GREENSBORO, N.C. - During National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14, the Greensboro chapter of the American Association of University Women, through its Women in Nontraditional Careers (WINc) program, is joining other organizations in supporting apprenticeship opportunities for adults who are seeking career changes and advancement. By advocating and providing gateways, AAUW is responding to those who contact it for referrals to employers, education, training and apprenticeship opportunities in the Greensboro area.

A Community Action Grant from AAUW National in 2018 provided funding through the Community Foundation to enhance community capacity, and the Women’s Professional Forum Foundation targeted additional funds in 2019 to provide mini grants directly to women who need resources to overcome obstacles impeding their participation.

One recipient of AAUW Greensboro support is Saadia Mehr, who is engaged in an apprenticeship with RTriad, a collaborative partner with Guilfordworks and ApprenticeshipNC. AAUW Greensboro is especially appreciative of Clyde Brown, RTriad vice president of project management, who said, “Saadia is a true team player and seeks new challenges to grow her career in cybersecurity.”

Mehr was born and raised in Pakistan, where she earned her undergraduate degree in commerce. She earned a Master of Science degree in information technology and management from UNC Greensboro in August 2019. Over the summer, she began her apprenticeship program with RTriad Enterprises LLC as a cybersecurity analyst.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my work experience with this organization, which constantly motivates me to set milestones and achieve them," Mehr said. "Through this apprenticeship program, RTriad has provided me the opportunity to learn new skills, pursue cybersecurity certifications that are highly in demand, and connect me with mentors and experts who are always there to guide me on the right path. I aspire to become an expert in the cybersecurity field and I am certain that RTriad will play an instrumental role in my career and professional development."

AAUW Greensboro’s WINc initiative is led by committee chair Tiffany Jacobs, who is also ApprenticeshipNC's regional coordinator for the Piedmont Triad. The region encompasses Alamance, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties.

###