How an Apprentice From Jamaica Drives Tech Innovation for ND
Ingrid Clarke sat intently at the front of a packed University of Mary classroom, surrounded by the sound of keyboards clicking across tables, snow swirling against a nearby window, and the faint creak of her chair as she rocked back and forth. But she couldn’t hear any of it. Her attention was fixed on the voices at the head of the room—guest speakers from North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT)—who were presenting on resumes and job readiness.
The moment felt special. Almost like divine intervention.
I was holding my resume and hanging on their every word,
Clarke says, a warm smile spreading across her face as she looks off and relives the memory. I just couldn’t shake this feeling that I needed to visit their website. It was definitely a God thing.
Little did Clarke know, that quiet nudge was about to turn into a life-changing leap. Later that evening, while skimming NDIT’s website, she stumbled upon the posting for a Technology Outreach Apprentice role that was exactly what she had been searching for. She prayed, she applied, and the very next day—she got a call.
Finding Passion & Purpose in Technology
Clarke remembers how exciting it was to see the call coming in from NDIT. But as the phone buzzed in her hand, her mind raced. With seven years of project management experience—a key component of the role—and a natural knack for technology, especially cybersecurity, she knew she had a lot to offer. Still, as a full-time student, a mom, and a newcomer to the U.S., the stakes felt high.
I was so nervous,
she says. I’d never worked in the U.S. before. I didn’t know what to expect. But I just said a prayer and answered the call.
A cheerful voice greeted her on the other end of the line—that of Colleen Trevizo, NDIT Talent Acquisition Program Manager and one of the guest presenters from Clarke’s class. When Trevizo said she had good news, Clarke couldn’t contain her excitement. Is it OK if I scream?
she asked. The answer was an enthusiastic yes, so she stepped into the hallway to jump and shout with joy.
Since that day, Clarke hasn’t looked back. She’s found more than a job—she’s found a purpose. As part of NDIT’s Technology Outreach team, she teaches others how to use tools like Microsoft Bookings, Outlook, and Teams to make their work lives easier and more efficient. Her first solo presentation was a mix of nerves and excitement at the North Dakota Department of Commerce. She arrived an hour early, triple-checked her slides, and delivered a session that left attendees engaged and grateful.
I never thought I’d love teaching people how to use software,
she says. But now I do. I’m not just doing the work—I’m helping others do it for themselves. It’s just so rewarding.
From Jamaica to North Dakota, Ingrid Clarke beams with purpose as she gets ready to present on tech tools—a full-circle moment sparked by a classroom, a calling, and a leap of faith.
Embracing a Positive Culture
Clarke’s journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to Bismarck, ND, is filled with courage, faith, and resilience. After overcoming difficult challenges and embracing a new life with her young son, she’s building a future—one that includes a degree in cybersecurity administration, a developing career at NDIT, and weekend adventures exploring North Dakota’s hidden gems.
Her bucket list? Medora, the Peace Garden, Bonanzaville, and even Vinyl Taco. I want my son to experience the state we call home,
she says. And I want to make as many memories as I can.
Some of Clarke’s best memories so far are with her coworkers, and it all stems from NDIT’s uplifting culture—because it’s one that encourages team members to help one another succeed. Clarke is quick to praise her mentor, Tony Aukland, her teammate, Melissa Hvidsten, and the entire NDIT family.
We’re like peas in a pod,
she says. Everyone here brings a unique perspective, and they truly want to see you succeed. They respect you. They value you. They celebrate successes and help you learn from challenges.
Balancing motherhood, school, and a thriving tech career at NDIT, Clarke is not only building a future for herself but also creating lasting memories with her son every step of the way.
Encouraging Others to Apply
In addition to amazing growth opportunities, Clarke loves the flexibility that allows her to balance full-time work, full-time school, and full-time motherhood. NDIT’s strong benefits package is a nice perk, too. But the agency’s incredible mission is what really takes the cake. It’s something that she’s proud of.
We’re not just IT people locked away in a room,
she says. We have a mission that matters. We’re constantly on the move, working to serve agencies and citizens across this great state. We’re always willing to go above and beyond, and we’re always happy to help.
If you ask Clarke whether someone should apply for a job at NDIT, her answer is immediate and enthusiastic: Heck yeah, apply!
NDIT really is a great place to work,
she says. You learn. You grow. And no matter where you come from, your voice is valued.