At IT4Causes, we are always excited to welcome new team members who bring fresh energy, diverse experiences, and a shared passion for using technology to support nonprofit organizations. This season, we are proud to introduce Julian James, Sam Plummer, and Matt Harper as our newest interns.
Each of them brings a unique background and perspective to IT4Causes, along with a strong interest in cybersecurity, service, and hands-on learning. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the contributions they will make.
Meet Julian James
Julian James is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and expects to graduate in 2027. Born in New York and raised mostly in Virginia, Julian brings curiosity, determination, and a strong interest in the technical side of IT. He also mentions that he is the youngest of three brothers.
Julian was interested in joining IT4Causes because the internship closely aligns with his long-term career goals in IT and cybersecurity. He hopes to become a penetration tester, and he sees this opportunity as a valuable way to gain hands-on experience while continuing to build his technical skills.
Outside of school and work, Julian enjoys video games, building home labs, listening to music, and trying new food. At IT4Causes, he is especially excited to gain real-world experience in troubleshooting, networking, and security, while learning more about how systems are managed in a professional environment.
One project Julian is especially proud of involved setting up a Linux host virtual machine and a server VM, then practicing penetration testing techniques by carrying out a brute-force attack from his local host to access the remote host. Looking ahead, he is excited to continue expanding his skills by building out his own home lab with networking equipment and multiple devices.
Fun fact: Julian has four tattoos.
Meet Sam Plummer
Sam Plummer is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity with a focus on Cloud Computing and will be graduating in November. Before beginning this new chapter, Sam spent 11 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate. His decision to transition into cybersecurity reflects both his commitment to growth and his desire to spend more time with his family.
Sam was drawn to IT4Causes because he finds serving nonprofit organizations deeply fulfilling. He values being part of a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits stay focused on their missions, and he also saw this internship as an opportunity to learn about the many different facets of cybersecurity.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his sons, especially going to the park, zoo, and aquarium with them. He also enjoys traveling to visit family, bonfires, and grilling.
At IT4Causes, Sam is especially excited to work with Mercy Chefs, an organization he had admired and supported even before joining the team. His background in service and his interest in community impact make that connection especially meaningful.
A fun fact about Sam is that he spent a few years living on a ranch in Canada before joining the Navy. Another remarkable part of his story is his time aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, where he participated in disaster relief efforts during Hurricanes Florence and Harvey, helping distill and offload hundreds of thousands of gallons of potable water for affected communities.
Meet Matt Harper
Matt Harper is currently studying Cybersecurity and is part of the Class of 2027. Having pivoted into cybersecurity, Matt is excited to continue building his future in the field and developing his skills through meaningful, real-world experience.
Matt was interested in joining IT4Causes because he finds nonprofit work incredibly fulfilling. He appreciates the opportunity to help others while also applying and refining the cybersecurity and IT skills he is learning. For him, IT4Causes offers a chance to grow professionally while contributing to a mission that has a real impact.
Outside of work, Matt enjoys hiking, practicing Muay Thai, lifting, swimming, and collecting graphic novels and vinyl hip-hop records. His wide range of interests reflects both discipline and creativity, qualities that will serve him well in his internship.
At IT4Causes, Matt is especially excited to apply the knowledge he has gained in Cybersecurity and IT management and to test that foundation in real-world situations. He sees this internship as a valuable opportunity to bridge what he has learned academically with practical experience.
A fun fact about Matt is that he lived in Japan for several years, specifically in the greater Tokyo area.
One of Matt’s current goals is working toward his CompTIA Security+ certification, a milestone he is proud of and has already made strong progress toward. Looking ahead, he is excited to continue on to Network+ and keep building a broadly applicable professional skill set.
Looking Ahead
We are so excited to welcome Julian James, Sam Plummer, and Matt Harper to IT4Causes. Each of them brings a different story, a strong sense of purpose, and an eagerness to learn and contribute. Together, they represent the kind of energy and dedication that helps strengthen both our team and the nonprofit organizations we serve.