The Rangel Initiative is proud to highlight the journeys of our alumni, whose dedication and hard work exemplify the transformative power of skills training and professional development. These stories showcase how our programs have helped individuals from diverse backgrounds launch meaningful careers, contribute to their communities, and thrive in the evolving infrastructure workforce.
Miguel Johnson, Winter 2024
Miguel Johnson, a native of Poughkeepsie in New York's Hudson Valley, graduated from the Colin Powell School at CCNY in May 2024 with a degree in Political Science. With a passion for creative writing and journalism, Miguel first discovered the Rangel Initiative in an unexpected way—while covering a protest in Shepard Hall for a student journalism piece. Intrigued by the Rangel Initiative signage he encountered, his curiosity led him to explore the program further, setting him on a new professional path.
Miguel enrolled in Baseline Infrastructure Training and continued on to earn industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA 30 and Site Safety Training (SST). Although the Rangel Initiative’s commercial drone piloting course wasn't available at the time, Miguel demonstrated his resourcefulness by independently obtaining his drone license, guided by advice from Peter Kalaitzidis, NYPA’s Robotics Program Manager and a key adviser and instructor to the Rangel Initiative drone program, who referred him to self-study materials and textbooks.
Since September 2024, Miguel has been working as an Assistant Program Manager and Home Upgrades Grants Coordinator at Mid Hudson Energy Transition. In this role, he helps individuals apply for state incentives and facilitates the distribution of grants based on need. The program focuses on equity, addressing both energy efficiency and critical health and safety concerns in homes. Miguel credits his training from the Rangel Initiative’s inaugural Energy & Carbon Management Training (E-CMT) program with equipping him with essential skills in research, data analysis, and data collection, all of which he applies daily in his current position.
Reflecting on his journey, Miguel shares, "I left the Rangel Initiative with a very open mind, and this job turned out to be the perfect fit." His advice to current college students is both pragmatic and insightful: “Keep your eye on the news. I pivoted to the field because of investments in the green energy space. Look to where the money is flowing and where the jobs are, and find a way to apply your field of interest to that.”
Miguel also emphasizes the importance of proactive learning: “Upskill while you’re at university; don’t wait until you’ve graduated. The Rangel Initiative is a great place to do that upskilling.”
Miguel Johnson's story exemplifies how curiosity, adaptability, and strategic skill-building through the Rangel Initiative can open doors to meaningful careers in the evolving infrastructure landscape.
Michael Garcia, Fall 2024
Michael Garcia, a Bronx native, has always been hands-on, with a background rooted in practical skills and a strong work ethic. After graduating from a vocational high school in New York City with a diploma in graphic communication arts and a major in photography, Michael explored different career paths, including a stint in the medical field and working as a handyman in a commercial building with Union 32BJ. However, after sustaining an injury on the job and being replaced during recovery, he found himself at a crossroads.
Michael's career pivot began with the Clean Energy Academy, where he was introduced to the Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative through an email from WeACT, a community-based environmental organization. Intrigued by the opportunities the Rangel Initiative offered, he enrolled in the Baseline Infrastructure Training in October 2024, followed by completing the 12-hour Green Professional (GPRO) Operations & Maintenance course, OSHA 30, and Site Safety Training (SST).
“Joining the program made me realize that if you have the drive, there’s a lot of opportunity out there to get licensing,” Michael reflects. “You’ve got to put in the work.”
His dedication paid off quickly. The certifications he earned, particularly OSHA 30, were instrumental in securing his current role as a Site Inspector with Wildan, where he works on the National Grid Team. In this position, Michael conducts inspections in low-income multifamily housing across Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. His work supports sustainable building upgrades, helping property owners access incentives that improve energy efficiency and living conditions.
“It’s definitely rewarding. I see the conditions of these buildings, and knowing that you’re helping people get a better quality of life through these upgrades is really fulfilling,” he shares.
Michael credits the Rangel Initiative not only for the technical training but also for the supportive environment, particularly acknowledging Nicole Mbsike, the program's administrative manager, for her guidance and encouragement.
Looking ahead, Michael aims to transition into project management, leveraging his nearly 12 years of experience working in building systems. “I plan to take my skills from the ground up and bridge the gap between project management and the people on the ground. It will make the transition that much easier,” he explains.
For those considering the Rangel Initiative, Michael offers this advice: “First rule, show up. If you don’t, you can’t utilize the program. If you have the drive, you can bend opportunities in your favor.”
Derrick Payne, Spring 2023
Derrick Payne is an inspiration to anyone looking to advance in an infrastructure career. With just a GED, he attended our Spring 2023 Baseline Training and on the recommendation of our Career Mentor, he was quickly hired for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) two-year apprenticeship program.
A native of Memphis and a New Yorker of ten years, he learned about the Rangel Initiative from our recruitment partner, SoBro (South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation).
Four months into his apprenticeship, he worked 16-hour shifts repairing manholes, fire hydrants, and water mains. "It's worth it," he said of the long hours. "The money is good, the benefits are good. In less than two years, I can be making six figures."
Derrick's dedication is paying off, and he sees a clear path for advancement at DEP. After passing the agency's supervisor test, he may have his eyes set on a management position, though he’d miss the challenges of work in the field.
Derrick credits the Rangel Initiative for giving him a foundation in Microsoft Excel and workplace safety that has carried forward in his daily duties. His success is a testament not just to the value of continuing education and hard work, but of the Rangel Initiative’s collaboration with community organizations and infrastructure employers, which helped make Derrick’s story possible.
Last Updated: 03/02/2025 22:48