Per Scholas Welcomes New National Board Member

BRONX, N.Y. (September 11, 2025)—Today, Per Scholas, the leading national tech training nonprofit, welcomes new National Board Member Steve Rullo. 

Steve Rullo

Steve Rullo, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Guardian. 

Steve leads Guardian’s digital transformation and technology strategy to support long-term
growth. He brings over 30 years of experience across digital, technology, and financial services,
including senior leadership roles at Great-West Lifeco and GE. Steve also co-founded a
consulting firm and held senior roles at Cigna Healthcare and a tech start-up. He holds a B.S. in
Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“It’s a privilege to join an organization that’s making a real difference in communities across the
country through tech education and career access,” said Rullo. “I’m inspired by the Per Scholas’
commitment to inclusive innovation and look forward to supporting its efforts to build a more
dynamic tech workforce.”

“We are honored to welcome Steve to Per Scholas’ National Board, where his dedication,
expertise, and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to our mission of unlocking potential,” stated
Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas. “Our National Board Members exemplify our vision to further
change the face of technology to achieve a strong economy for all.”

To learn more about Per Scholas’s work and our National Board, visit PerScholas.org

About Per Scholas

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

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Per Scholas Welcomes New Regional and Campus Leaders Driving Access to Tech Careers

Per Scholas is proud to announce the appointment of Karla Benson Rutten as Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest, along with Laura Chavez as Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit and Sharise Erby as Managing Director of Per Scholas Phoenix. These accomplished leaders bring decades of experience in nonprofit management, workforce development, and community engagement, advancing Per Scholas’s mission to expand access to no-cost tech training and career pathways.

Karla Benson Rutten – Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest
Karla Benson Rutten leads Per Scholas’ Midwest region, overseeing strategy and operations across seven campuses in Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and St. Louis. She guides cross-functional teams that deliver no-cost technology training, professional development, and job attainment support, connecting Per Scholas Technologists with high-growth tech careers.

Prior to joining Per Scholas, Karla held leadership roles across nonprofit organizations and higher education, including Executive Director of the Jeremiah Program in St. Paul, Vice President of Community Engagement at Girl Scouts River Valleys, and 15 years at Macalester College directing the Lealtad-Suzuki Center. She is the founder of Benson Rutten Innovations, a consulting firm focused on leadership development and DEI strategy. Karla holds a Master’s in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Iowa State University. Her work is driven by a passion for equity, personal growth, and helping individuals create lasting impact in their communities.

Laura Chavez (She/Her) – Managing Director, Detroit
Laura Chavez serves as the Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit, where she oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the campus. She leads local partnerships, program implementation, and learner support, ensuring access to tech career pathways across the region.

With more than ten years in nonprofit leadership, Laura has developed programs and partnerships that meet the needs of historically underrepresented communities. Raised in Southwest Detroit, she brings a deep understanding of her community and remains actively engaged in mentoring emerging leaders and advocating for equitable economic opportunities. Laura holds a degree in Public Policy, and her leadership reflects a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and meaningful impact.

Sharise Erby (She/Her) – Managing Director, Phoenix
Sharise Erby leads Per Scholas Phoenix, overseeing campus strategy, operations, and engagement with learners, staff, and community and employer partners. Her work focuses on closing the opportunity gap and creating pathways to high-growth tech careers.

Sharise brings over 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. She spent two decades in healthcare operations serving underserved communities and has spent the last 15 years leading initiatives in economic empowerment, financial literacy, and small business growth. Sharise is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and holds a Master’s in Health Administration. Recognized with awards such as the City of Phoenix MLK “Living the Dream” Award and the Titan 100 Top CEO distinction, she also serves as a Commissioner on the Phoenix Women’s Commission. A best-selling author and global speaker, Sharise inspires others to lead with purpose and embrace transformation as a tool for growth.

Looking Ahead
Karla, Laura, and Sharise join Per Scholas at an exciting time as we continue to expand our impact and create equitable pathways into the technology sector. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication will be invaluable as we help learners build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in tech careers. 

Steve Rullo

Data Center Valedictorian Turned Tech Trailblazer: A Journey from Music to TEKsystems

In our recent, inspiring Q&A Spotlight, we shine a light on Akintunde Akinwande, a Per Scholas graduate and Data Center Valedictorian, whose journey from the music industry to the tech world is a powerful story of reinvention, resilience, and forward-looking ambition.

Once a Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter with Billboard-charting records, Akintunde made a bold and thoughtful transition into technology. He traded studio sessions for server racks in pursuit of stability and growth. 

Today, he’s working with TEKsystems, building real-world experience in network infrastructure and cloud systems as he charts a course toward a future in cloud engineering.

A CAREER REINVENTED 

Before discovering Per Scholas, Akintunde was immersed in the music industry, contributing to major projects that reached audiences around the globe. But amid his success, he began questioning the long-term sustainability of his career.

“I sought a path that offered stability, continuous learning, and future relevance,” he comments. “Technology consistently emerged as the foundation of modern innovation, and I recognized an opportunity to take greater control of my time and professional development.”

That realization set him on a path toward tech — and ultimately to Per Scholas.

Overcoming Barriers with Structure & Support

Breaking into tech without a traditional background wasn’t easy. Akintunde describes it as “standing at the base of a mountain without a map.” But Per Scholas provided direction.

