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Contact Nicole Boyette, Innovating a Family Lineage in HVACR, Generations in the Making
Nicole Boyette, a proud NOVA Nighthawk, recently received a scholarship from Women in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR).
Featured Articles
He Never Imagined Himself in College: Now He’s Attending NOVA and Planning His Future
Asher Moore never thought college would be a part of his life. He thought it was out of the question for him.
After War Drives a Young Woman from Her Country, She Restarts Her Life at NOVA
Sofiya Dengub was not sure about attending college in America after having to leave Ukraine abruptly. But now, at NOVA, she is finding some comfort and peace.
International Student Gains Confidence, Clarity and Broadens Her Desire to Help Others
Very early on, Fatimetou Bechir understood the value of higher education and knew it would be critical for her dream of helping people.
Lucy Williams Receives Chancellor’s Rising Star Award at VCCS’ 2022 Hire Education Conference
Lucy Williams, NOVA Workforce’s guaranteed interview program coordinator in the Office of Employer Engagement and Career Services was recently recognized by the VCCS for outstanding achievement with the Chancellor’s ‘Rising Star’ award at the 2022 “Hire Education Conference”.
Ed Haraguchi, NOVA Veteran Student, Enjoying His Retirement as a Student!
Ed Haraguchi, NOVA Veteran Student, Enjoying His Retirement as a Student!
16-Year-Old ADVANCE Student Looks to Join Mom and Grandmother as Proud NOVA Alumna
ADVANCE student Enayah Rahman is a NOVA legacy as she joins a line of family members who have attended here as well.
NOVA’s Lucy Holsonbake Inducted into One Diverse Industry Hall of Fame
NOVA’s Lucy Holsonbake Inducted into One Diverse Industry Hall of Fame.
International Student Nico Gabriel Seeks to Help Others Through NOVA’S AAPI Connect Program
Nico Gabriel, a nontraditional, international student, loves to connect others, as a mentor for NOVA’s AAPI Connect and as a supporter of the college’s new Career Up program.
A Journey to Learn English Becomes a Life-Changing Event!
Aigul Egemberdieva is passionate about writing! But being new to the U.S., she knew she needed to do a deep dive into learning the English language.
National Philanthropy Day Spotlight: Transurban Partnership Bolsters Efforts to Support Veteran and Military Students
Today is National Philanthropy Day, and NOVA gratefully recognizes all the NOVA Educational Foundation donors who have so consistently helped our students cross the finish line with a certification or degree that leads to a family-sustaining career.
Cindy Tran, A First-Generation Student Who Desires to Leave a Legacy of Helping Others
For First-Generation Student Week, we hear from Cindy Tran who is a health science and pre-nursing student at NOVA who just wants to help others.
Veteran’s Day Spotlight: Dr. LaToya Sivells – Passion Drives Her to Serve
In this year’s Veteran’s Day spotlight, the college’s own LaToya Sivells, Ed.D., shares why her work with student-veterans, active-duty military and their families drives her passion to provide the best experience for NOVA students, even after 12 years!
A Student's Success, Fueled by a Setback
Asher Khan faced a setback early on in his NOVA college experience. Life happened to him, and he was not able to continue on his path toward a college degree.
NOVA's Vet Tech Month Staff Spotlight Story - Lisa Scott
Lisa Scott, a Licensed Veterinarian Technician, currently serves as NOVA Loudoun’s Veterinary Technology Program Manager. In addition to being a NOVA alum, she earned a Bachelor of Science at George Mason University and returned to help students here at NOVA.
NOVA's Vet Tech Month Staff Spotlight Story - Charlotte Butler
Charlotte Butler, an equine veterinarian’s assistant who is almost a vet tech, is NOVA’s current student spotlight for “Vet Tech Month.” Here, she talks about her love of horses as well as growing and further exploring this gratifying field.
NOVA Student, Dhyuthi Chegu on Being a Voice for Change
Dhyuthi Chegu or “DC” as she likes to be called spoke at a photography exhibit hosted by the college and Lumina Foundation called, “Today’s College Climb.”
