Byte Back | Tech within Reach

Chom Sou

Channbunmorl (Chom) joined the Byte Back team in summer 2016. He earned his master’s in public administration with a focus in applied research. He recently moved to Washington, DC from Portland, Oregon, where he was a program coordinator and evaluator for a social and racial justice youth-led nonprofit. Chom brings enthusiasm to the team, along with expertise in database management, program evaluation, and program development, which help enhance Byte Back’s mission. Chom enjoys playing tennis and basketball, cooking for his family and friends, and performing spoken word poetry.

“But please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up/Forgive but don’t forget, girl keep your head up.” – Tupac Shakur from “Keep Ya Head Up”

Asya Smith

COO, VariQ

“I was beyond touched when I attended a Byte Back graduation ceremony and saw the impact access to computer training has on many individuals. Most of us take access to computers, smart phones, WiFi, all the things that we can’t remember living without for granted – and we forget how limited our access to information was before we knew how to search for it and create digital documents. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization.”

Vera Rhoads

Senior Manager, User Experience, IBM

“Education empowers decision making and solving difficult problems. Technology education is absolutely key to success in the 21st century. I have experienced and witness the power of education to change a person’s life and want to be part of giving back to others.”

Jackie Kazil

Tech Fellow, Capital One

“Technology is a requirement to stay integrated in society and business, but learning these skills can be hard when technology is difficult to access. Byte Back is a safe and supportive place to help people take the initial steps to become more knowledgable and more connected in tech. I am honored to advance our mission.”

Desy Osunsade

Associate Director, Talent Acquisition and Diversity, Arabella Advisors

“Byte Back has the ability to change the lives of our students and to significantly increase their earning potential. Think about what that can affect – nutrition, health care, education, and not just for our students, but for their children and generations to come. That’s why I’m here, to support this very important work.”

Emil Mladenov

Principal & Co-Founder, Lynx Insights LLC

“Byte Back helps many underserved people rise above poverty and uncertainty by teaching them important 21st-century skills. As someone who has been involved in educational technology for more than six years, I’m excited to contribute my industry knowledge and skills to promoting an organization that empowers so many of my fellow Washington, DC citizens.”

Erin Horne-McKinney

Senior Advisor, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity, Executive Office of the Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia

“I am deeply committed personally and professionally to Byte Back’s work in the community … ensuring that every person has the opportunity to embrace and utilize the power of technology and the economic impact that it can have.”

William Fastow

Owner and Principal Broker, Appleton Properties LLC

““As a lifelong Washingtonian I feel it is important to support the advancement of all of our city’s residents. Washington is a city and community with many inequities and Byte Back provides invaluable IT career training for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Within a city as dynamic as Washington, with access to so many different industries and opportunities for career advancement, it is critically important to make sure that all of our neighbors have the skills and knowledge necessary to benefit. Byte Back is leading this effort, and I am proud to help support them in this mission.”

Derrick Washington

Derrick joined the Byte Back team in summer 2016. He’s from Gainesville, Florida and currently lives in Fairfax and holds a master’s in social work and master’s of divinity. He has experience in public and nonprofit sectors, working in higher education and workforce development. Before Byte Back, he was working as a career counselor and associate professor at Northern Virginia Community College. Derrick describes himself as a “people builder,” someone who loves working with people, identifying their strengths, and helping them grow. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, working out, reading, and baking.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill

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Barbara Johnson

Barbara has worked at Byte Back since 2010. She is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the facilities at the Byte Back headquarters, the IT Academy, and First Time Technology. Before Byte Back, she worked in child care and as a teacher’s aid. A DC native, Barbara is passionate about her grandchildren and loves going to the movies.

“Freedom is only necessity understood.” – William James

Dorothy Weiss

Independent Consultant to Foundations & Nonprofits

“I’m drawn to Byte Back by the urgency of its mission — no community as wealthy and powerful as ours should tolerate such a deep economic divide. What keeps me committed is the effectiveness of its services and pursuit of organizational excellence.”

Brian Sichi

Extended Capabilities Lead, Deloitte

“It is a a privilege to have the opportunity to help the staff and students expand on their successes serving the DC community.”

Steve Seiden

Founder & President, Acquire Data Solutions, Inc.

Belen Perez-Ovando

Independent Consultant in Information Technology & Services

“Byte Back changes people’s lives, gives them hope toward economic independence, and teaches them that it is never too late to learn. I’m very proud to be part of this organization.”

Shahidul Islam

IT Specialist, Internal Revenue Service

“Contributing to the upward mobility of individuals is rewarding.”

John Crain

Founder & Principal, 452 Consulting

“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support Byte Back, which opens the doors of opportunity for so many.”

