FEATURE STORIES

• DHCA Employee Earns Second Masters Degree
  
• College Education Not Out of Reach for DGS Employee
  
  

DHCA Employee Earns Second Masters Degree — top

Trivens Kargbo

Trivens Kargbo, a senior planning specialist in the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA), recently completed course work for his second advanced degree, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom. He also possesses a Masters degree in urban planning.

Kargbo has worked in DHCA since 2001 and is responsible for monitoring federally-funded contracts and projects that support a wide range of programs and services beneficial to County residents. Another aspect of his job has him conducting environmental reviews on eligible properties and handling a variety of planning activities.

In addition to a full-time job, time spent studying, and three young, active children, Kargbo managed to find time to establish a community-based organization that provides micro credit to poor people in his native country of Sierra Leone. The foundation, based in Africa, was launched in October 2006 and has provided small business loans to more than 250 beneficiaries. The foundation also awards scholarships to school children in Sierra Leone using the interest earned on the funds used for loans.

“I try to do whatever I can to influence others to help those in need,” said Kargbo. “I love what I am doing and will continue to do as much as I am able to help the citizens of Sierra Leone.”

For more information about Kargbo’s community-based organization, go to http://pasoriek.org/.

Note: Once or twice a year, Kargbo and his wife collect used clothing to send over to those in need in his native country. For more information about donating clothing articles, call him at 240-777-3794.

College Education Not Out of Reach for DGS Employee — top

Kevin Oyarzo

After considering returning to college many times over the years, and always talking himself out of it, Kevin Oyarzo finally took the plunge when he was 50 years old. Two and a half years later he earned an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology at Montgomery College, graduating with honors and a 4.0 GPA.

“Once I overcame my anxiety about returning to school after so many years, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” said Oyarzo. “The support I received at Montgomery College was amazing and for the most part my classmates, many of whom were quite a bit younger, were helpful and encouraging.”

Oyarzo, who is currently an equipment maintenance crew chief for Ride On buses at the Crabbs Branch facility, plans to continue his education in the fall and go on to obtain his bachelors degree in transportation management. His plan is to continue taking classes through Montgomery College and the University of Maryland. He’s hopeful that with his work experience, a college education and improved management skills, he will have an opportunity to advance his career with the County.

“My advice to anyone considering returning to college later in life is it’s not as hard as you think,” said Oyarzo. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through this experience is time management. When you are working full-time and taking classes, you have to manage your time effectively. At times that was a challenge but ultimately I learned to use my time efficiently.”

Oyarzo was able to put some of his new skills to work for him when he compiled a new procedures manual for the recycling of refrigerant for air condition systems in Ride On buses. The manual will benefit new employees coming into the department for years to come.