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Congratulations to the Happy Couple!

 

 

May 10, 2010 - Many congratulations to Toan Nguyen and his beautiful bride! Bich and Toan were married at a gorgeous (obviously) ceremony in Vietnam. In July, Toan will celebrate his four year anniversary at IBM.

 

 

Congratulations!  A 25th Anniversary Plus

On July 18, 2009, Robert O’Byrne, Senior Applications Specialist, celebrated his 25th anniversary as a New York Life Insurance Company employee.   The “plus” refers to the year Bob worked for New York Life as a Lift contractor before he was hired directly.  Congratulations to Bob and New York Life from everyone at Lift!

Diversity/Careers

The Summer/Fall 2009 issue of Diversity/ Careers in Engineering and Information Technology features an article that profiles Lift program participants.  It’s entitled Grads with disabilities find a niche in engineering and IT.

Great Way to Start the Summer!

June 22, 2009:  Eric Brinkman graduated from Marist College with a BS in Computer Science in May, and today kicks off both his summer and his professional career.  Eric is working for Lift, Inc.  as a programmer-analyst trainee assigned to The New York Life Insurance Company.    

Great Way to Kick off the Holidays!

Lift is delighted to announce that on December 15, 2008 Jose Lopez began working for Lift as a quality assurance analyst assigned to Verizon Wireless in Warren, New Jersey.  Jose comes to Lift with a rich background in IT systems consulting and management.

Every October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

This year’s theme is “Talent for a Winning Team.”  No team, or corporation, has an employee more dedicated to the recruiting and hiring of professional employees who have disabilities than Mildred (“Millie”) DesBiens, Program Manager for People with Disabilities at IBM.  In honor of the month, and of Millie’s unflagging devotion to increasing diversity in the workplace, Donna Walters Kozberg, president of Lift, Inc. was pleased to present Millie with Lift’s Outstanding Commitment Award on October 23, 2008. 

The Education Continues …  October 22, 2008

Hi, Donna and Ron --
Thanks for the online training!  I have spent countless hours in classrooms acquiring knowledge that isn’t applied until years later (if at all). It makes much better sense to get the knowledge when and where you need it in real time. The Skillport courses allow you to move from standardized to customized content, from discrete time and place to anytime and anyplace delivery, and from passive lecture models to interactive and applied learning.  As a consultant and a manager, I’m always looking for knowledge to enhance my competitive advantage, and Lift and Skillport have been there for me – and for my career.

Arjan Dhillon
Internal Consultant Corporate Strategy/ Senior Information Technology Executive
Dow

Welcome, Scholar!

It's September, but it's not back to school for this scholar.  Lift is pleased to welcome Wosenseged Workneh, a Gates Millennium Scholar and graduate of Rutgers University with an MS degree in computer science.  Wosenseged  ("Wess") began working for Lift, Inc. on  August 18, 2008 as a technical support specialist assigned to IBM .  Alan Booth, WebSphere Customer Support Manager, clicked this photo of Wess at his new desk.  

Congratulations, Jacqueline!

On June 30, 2008, Jacqueline Yee began full-time employment as a programmer-analyst at the New York Life Insurance Company, after finishing a year as a consultant with Lift.  We’ve enjoyed working with Jacqueline, and look forward to hearing about her future successes.

Welcome, Rob!

On June 9, 2008, Robert Kennedy joined Lift, Inc. as a Technical Support Specialist assigned to IBM. Rob has worked as a consulting IT specialist in several industries, including banking, consumer goods, and education, and we’re delighted to have him on the team.

March 10, 2008: Congratulations, Paul!

Lift celebrates Paul Hinze’s moving on (and up) to direct employment with IBM.  It was great working with Paul, and with his managers at IBM, and we look forward to regular career updates! In the meantime, comments from Paul and his manager:

“My career with IBM is just beginning, but the opportunities I have with IBM are unlimited, thanks to the guidance and support I received from Lift, Inc.. Donna and Ron provided specific knowledge to me at a critical point in my career. The insights they gave on adjusting from working for startup companies to working for the ultimate technical bellwether were invaluable to my personal and professional growth. Thank you, Lift!”
Paul Hinze, Software Engineer, IBM

"IBM is a high performing business and needs high performing individuals who can drive technology in today's fast-changing market. Thanks to our partnership with the LIFT program, IBM was able to employ Paul Hinze who has already made a strong impact to the IMS Database organization. We look forward to working with Donna and the LIFT program in the future. Thanks!"  
Andrew Tollerud, Manager, IMS OnDemand Test, Tools & SPA

New Year, New Career -- January 21, 2008

Lift welcomes Kevin Cheung, a graduate of Berkeley with a degree in cognitive science, a flair for writing, and background in web development. Kevin starts work today as a technical writer at IBM in San Jose. 