Mario Burney

Director Technical Operations, Latisys Corporation

Jonathan Brooks

VP, Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Compliance Officer, Engility Holdings, Inc.

Adnan Bokhari

Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Corporation for Enterprise Development

“I feel fortunate to be part of an organization that is so deeply committed to promoting economic opportunity in the DC Community.”

Linda Esah

Risk Analyst, Department of Housing and Urban Development

“Byte Back students are constantly inspiring me to push myself in new ways every day.”

Keith Clark

Associate Vice-President, Ruffalo Noel Levitz

“Byte Back’s commitment to technology education, workforce development and job placement resonates with our Board made up of leaders determined to bridge the digital divide in DC; serving as their Board Chair is an honor.”

Robin Moges-Haile

Robin is from Takoma Park, Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s in English and went on to earn certifications in CompTIA Network+ and Certiport IC3. Before joining Byte Back AmeriCorps, she worked as a site manager for a low income tax credit co-op. She’s passionate about helping others by sharing her knowledge. In her spare time, Robin enjoys reading and cooking.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington

Laura Weiner

Laura is from Silver Spring, Maryland and grew in a tech-heavy household. She graduated with her bachelor’s in animal behavior and a minor in psychology from Towson University. Previously, she ran her own pet-sitting business and did retail at conventions in the DC area. She loves animals and watching cartoons. Laura also likes to spend her time reading science fiction, fantasy, and comic books.

“The person who never made mistakes, never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein

Crystal Jacobs

Crystal is originally from North Carolina and has lived in the DC area since 2000. She earned her bachelor’s from Howard University and completed the Comp TIA A+ Essentials/Networking program. She previously worked as a teacher and in tech support at the World Bank Children’s Center. She enjoys working with computers and would like to pursue a career as a network administrator. Crystal loves reading, doing yoga, and spending time with her husband and two kids.

“Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable.” – Dennis Waitley

Alba Escobar

Alba is originally from El Salvador. She’s currently pursuing her associate’s degree in computer science at University of DC Community College. She wants to continue her education and earn her master’s in cyber security and her doctorate in computer science and physics. She served as a desktop support specialist intern at Blue Cross Blue Shield and completed an internship at the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer, where she tested software with their software quality assurance team. Alba never gives up and is passionate about helping others and eager to start her own nonprofit in technology and education. She enjoys reading science fiction and spending time in nature with her loved ones.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean

Yasheeca Green

Yasheeca is a “techie” and entrepreneur originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Before she joined Byte Back in summer 2015, Yasheeca worked as a mentor and computer repair teacher for youth. She runs her own business as a computer technician and has the desire to create a future to live in freedom, where and how she wants. She believes in making the best of circumstances and accepting change. In addition to working on computers, Yasheeca likes creative activities, including audio and video editing and mixing, blogging, and making beaded jewelry.

“Que sera, sera.” (Whatever will be, will be.) – Doris Day

Andrew Quilpa

Andrew considers Hampton Roads, Virginia his home, although he has lived in Guam, Seattle, and San Diego. He earned his bachelor’s in psychology, with a minor in drama, from the University of Virginia. His time at Byte Back started as an AmeriCorps member before he moved on as an instructor for Byte Back’s IC3 Digital Literacy Certification and Microsoft Office Specialist courses. He is also a Pearson test proctor for Byte Back. Andrew has a passion for education and the performing arts and has performed at the Smithfield Little Theater and the Roper Performing Arts Center. He’s known for incorporating his love of performing into the classes he teaches and calls himself a “tech geek” and a “theater geek.” He enjoys the local theater and improv scene in DC, as well as gaming, discovering new restaurants, and collecting graphic novels.

“You’re only given a little spark of madness. If you lose that, you’re nothing.” – Robin Williams

Michael T. Williams

Michael is a Washingtonian. He earned his bachelor’s in information technology and has earned certifications in CCENT, Security+, Network+, and A+. In addition to being an instructor at Byte Back, Michael is an information systems manager at Howard University, and he used to work as an IT specialist at Trinity Washington University. In addition to being passionate about STEM education and black empowerment, he enjoys playing golf, going to batting cages, and watching educational YouTube videos.

“It’s easy to be lazy.” – His father, Michael L. Williams

Carl Blackstone

Carl has been serving as logistics coordinator since 2014. He is responsible for creating and developing relationships with computer donors and maintaining First Time Technology’s computer supply. Carl has a bachelor’s in information systems from York College of Pennsylvania. Before Byte Back, Carl worked for a defense logistics agency for six years. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Carl enjoys playing basketball with his daughter and riding his snowmobile.

