Latest news with #CentralStateUniversity
Technical.ly
a day ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
From NBA intern to county web admin, this young technologist has reached one goal — and is ready for the next
For Yafiah Abdullah, tech is just part of the journey. The 22 year old from Newark, Delaware, attended St. Georges Technical High School thinking she might become an electrical engineer before she decided to give computer science a try. It stuck — she went on to major in CS at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, before launching her career in Delaware. Currently, Abdullah works as lead web administrator for New Castle County, a job she enjoys while also looking forward toward continuing her education, as she looks to combine her tech experience with a law degree. 'In the end, my angle is to go to law school and become an intellectual property attorney within a tech space,' Abdullah told In this edition of How I Got Here series, Abdulla discusses her journey from 1,000 Kids Coding to government technologist, and shares advice for anyone looking to follow a similar career path. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was growing up, I really wanted to work in law. But going into vo-tech high school, I went into information technology. Now that I've graduated college and have started my career, I've realized that I can still align both of those passions together. But right now, I'm happy with where I am in my journey, working within the public sector and learning more about the processes and policies within tech. What was your education like? When I was in high school, I did Code Differently's 1,000 Kids Coding Program for pretty much the duration of my senior year of high school. We started with basic HTML and CSS coding and then we moved into workforce integration — making sure that we know how to adapt to the workspace we're going into as developers, especially as younger talent. From there, I went to college, where I started working with one of my professors on a project with a researcher on our campus. That exposed me to more product development, and less of what I had been working on with software development. It allowed me to see what else was possible within the field, rather than just being a developer and working on back end or front end or full stack development. From there, I did a full stack engineering internship with the NBA — that was a nice change of pace, working in a faster-paced development space with engineers, and just overall working in entertainment. When I finished college, I wanted to develop my skills more before I took to the workforce, so I went back to Code Differently as an adult learner in its Software Engineering bootcamp. That allowed me to develop my personal skills, speaking skills and my development skills. And then I did a Code Differently externship with a financial service company, doing full stack development on the product side, building compliance products. And then from there, I got my new role in New Castle County government. Who have been your biggest influences? Definitely my parents. When I was in high school exploring different career areas, I was looking more at electrical engineering. And my dad was like, 'give information technologies a shot, see how you like it,' and he explained all the career paths. So that pushed me forward within my journey in tech. Throughout my whole career, my dad has always pushed me to just learn, to continuously be a sponge, making sure that I get every piece of information that can project me forward in my career. What does a typical day look like in your job with New Castle County? I'm working primarily on accessibility within the website, making sure that we are meeting all accessibility policies within the state law. Also, we're currently working on the site redesign and making sure that our subject matter experts are up to date on accessibility policy. Currently I'm working primarily on a lot of housekeeping, going through making sure that, on the website, any old initiatives, any old links or broken links are all cleaned up, and we are presenting a website that is fully functioning for the constituents. And I've also been writing policy outlines for user guides, and just tackling any web issues that come up. That's my role. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in doing what you do? Be as persistent as possible. Know where you're going, know where you want to end up. Talk to people, ask them about their experience, making sure that you're not steadfast in doing things a certain way. Being adaptable within any environment that you come into and being able to change will help, because technology is always changing. You have to be able to adapt as quickly as possible. Anything else you'd like to add? Imposter syndrome is definitely real, especially being younger and working with more senior engineers. You may sit back and take in the information rather than put your input in because you're scared that it's not as useful, but as a newer person you're a fresher audience, so anything you say is going to be impactful.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘A good thing;' NAACP chapter reinstated at local university for third time