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Nataly Lovera Pestana Loves Travel, Home and NOVA
As we wrap up the final days of Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to spotlight Nataly Lovera Pestana, a current NOVA accounting student who will be representing NOVA at the “One Diverse Industry” (ODI) conference.
Manuel Santiago, Impacting His Generation and the World Through Diplomacy
Manuel Santiago grew up in Guatemala City. His mom encouraged him to pursue a college education, and his deep curiosity about the world and its many cultures drove him to study abroad.
Cybersecurity Month Spotlight: Mercy Osei-Hwedie on Being in Tech and Being a Student-Parent at NOVA
Mercy Osei-Hwedie wears many hats from day to day. She’s not just a current NOVA cybersecurity student, she is also a single mom and works with NOVA’s Office of Strategic Insights to assess, identify and implement ways to better serve student parents and improve overall student outcomes as NOVA’s first Generation Hope Student-Parent Fellow.
NOVA’s World Teachers’ Day Spotlight, Sana Hilmi Talks About Teaching Foreign Languages and Learning From Her Students
NOVA’s World Teachers’ Day spotlight, Sana Hilmi who is a Foreign Language- Arabic Language professor at Annandale campus talks about her journey here starting off as an ESL NOVA student to becoming a renowned faculty member here at the college.
Meet NOVA’S Own Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, Award-Winning Screenwriter and LGBT Advocate
As October is the start of LGBT History Month, here are some thoughts from NOVA’s own advocate, Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, an associate professor of English and screenwriting.
NOVA Cyber Team Takes Bronze in National SkillsUSA
Big news from the SkillsUSA National Conference for our NOVA Cybersecurity team – they are bronze medalists!
The Incredible Journey of NOVA CCI Student, Lelin Ahmed
Lelin Ahmed, a NOVA CCI student was recently featured in the international publication the Business Standard which chronicled his life that he thought would only amount to rickshaw puller.
NOVA Hosts Lumina-Sponsored Photo Exhibit Chronicling Challenges of the New “Traditional” College Student
In partnership with Lumina Foundation, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) hosted an event to celebrate the first in-person gallery exhibition of ‘Today’s College Climb’ by Documentary Photojournalist Rachel Bujalski.
NOVA Police Officer, Dwayne Parris Talks of Finishing His Degree While Working at NOVA
Dwayne Parris is no stranger to the community here at NOVA. He can be seen policing at events, making new friends while helping at the NOVA café and sitting in classes finishing up his two degrees. After many years in law enforcement, Dwayne now works at NOVA and loves the rich diversity and ability to catch up with students along their educational journey.
John O’Neil NOVA Student and Esports Coach Speaks on National Championship-Winning Team
John O’Neil NOVA Student and Esports Coach Speaks on National Championship-Winning Team.
Workforce Development Month Spotlight: Diana Ghulami, Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholar
Diana Ghulami is one of five NOVA students to receive a 2022 Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship.
Workforce Development Month Spotlight, Jacob Workman, Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholar
Jacob Workman is one of five NOVA students to receive a 2022 Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship.
Back-to-School Month Words of Encouragement from Esports Coach, Jordan Whitaker
NOVA Esports Head Coach Jordan Whitaker brings years of experience to NOVA, and he is an active advocate, helping students thrive in esports and their educational journeys.
Data Center Operations Graduate Returns to NOVA as Adjunct Faculty Member
Albertine Djoumou Nkombou has worked diligently to make a name for herself as an engineer while ensuring that support for women like her in the tech industry continues.
Back-to-School Month Feature, Spencer Ecker on Being an Adult-Learner
Spencer Ecker, a recent intern for Prince William County Public Schools, talks about returning to school and finding his path forward through technology.
Back-to-School Month Feature: Indio Prather, Community Advocate
Excited to return to NOVA for the fall, Indio Prather does a lot of work to make a difference in his community.
Back-to-School-Month Feature, Cody Nguyen, NOVA Esports Student
Cody Nguyen is excited to come back to NOVA to continue to compete for the Nighthawks Esports team! A stellar cybersecurity student, Cody is a “legacy student” with many family members who have attended NOVA.