Lift Sports Update -- December 13, 2007

(Senior Applications Specialist) Tim Ripley recently began karting, reconnecting with his "inner adrenalin junkie", and setting a new personal best in smiles per hour... 

July 23, 2007

Lift congratulates Tabitha Estrellado, who has accepted a full-time programming position with the New York Life Insurance Company.  “Lift made my career dreams come true!” says Tabitha.  It was a delight to work with Tabitha this past year, with her unquenchable enthusiasm and exceptional talent.  Check back for future announcements: Tabitha may soon come on board as Lift’s second official blogger. 

June 24, 2007

Jacqueline Yee has joined Lift, Inc. as a programmer-analyst assigned to New York Life.  We’re delighted to welcome this young scholar, who has a Master’s degree in Math, a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, and transcripts liberally adorned with the letter “A.”  Jacqueline says she’s excited to be learning such interesting skills in her first job. 

April 23, 2007

Lift is pleased to welcome Niko Harlan.  Niko is a graduate of Duke University, where he earned a BA in computer science and worked at the university’s Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, and most recently in its Center on Global Change.  Niko joins the Lift team as a technical support specialist assigned to IBM’s RTP site.

March 7, 2007: Lift in North Carolina

In education sessions for managers at IBM’s RTP site, Betsy Matthew, Vice President for Application and Integration Middleware Technical Support and Customer Service, and Donna Walters Kozberg, President of Lift, Inc., discussed the advantages of hiring employees who have disabilities, and IBM’s partnership with Lift. Wayne Sholtes and Mike Eversole, managers at the RTP site, and Abraham Sweiss and Toan Nguyen, technical analysts, shared their personal experiences with the Lift program. Picture: Toan Nguyen, Donna Walters Kozberg,Wayne Sholtes, Abraham Sweiss,Betsy Matthew,Mike Eversole

March 1, 2007 brings us an update from John Fig:

I’m just starting my 17th year at Wakefern and everything is still going great. My group is very busy. We just finished converting to the mainframe a computerized order generating system that previously resided at each of our stores. Go DB2! It was a very interesting project. Personally, I was able to buy my parent’s house a couple of years ago and now live here with my live-in aide. Thanks Lift! My aide is partially paid for by the NJ Personal Assistance Services Program. It’s a great program and I’ve also been involved with lobbying for more funding. We recently created an informational packet to present to our legislators. Even if we can’t stand up, we can sure speak up!

No Tricks, Paul, Just Treats

On Halloween Eve (just a coincidence; we promise!), ‘06,  Paul Hinze joins the Lift, Inc. team as a software engineer at IBM’s famous Silicon Valley Lab.  Paul has spent the past several years developing web applications for both small and large organizations.  He has degrees in both political science and computer software development, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Lift.

Lift, Inc.’s Little Corner on Blogger.com

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (which really should last all year), Christopher Reeve Intern Carrie Smoot braved computer gremlins, several how-to books and several days of blank-page terror—and finally started a blog about her opinions and ideas on information technology, employment, disability and life in general. Check out lift-inc.blogspot.com. Enjoy!

LIFT, INC. IN ACTION JOURNAL EDUCATION ISSUE

September 2006: This month’s issue of United Spinal’s Action Journal examines education in all its stages: school, starting a new job, moving up, or studying to pursue a career change. In that spirit, Carrie Smoot, Christopher Reeve Intern, wrote about Lift and sends many thanks to Carl Morgan, Tabitha Estrellado, John Fig, Zack Anwar and Donna Walters Kozberg for their insights, enthusiasm and support. Great job everyone! Read the entire article

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATE!

Tabitha Estrellado graduated summa cum laude from Pace University in May with a B.S. in computer science and a minor in math and music. After a bit of summer holiday, in July she plunged into her new job – as a programmer-analyst for Lift at New York Life, where she’s immersing herself in mainframe programming and learning skills most college students don’t have the chance to study. As Tabitha says, “The concepts of programming are universal and make the transition easy …I’m psyched.” When she’s not reading about structured design, COBOL and JCL, Tabitha writes song lyrics and poetry. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADA!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006 is the 16th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Buildings, technology, transportation systems, educational and other opportunities have become more open and accessible, but there is still much to do, especially in the employment world. More education about the ADA on all sides has brought successes. But no one can legislate attitudes. 

Cultivating high expectations, reaching goals and expecting good outcomes are critical to success in life. We teach as we learn, as we work, as we encounter. In the words of Justin Dart: Lead on!

CONGRATULATIONS, DON!

