Cedric E. Way worked for Verizon Enterprise Solutions (since 1980) as a Solutions Architect and was employed with the company for over 34.5 years. His experience ranged from being a Computer Operator, Backbone Network Operator, and a Network Control Center Technician. He was in groups such as X.25, 3rd Level IP, and Commercial Services Implementation. He was also the Lead Engineer (4 years) for the Verizon FEDERAL Network which was worth over 2 billion dollars in an 8 year contract.

He was in the Air Force Reserve (622nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron) and in 1999, was commissioned as an officer into the Medical Service Corps. His military experience has ranged from being a Cryptographic Equipment Systems Repairman, (JACKPOT) Airborne Radio Operator, and Ground Radio Operator. He has served in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2004-2005) and also served in Hurricane Katrina (2005) relief efforts. In March 2008, he retired as a Captain with over 23 years in the military.

He earned his AA degree in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force, BS degree in Professional Management from Nova Southeastern University, and MS degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.

Cedric has taught at the University of Phoenix (2002 - 2005) where he was assigned to the College of Information Systems and Technology and has also taught at Hillsborough Community College (2005, 2013), St. Petersburg College (since 2007), and Strayer University (since 2009). He currently teaches the Cisco Systems Networking Academy (Semesters 1 – 4) at St. Petersburg College and has also had the pleasure of helping students obtain jobs through its internship program.

He has earned the following certifications: (Cisco Systems): CCAI, CCNA-Security/Wireless, CCNA, CCENT, CMNA; (Juniper): JNCIA-Junos; (Check Point): CCSPA; (Microsoft): MTA-Networking/Security/Windows OS Fundamentals; (APC): Data Center Certified Associate; (Fluke Networks): CCTT-Copper/Fiber; (Aruba Networks): ACMA-Aruba Certified Mobility Associate and (ISC2): SSCP-Systems Security Certified Practitioner. He is currently working toward the CCDA, CCNP, Microsoft (MCTS), and Wireshark (WCNA) certifications.

He is also a 1st Degree Brown Belt in Karate and works out at Bill Heimberger’s - Jhoon Rhee Institute of Karate in Tampa Palms. Some of his other interests are hot yoga, weight lifting, pilates, swimming, and running.

Cedric is interested in coaching / mentoring because he believes he can help the students with possible internships, business contacts, and can give relevant advice that will allow them to make the right decisions in their career. He believes that in order to be complete as a human being, you must be focused spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, and socially. By being complete in these areas, you can help others for many generations to come.