The Brave and Important Story of Yolanda Castillo
As we wrap up Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (July). We would like to introduce you to Yolanda Castillo, a criminal justice student at NOVA who has utilized the many experiences of her upbringing to help lift those around her.
Ethiopian-American Alumna Fostering STEM in Africa
Kidist Gebreamlak is an African American woman who describes herself as ‘a person of two worlds – Africa and the U.S.
NOVA’s Two Gilman Scholars, Yasmin Jalloh and Manuel Santiago, to Embark on Social Impact Work in Europe
NOVA’s Two Gilman Scholars, Yasmin Jalloh and Manuel Santiago, to Embark on Social Impact Work in Europe
Meet the Grad, Anum Khan a Future Engineer Who Will Pursue Ways to Provide Safe Drinking Water Around the World
Anum Khan is an engineering student who wants to travel the world with ‘Engineers Without Borders’ to help provide safe drinking water for populations at risk.
Meet the Grad: Nicole Mullings, Single Mother, Former Pentagon Staffer and Now Regionally Renowned Artist
First generation college student Nicole Mullings came to NOVA with three kids and a difficult relationship at home.
Shelby Lukes Loves Horses, Dogs and…Fixing Cars
Shelby Lukes is passionate about fostering Labrador Retrievers, taking care of horses, and fixing cars.
A Memorial Day ‘Thank You’ from Luigi Grande, Voice Student and NOVA’s Commencement Singer
NOVA student, Luigi Grande, has years of experience in military services and engineering. He also is following his passion to become a singer.
NOVA Cybersecurity Grad Grateful for G3, Pell Grants, Which Made College Possible for Him
Every student at NOVA brings a different story and a different perspective on student success and achievement. Commencement brings to life their accomplishments.
NOVA Honors Graduating Nurses at Pinning; Receives Largest Gift in College’s History to Establish Center for Nursing Excellence at MEC
Last week, NOVA celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating class of nursing students with its annual pinning ceremony, a history-laden ceremony that signifies the official launch of a nurse’s career.
Graduate Spotlight: Gabrielle Walters, Another Stand-Out Dual Enrollment Graduate on Her Way to Big Things
Gabrielle Walters is another of NOVA‘s outstanding dual enrollment students who has kept her eye on the prize.
Meet the Grad: Anastasia Duenas, Promoting Equity in Healthcare Research
Every student at NOVA brings a different story and a different perspective on student success and achievement. Commencement brings to life their accomplishments.
Graduate Spotlight: Dual Enrollment Student Eryn Yarrell Graduates from NOVA in May and Hayfield HS in June
Eryn Yarrell will graduate from Hayfield High School in Alexandria this June. There’s one thing she needs to do before high school graduation, however, and that is to graduate from NOVA on May 15.
Meet the Grad: Meelod Waheed, from NOVA to NASA and Beyond
Every student at NOVA brings a different story, and a different perspective on student success and achievement. Commencement brings to life their accomplishments.
Meet the Grad: Subin Kim, Army Reservist and Jack Kent Cooke Semifinalist
Every student at NOVA brings a different story, and a different perspective on student success and achievement. Commencement brings to life their accomplishments.
Thank You to All Who Supported NOVA’s First Annual ‘Giving Day’
On April 21, the NOVA Educational Foundation launched an inaugural 24-hour virtual fundraiser in support of NOVA student achievement. Nearly $30,000 was raised to support student success through scholarships, emergency grants, textbooks and even caps and gowns for NOVA’s upcoming May commencement.
Smithsonian Student Intern, Axel Concha-Lopez Talks About Career Pathways at NOVA
NOVA’s Student Internship Month Spotlight is Axel Concha-Lopez who just landed the prestigious summer position at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. He hopes to leverage this amazing position for a future career in marketing and entrepreneurism.
Five NOVA Students Receive Smithsonian Internships
Five NOVA students join the competitive summer undergrad internship program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA). This is a paid internship opportunity open to college students across the nation to work on a variety of programs and pathways, offering a wide range of learning opportunities within the various departments
NOVA’s National Student Employment Week Spotlight, Shonia Bates on Balancing Motherhood and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Training
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background: I am originally from Philadelphia but moved to Dallas, Texas in 2017 with my fiancé who received a promotion at work. In a few years, he was promoted again, and we moved to Virginia. We have a five-year-old daughter, whom I adore so much! She’s my motivation for everything I do in life and, honestly, I wouldn’t know what I would do without her.