July 14, 2006: Today Lift received the last official weekly update from Don Bearden in San Jose. Much as we'll miss his reports, we celebrate the reason: he's now a full-time IBM employee! A few final comments:

Don: I'd like to thank Lift for giving me this opportunity to show my skills and to work hard at improving those skills. It's great that Lift has such an excellent connection with IBM in order to give someone like myself a chance to learn and to contribute in a way that is beneficial for both parties. I look forward to Monday and can't wait to receive the new badge ...
Thanks again...

Donald Bearden Software
Engineer, IBM

Angela Migliaccio: In today's very competitive IT world finding a professional motivated candidate is no easy task. Thanks to our partnership with the LIFT program IBM was able to recruit a software engineer who has been recently hired as full time IBM employee. Don Bearden is now a valuable addition to the On-Demand development and test team in the IMS Family. Thank you LIFT and Donna !

Angela Migliaccio
Manager, IMS Integration Solutions Development, Test & Service
IBM Software Group

LIFT, INC. IS IN THE NEWS AGAIN!

Congratulations and many thanks to Eileen Levin, Wenshih Su, Bob O’Byrne and others for their insights and contributions to the article about Lift, Inc. in the June/July 2006 issue of Diversity Careers in Engineering and Information Technology. Great job, everyone! Carrie Smoot, Lift's Christopher Reeve Intern, wrote the article.

WELCOME ABOARD MICHAEL!

On, June 1, 2006, Michael Snellenburg began work as a Lift, Inc. contractor at IBM in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. An experienced programmer-analyst and Microsoft certified systems engineer with a passion for exploring new technologies, Michael is working in WebSphere customer support. He's off to a fast start with a great team, and reports that he's already having fun.

LIFT, INC. FEATURED ON WWW.JOBBOUND.COM!

May, 2006:  Jeff Mayer, an applications developer analyst at NECA, enjoys a long association with Lift, Inc. He recently shared his insights on telecommuting with Lift, Inc.’s Christopher Reeve Intern, Carrie Smoot. The full story appeared May 10th on the Web site JobBound.com, a Chicago job search resource. JobBound in the news

AN EMOTIONAL LIFT

Carl Morgan began working full-time at IBM Techline as a Technical Sales Specialist on April 3, 2006, and is off to a great start. Carl wrote to Lift in his first week of work “I've worked with several placement organizations throughout my career and Lift is definitely BEYOND comparison. You provided me with confidence, support and an Emotional "Lift" which successfully brought about my current opportunity with IBM. I can't thank you enough. You’ve been great! Thanks!” Best wishes, Carl!

SPRING AHEAD!

Congratulations to Jeff Mayer, who has been promoted to the position of Application Developer Analyst at NECA.

A GREAT START TO THE NEW YEAR

Lift congratulates Abraham Sweiss who was hired on December 30, 2005 by IBM in Durham, North Carolina as a WebSphere Analyst.  IBM's WebSphere Application Server is a Web services technology-based application platform which delivers a high-performance and scalable transaction engine for dynamic e-business applications.  “It was a pleasure working with Lift which provided me with this great opportunity,”   Abraham told Lift on his first day as an official IBMer.  “Thanks for everything”.

WAY TO GO, WENSHIH!

Congratulations to Wenshih Su! Wenshih was hired on October 24, 2005 by NCS, a Johnson and Johnson company in Raritan, New Jersey, as a lead engineer. Wenshih is thrilled to be a J&J employee, and writes: "I am not good at speeches, but I do want to mention my appreciation for all the help I received from the people at NCS and Lift who made this opportunity possible. I am looking forward to welcoming the next Lift employee to NCS!

CHRISTOPHER REEVE INTERN TO PROMOTE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2005

Warren, N.J.—The nonprofit corporation Lift, Inc. announces the appointment of Carrie Smoot of Falls Church, Virginia as the Christopher Reeve Intern, a communications position sponsored by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Read the entire press release.

For Congressional Record: ADA Solidarity!

Statement Of Solidarity On 15th Anniversary Of Americans With Disabilities Act
July 26, 2005

Fifteen years ago today, with bipartisan support in Congress and broad endorsements from the civil rights coalition, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), calling for the "shameful wall of exclusion" to come tumbling down. Read the entire statement.

WELCOME TO NORTH CAROLINA!

Toan Nguyen began working for Lift as a technical support specialist at IBM in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park on March 7, 2005. Toan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley and an MBA from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris. Lift welcomes Toan to Lift and to North Carolina!

A SWEET BEGINNING

Lift welcomes Abraham Sweiss who started work on Valentine's Day, 2005 in Durham, North Carolina as a technical support specialist at IBM. Abraham has a B.S. in finance from University of Illinois at Chicago and an M.S. in distributed systems from De Paul University.

TIMED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

On December 1, 2004, Carol Youri joined Lift in San Jose as a software engineer assigned to IBM. She has a B.S. degree in Computer Science from San Jose State University, and experience in several industries, including aerospace and telecommunications.