RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Employment Center celebrated its 3,000th job placement at a ceremony at the NCNG Joint Force Headquarters on Oct. 19.
The center's purpose is to increase career opportunities for serving and veteran members of the Reserves, National Guard, and qualifying family members.
"I am proud of what we have accomplished," said Eric Burgos, program director of the center.
Gladys Ngari learned about the employment center during an employment opportunity class as part of the NCNG Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) during her husband's deployment. The YRRP connects NCNG members, their families and communities with information about health care, education, employment and financial and legal benefits throughout the deployment cycle.
"After he came back, I thought, 'Let me try {the employment center} and see how it goes,' " said Ngari.
Ngari became the 3,000th job placement after completing the rigorous, 20-week Experience Talent Incubation Program (XTIP), a competitive certification from Cisco Systems Inc.
"As I got to know Gladys more, it was clear that not only was she hardworking, but that she had a collaborative and kind approach to everything she does," said Jessica Burke, Cisco Talent Incubation Programs manager. "She's going to make an excellent addition to the Cisco family, and we're lucky to have her."
Those who pass the course and exams are eligible to receive a full-time offer as a customer experience technical consulting engineer.
"I am so glad to do something I never thought I could do, and here I am," said Ngari.
Ngari is the first military spouse to complete XTIP.
"I called my family and said, 'I passed'; it was exciting," said Ngari.
She was joined at the ceremony by her mother, Purity Mwangi, Ngari's husband, NCNG Army 1st Lt. Joseph Muraguri, and their children, James, Bob and Shishi.
The celebration marked one day's triumph and seven years of effort. The center began in June 2013 with four employees in one office and has grown to 12 full-time staff in eight offices in Raleigh, Wilmington, Winterville, Lenior, Asheville, Fayetteville, Greensboro and Charlotte.