“Convenience is not an acceptable foundational value for society. It’s a disease.” – Cameron Diaz

Jonathan Ladson

As a computer refurbisher, Jonathan makes sure donated computers are ready to be sold to customers. He is passionate about seeing the good in people so they may feel the good in themselves. Before Byte Back, Jonathan worked at the National Institutes of Health, FedEx, and in the public school system. A DC Native, Jonathan enjoys cooking, wine tasting, and going to flea markets.

“Speak life, light, and empathy.”

Sammie Fitzgerald

A DC native, Sammie Fitzgerald heard about Byte Back one day at church. He signed up for classes and has been “full steam ahead” ever since. He received his A+ certification before being hired full time as Byte Back’s manager of refurbishing. Before coming to Byte Back, Sammie worked in communications and engineering positions for 35 years. Sammie is also a reverend at Shiloh Baptist Church, where he started a ministry that serves homeless and battered women. He’s passionate about transferring knowledge and skills to those in need and loves sharing riddles with the staff.

“Look at the bright side of any situation and thank God for where you are and what you can learn from each experience.”

Bock Szymkowicz

Bock is originally from San Francisco, where he began searching for opportunities to serve his community while still in college. He earned his bachelor’s in biological sciences from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Before coming to Byte Back in summer 2015, Bock served as an AmeriCorps member and employment lead at LIFT-DC, a community resource center. While there, he referred clients to PC for Beginners classes at Byte Back. Besides being passionate about community engagement, Bock is interested in racial equity and social justice. In his free time, he likes watching anime, baking, exploring DC, and working out at the YMCA.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Iyana Turner

Iyana or “Izzy” is a Detroit native. She joined the Byte Back team in July 2015 after serving as an AmeriCorps program coordinator at Playworks and an instructor of intercultural communication at a community college. Izzy is passionate about community service, fighting poverty, and international music. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology, with a minor in Asian studies with a Japan focus. She studied abroad in Hikone-shi, Shiga-ken, Japan and enjoys writing and performing poetry at DC spoken word venues and baking.

“Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Andrea Mack

Andrea served as an AmeriCorps instructor before joining the staff in 2013. A native of Pennsylvania, she has a bachelor’s in communications and media studies from Temple University. In the past, she has worked as a videographer, youth advocate, and teacher. She is passionate about providing people with the tools they need to succeed.

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

Neil Rickard

Neil served as an AmeriCorps instructor at Byte Back for two years before joining the staff as registrar in 2014. A native of Arlington, Virginia, Neil is passionate about learning new things and engaging with the world around him. Before Byte Back, Neil worked in construction and as a tour guide in DC.

“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”- GK Chesterton

Francisco Vasquez

DC-native Francisco “Cisco” Vasquez began working at Byte Back as an administrative assistant in 2012 before serving as registrar for two years. Before serving as Manager of Instruction & Curriculum, Cisco was Community Academy manager. Before Byte Back, he worked for a therapy organization for children in DC. Cisco is passionate about DC sports teams, owns a 90-gallon salt water fish tank, and collects LEGOs.

“Just Do It.” – Nike

Monique Riviere

Monique Riviere joined Byte Back in 2014. Years ago, after graduating from Howard University with her bachelor’s in business administration, Monique met Byte Back founder Glenn Stein and began serving as a volunteer instructor. Monique began her IT career serving as a database analyst and technical consultant for nonprofit organizations in the DC area. Prior to Byte Back, she was the project director of databases and IT at Independent Sector, a leadership network for nonprofits, foundations, and corporations. A New York native, Monique enjoys practicing yoga, volunteering for hospice, and spreading positive awareness of foster children.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking that created them.” – Einstein

John Baskett

John was born in Atlanta and went on to live in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and North Carolina but has spent most of his life in Washington, DC. He graduated from Cardozo High School. He started working at Byte Back in 2013 and has worked at all four locations of the organization’s offices. He also works at Federal Housing part time. In his spare time he loves watching and playing sports, going fishing, pitching horseshoes, and bowling. John calls himself the “number one Redskins fan in the DMV.”

“So let it be written. So let it be done.”

Cherise Graves

Cherise is a DC native and began as a volunteer and student with Byte Back in 2011. She found teaching very rewarding and went on to serve as an AmeriCorps instructor at Byte Back for two years, teaching PC for Beginners, Office Track, Access, Excel, Website Design, Online Tools, and workshops. After a brief time away, Cherise was drawn again to Byte Back’s mission and started as an administrative assistant in June 2015. She earned her bachelor’s in computer engineering technology from Capitol Technology University (formerly Capitol College) and worked at the Office of the Chief Technology Officer as a web producer. Cherise’s interests vary from foreign cultures and languages – American Sign Language, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish – to Korean music and Japanese anime.

“Treat others the way you would want to be treated.”
“A little respect goes a long way.”

