Wendpanga "Christian" Sawadogo, US Army
What makes Christian stand out is how he’s handled setbacks with patience and determination. During his internship at the Fort Stewart Network Enterprise Center this spring, he didn’t get the full system access a typical intern would, so he spent much of his time shadowing rather than owning tickets directly. Instead of treating that as a wasted opportunity, he kept a daily wins log, updated and began shipping his résumé while connecting with as many members of the team on LinkedIn as he could before his internship wrapped. He turned a limitation into momentum, and I was proud of him for it.
Speaking of LinkedIn, that same drive showed up as he built his network from the ground up. He went from one connection, me, to over 500 in a matter of weeks. That wasn’t about chasing a number but rather Christian’s focus and resolve to execute a strategic plan that allowed him to build solid relationships on the platform.
He hit another bump when a technical issue derailed his first attempt at retaking CompTIA A+ Core 2 (he’d already passed Core 1). He kept his composure, reached out for support, and got it handled. He’s now actively applying for IT roles while relocating to Cincinnati, and he’s already thinking ahead to the laundromat business he plans to build once his IT career is stable. It’s proof he sees his military discipline as a foundation from which he can achieve any goal he sets his mind to.
Finally, I appreciate that Christian shows up prepared for every session, asks great questions, and does the work between calls without being asked twice. He’s exactly the kind of Protégé this program is built for, and I consider it a privilege to have worked with him.
Mentor: Michael Stagg, Stagg Legacy Ventures LLC, Flora, IL
