today, Chance is a Data Analyst at BNY, the same company where he first interned through Year Up United. He continues to build upon technical skills he gained during the program while making an impact as Chair of the Pittsburgh Alumni Board. Chance and the board organize events like graduation celebrations, volunteer activities, and happy hours to foster a strong alumni network in the Pittsburgh area. Reflecting on his journey, he takes pride in having transitioned from mentoring kids at the Boys & Girls Club to empowering young adults through Year Up United, helping others gain access to the kind of opportunities he experienced. 

Dallas Fort Worth - Trailhead Account Executive, Salesforce 

Karla Cruz reached a turning point in her life when she realized her current path wasn’t leading to the future she envisioned. Working as a florist and delivery driver, she often drove past wealthy neighborhoods, wondering when she’d have the chance to create a similar life for herself. Determined to find a new way forward, Karla began searching for opportunities to launch a career.   

Through Year Up United, Karla gained more than just technical and professional skills—she developed the confidence and corporate communication expertise needed to thrive at her internship with Salesforce and in her career. She also formed lifelong friendships and an expansive professional network through the program, an unexpected but invaluable part of her experience. After graduating, Karla converted into a full-time role at Salesforce, where she continues to excel and is currently an Account Executive. Now, Karla looks forward to a future filled with growth, leadership, and the continued pursuit of her professional and personal goals. 

Atlanta - Financial Services Representative, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley 

Before joining Year Up United, Micah Boyd faced numerous challenges despite his strong academic foundation. After losing his college scholarship by a narrow margin, his plans were put on hold, forcing him to take on a demanding job while grappling with housing instability. Micah’s drive to create a better future and learn financial literacy led him to seek out our program to offer the support and skills he needed to succeed. 

Through Year Up United, Micah found the opportunity he was looking for. He excelled in the learning and development phase, gaining essential professional skills and securing an internship at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley. There, he developed a passion for finance and personal growth, working with high-net-worth clients and building a strong foundation for his career. Now, as he continues to advance his career with E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, Micah is an inspiring alumnus dedicated to sharing his journey and helping others unlock their own full potential through Year Up United.