Women’s History Month Spotlight: NOVA Alumna Nicole Lazarte, Early Childhood Education Advocate
For Women’s History Month, NOVA highlights women who have been innovative in their fields and are recognized for their commitment. NOVA alumna, Grace Nicole Lazarte, who prefers to go by Nicole, was recently appointed to the board of the 2022 Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children.
Women’s History Month Spotlight: NOVA Student and Jack Kent Cooke Semi-Finalist, Kerri Langhorne is also a Trailblazer and Inventor
NOVA non-traditional student, Kerri Langhorne, exemplifies being #BoldlyNOVA! Recently named a Jack Kent Cooke semi-finalist, Kerri is an inventor, entrepreneur, single mom, an in-demand equine athletic recovery therapist and holder of a patent on a top-of-the-line horse recovery supplement—a patent she wrote herself because she couldn’t afford a lawyer. She has been a speaker for NOVA Stem Week, and she serves as a mentor for other NOVA students.
Nazrawi Yenberberu, NOVA Data Center Operations Student Spotlight
Nazrawi Yenberberu became interested in NOVA’s Data Center Operations course after spotting an online ad for the program. Nazrawi lives in Ashburn, Virginia and is a real estate agent by trade who hopes to capitalize on the growing data center industry.
International Women's Day Spotlight, Film Prof. Lucy Gebre-Egziabher
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” which honors all women in the movement against collective biases that fuels gender inequality.
NOVA’s 2022 Black History Month in Closing
NOVA thanks the many contributors, presenters, logistical personnel, students, faculty, staff and attendees who have made Black History Month memorable.
NOVA-LO Accounting Prof. Kush Jenkins Awarded 2022 Fulbright to Teach in Trinidad-Tobago
Interim Dean and Accounting Professor Kush Jenkins has been awarded the 2021-2022 Fulbright teaching scholarship and will spend the spring semester of 2022 teaching accounting and entrepreneurship to students at COSTAATT (The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago).
NOVA National Engineer's Month Spotlight, Nicolas Height
Nicolas Height worked in restaurant kitchens for six years. It was during the height of the pandemic, after being furloughed, Height decided to look for ways to get out of the service industry. After connecting with a technology industry leader on LinkedIn, Height decided to give NOVA’s Data Center Operations program a try.
NOVA Alumna, Naraya Omar Talks Winning Generation Hope Grant and Her College Experience
Northern Virginia Community College alum, Naraya Omar is part of a group of 12 recipients of a grant from Generation Hope, a nonprofit that provides parenting students with mentoring and financial/childcare assistance so they can graduate college.
NOVA’s Albertine Djoumou Nkombou, International Women’s Day STEM Spotlight
Albertine Djoumou Nkombou works diligently to make a name for herself as an engineer while ensuring that support for women like her in the tech industry continues. To her, it is important to help bring more women into the STEM industry.
Meet NOVA's Aleksander Marthinussen a Recent ECMC Spotlight
Aleksander Marthinussen, program manager with NOVA SySTEMic, has been named as a Post-Secondary Leadership Spotlight ECMC Foundation Fellow. Marthinussen’s Techniques interview appears as part of a digital-exclusive spotlight series on fellows.
NOVA Alum, Kim B. Miller, Poet Laureate Talks Poetry and Information Technology
Kim B. Miller is the Poet Laureate of Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park from October 2020 until October 2022. She’s the first African American Poet Laureate for this region. Her poetry is inspirational, and her words are bold as she is unapologetically blunt. Miller has performed nationally in person and internationally online.
NOVA Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Annual “Day of Service” Featuring Voices from Across the Community
NOVA’s annual “MLK Day of Service” kicked off on Monday, January 17, 2022 with a series of heartfelt speeches, warm memories of what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy meant to them, opportunities to further serve and volunteer in the community and a closing video of vignettes from NOVA’s faculty, students and staff members, each reciting parts of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