A local university has reinstated its National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) after three years of inactivity. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, this is the third time the organization has been reactivated at Central State University. TRENDING STORIES: Dave Chappelle announces 5th year of comedy shows in Yellow Springs' cornfields Public health alert issued for ground beef sold at Whole Foods Man refuses to pay $500 veterinarian fee, strangles his dog Jayda Hodge is president of the Central State University NAACP Chapter. 'This is a good thing. It helps them express themselves. Something we need on this campus, especially with all of the issues regarding DEI and other things,' Hodge said. Hodge is entering her third year at the university and said something has been missing. 'Our history, the different opportunities out there, and just their voice,' Hodge said. Hodge and other students generated interest across campus and with the help of local NAACP officials, they were able to get the university's NAACP chapter certified. 'I do believe we have the right faculty advisor to lead the charge this time,' President of the Dayton Branch NAACP Derrick Foward said. Students elected Assistant Political Science Professor Brittany Brake for chapter advisor. Brake told News Center 7 that she's building this chapter up so it can remain active as members come and go. 'Get students involved in the community and get them engaged in social justice,' Brake said. The chapter is currently preparing fundraisers and events to attract more members in the fall. 'There will be new students, freshmen. A lot of them are going to be interested. However, the minimum is 25 and we're at 36 individuals right now. And it's very exciting,' Hodge said. Hodge hopes the reactivation of the university's NAACP chapter will influence Greene County to create its own. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
NBC Sports
22-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Santonio Holmes is the new receivers coach at Central State University
Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes is back in football, more than a decade after his NFL career ended. Holmes is the new receivers coach at Central State University in Ohio. A first-round pick from Ohio State in 2006, Holmes capped his third NFL season with a game-winning catch in the franchise's sixth Super Bowl win. His best season came the next year, when he caught 79 passes for 1,248 yards. He signed with the Jets as a free agent in 2010. He spent four so-so seasons in New York before finishing his career in 2014 in Chicago. At Central State, Holmes joins the staff of former NFL cornerback Tony Carter, who played for the Broncos, Patriots, Colts, and Saints. Carter was hired earlier this year. Central State has produced 21 NFL players, including Orlando Brown, Hugh Douglas, and Erik Williams.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Santonio Holmes hired as wide receivers coach at Central State University
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes has been named the wide receivers coach at Central State University in Ohio. Following a standout college career at Ohio State University, Holmes was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft and played nine years in the NFL. His career highlight coming in Super Bowl XLII when he pulled in a late touchdown catch from Ben Roethlisberger, leading the Steelers to a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Holmes was named MVP of the game for his heroic performance. TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Santonio Holmes #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a 6-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Steelers won the game by a score of 27-23. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images His catch against the Cardinals has been ranked among the best plays in the history of the Super Bowl. Holmes recorded career totals of 389 receptions and 36 touchdowns. Central State said they're excited to bring Holmes onto the coaching staff and say that it should "excite top talent wide receivers from around the country." The university also said that Holmes' "ability to teach, mentor, and develop student-athletes both on and off the field makes him a valuable addition to the Marauders' coaching staff."
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU adds former Super Bowl MVP to coaching staff
Central State University proudly welcomes Santonio Holmes, Super Bowl MVP and former first-round NFL Draft pick, to Head Coach Tony Carter's staff as the new wide receivers coach for the Marauders HBCU football program. A hire that should excite top-talented wide receivers from around the country. A native of Belle Glade, Florida, Holmes brings world-class playing experience and a deep, tactical understanding of the wide receiver position to the Yard. Known for his elite speed, precise route-running, and ability to deliver in big moments. Holmes adds a championship pedigree to an already ascending Central State program. His football journey began at Glades Central High School. Where he was a three-sport standout and helped capture multiple state championships. He continued his athletic career at The Ohio State University. Redshirting during the Buckeyes' 2002 national championship season, before becoming one of the most productive receivers in program history. Holmes finished with 140 receptions for 2,295 yards and 25 touchdowns, ranking among the school's all-time greats. In 2006, Holmes was selected 25th overall in the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He quickly became a key contributor, culminating in a legendary performance in Super Bowl XLIII. Where he hauled in the game-winning touchdown and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. His 2009 season saw him record a career-best 79 receptions for 1,248 yards. Holmes was later traded to the New York Jets, where he remained a clutch performer, helping lead the team to the 2010 AFC Championship Game. He finished his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, known throughout his nine-year run as a dependable and explosive playmaker. Now stepping into the next phase of his football journey, Holmes brings his NFL experience, leadership, and player-first mentality to HBCU football at Central State. His ability to teach, mentor, and develop student-athletes both on and off the field makes him a valuable addition to the Marauders' coaching staff. With a resume that includes championship moments and high-level production. Santonio Holmes is ready to elevate the Marauders' receiving corps. And help guide the next generation of Central State University playmakers. The post HBCU adds former Super Bowl MVP to coaching staff appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