Barbara Johnson

Barbara has worked at Byte Back since 2010. She is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the facilities at the Byte Back headquarters, the IT Academy, and First Time Technology. Before Byte Back, she worked in child care and as a teacher’s aid. A DC native, Barbara is passionate about her grandchildren and loves going to the movies.

“Freedom is only necessity understood.” – William James

Dometria Coleman

Dometria joined Byte Back’s administrative team in 2013 and has been doing administrative work for 18 years. Born in the Kenilworth Gardens area of Northeast DC, she is passionate about God, her children, and baking. She runs her own pastry business and caters for weddings and receptions in the DC area. She plans to get a degree in pastry arts.

“Do it right or do it twice!”

Christopher Wallace

Chris joined the Byte Back team in February 2016. He’s passionate about social justice causes that work to empower people, which is what led him to Byte Back. Chris is originally from Indiana, but also spent one year in Haiti working on various projects. He earned his bachelor’s in anthropology, history, and classical civilizations from Indiana University and interned in both the nonprofit and public sectors. He enjoys cultural experiences and hearing others’ stories in his work. He stays active in his free time, hiking, playing sports, and enjoying nature with his wife.

“I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.” – Socrates

Tamikia Wims

Tamikia began as an administrative assistant at Byte Back in 2013, and in 2015 she was hired as volunteer coordinator. She currently manages AmeriCorps and other community volunteers. Before Byte Back, she did youth development work at local DC nonprofits. A DC native, Tamikia is passionate about raising her daughter into a successful, independent woman.

“Cherish yesterday, dream tomorrow, live today. ” – Richard Bach

Yvette Scorse

Yvette joined the Byte Back team in early 2015. She is responsible for Byte Back’s communications and marketing, including social media, website, blog, e-newsletters, and print advertising. Yvette says she is “from Arkansas” but has spent much of her life traveling and has lived in California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Barcelona, Madrid, Maryland, and DC. After earning her bachelor’s in journalism and Spanish from the University of Arkansas, Yvette served as an ELL teacher for five years in Spain. Before Byte Back, she worked for an LGBTQ youth organization. Yvette is passionate about social justice causes and loves spending time with her family and small dog Chicharron.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou

Isel Perez-Castellanos

Isel joined the team in 2008 as an accounting contractor. After living outside of the United States for two years, she returned to Byte Back in 2012 and was hired as director of finance. A native of Puerto Rico, Isel is passionate about learning and achieving educational success. She has an MBA in finance from Johns Hopkins University and used to work as an accounting consultant. She loves to travel and read.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Marianne Alicona

Marianne started as director of development in summer 2015. She’s responsible for building sustainable funding streams to support the mission of Byte Back and its programs. A New York native, she has lived in the DC metropolitan area for over 30 years. Prior to joining Byte Back, Marianne spent 20 years in the for-profit world in marketing and international business before entering the nonprofit sector. She served as director of corporate partnerships at Exponent Philanthropy and as development consultant at Safe Kids Worldwide and the Home Safety Council. She also served on the Association of Women in International Trade and as a trustee for The Women in International Trade Charitable Trust. She’s passionate about helping those who are economically vulnerable, especially women and children. Marianne loves gardening and spending time with her teenage daughter and their black lab, Ebony.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Mohammed Ali

Nicole Green

Nicole joined Byte Back in 2014 as Chief Operating Officer. A native of Kansas City, she is passionate about youth and education. She received her bachelor’s in journalism from Norfolk State University and is currently pursuing an MBA in nonprofit management from the University of Dallas. Before Byte Back, Nicole was director of operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve the Division Head of Recreation & Leisure Activities for the City of Norfolk, Virginia. Nicole enjoys Kansas City Chiefs football, volunteering, and spending time with her friends and family.

“Success is not to be measured so much by the position one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington

Elizabeth Lindsey

Elizabeth joined Byte Back as executive director in September 2015. She is committed to giving underserved DC residents the opportunity to thrive in the changing economy. Before coming to Byte Back, Elizabeth was the chief operating officer and interim chief executive officer at Groundswell in Washington, DC. She has also worked at the DC Department of Employment Services and has focused on economic development for populations of women and minorities in New Jersey. Elizabeth earned her master’s in public affairs and urban and regional planning from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and her bachelor’s in history and French from Swarthmore College.

She was selected in the Women Rule Leadership Competition and was awarded a Women’s Information Network award for up-and-coming leaders demonstrating excellence and innovation. Elizabeth serves on the Board of Directors of The Workplace DC, a Washington workforce development collaborative, and on the Board of Directors of the Goodwill Excel Center. In these positions and as executive director of Byte Back, Elizabeth is dedicated to opening doors to living-wage careers for thousands of individuals in the District

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family around the Capitol Hill neighborhood, traveling, and “geeking out” about pop culture, nonprofit management, feminism, and current events.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.