“Per Scholas gave me the roadmap: structure, accountability, hands-on training, and most importantly, belief in my potential,” he reflects. “The environment they create is one where you feel seen, supported, and capable.”

That support extended beyond technical learning. Through coaching, mentorship, and community, Akintunde gained the confidence to not only enter the tech field but to thrive. Per Scholas’s immersive curriculum helped Akintunde build both skill and self-assurance.

“We weren’t just learning theory. We were troubleshooting live environments, configuring networks, racking and stacking servers — real tasks that mirror what happens in the field,” he shares.

A New Chapter at TEKsystems

Now at TEKsystems, Akintunde is leveraging his training in a professional setting, working on network hardware, server maintenance, and data center logistics.

“This role has laid the groundwork for my long-term goal: becoming a cloud engineer. Being part of the systems that power the internet has been fascinating and affirming.”

He’s also building his credentials, actively pursuing certifications to stay on top of this ever-evolving industry.

Future Thinking 

Since completing the program, Akintunde’s understanding of the tech industry has broadened significantly. His family, the Per Scholas community, and mentors at TEKsystems have been constant sources of encouragement and support.

For others considering a similar leap into tech, Akintunde has this to say: “Stay adaptable. Stay curious. The tech landscape is always changing, and that’s a good thing. Embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to start from scratch.”

Read more about Akintunde’s journey. 

 

Original piece by Kaitlyn Begay, Manager of Recruitment & Admissions, Per Scholas Phoenix. 

Per Scholas and Workday Partnership

For over a decade, Per Scholas and Workday have teamed up to open doors to tech careers for aspiring technologists and build pathways to economic mobility for individuals nationwide. With Workday’s support, Per Scholas has grown from 5 campus locations to 24, equipping over 25,000 learners with the skills and confidence to break into high-growth tech roles.

Beyond the nearly $2M in grants provided by the Workday Foundation, Workday Workmates have volunteered hundreds of hours, offering everything from mock interviews and resume reviews to career mentoring and guidance on navigating the tech world.

This collaboration is creating real job opportunities. Workday has hired Per Scholas alumni into roles in their own IT department, demonstrating the innovation that’s possible when companies invest in skills-based talent pipelines. Together, we’re not just training people for jobs; we’re empowering individuals in communities across the country.

Per Scholas remains grateful for our partnership and Workday’s continued efforts to promote opportunity for untapped talent.

Strengthening Inclusive Tech Talent: Collaborating on TEKsystems DisruptED Podcast

In the latest episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron J. Stefanski and released June 27, 2025, TEKsystems leaders Faith Johnson (VP, Global HR) and John Lullen (Managing Executive, Marketplace Inclusion) joined the discussion on future-proofing the tech workforce through inclusive, non-traditional hiring avenues.

John Lullen specifically mentioned the Per Scholas partnership with TEKsystems, emphasizing how, together, we’re reshaping talent pipelines by championing training programs beyond four-year degrees and driving responsible AI integration across industries.

John noted that our work “helps individuals without traditional degrees train for in‑demand tech roles through immersive, often short‑term programs,” and praised the positive social impact we’re fostering alongside TEKsystems. This endorsement underscores our shared vision: crafting a more equitable tech landscape and empowering organizations to bridge the talent gap with innovative workforce solutions.

Listen to the podcast.

Per Scholas Collaborates with Atlanta Hawks and Stand Together to Facilitate Access to Career-Readiness Pathways

On June 23, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks, in collaboration with Stand Together, wrapped up an innovative six‑week Virtual Sales Academy designed to empower part‑time team members at State Farm Arena. Thirty‑three participants, ranging in age from 20 to 70 and without traditional sales backgrounds, completed this immersive program. Over the course of six weeks, they engaged in hands‑on training, including crafting sales scripts, managing objections, scheduling strategies, and conducting mock sales calls with Hawks sales leadership, all aimed at preparing individuals for potential careers in sports business. 

Per Scholas played a pivotal role within this model by providing nonprofit training expertise and helping to facilitate access to career‑readiness pathways. After the virtual sessions, graduates were celebrated with a special networking event held at State Farm Arena, allowing participants to connect face‑to‑face with Hawks and arena executives. 

This academy reflects the ongoing multi‑year collaboration between the Hawks, Stand Together, and Per Scholas, which champions skills‑based development and economic mobility by redirecting support toward talent often overlooked in conventional hiring channels. 

Read the full story.

Per Scholas North Carolina Hosts Power Up: Charlotte to Fuel Energy Innovation and Tech Workforce Growth

Charlotte, N.C., June 25, 2025  – Since launching in 2020, the Per Scholas North Carolina campus has trained more than 800 learners, equipping them with critical tech skills such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IT Support. Our alumni have earned jobs at employers including Capgemini, Humana, and Wells Fargo.

“Charlotte is a regional leader in energy innovation and clean technology, which makes it an ideal place to kick off this series,” says Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas North Carolina. “We’re excited to bring industry leaders together to explore how our graduates can drive progress in clean energy, grid modernization, and digital infrastructure, and bring fresh talent to every corner of the energy sector.”

Today, top leaders in the energy, utilities, and technology sectors explored the powerful intersection of innovation and workforce development among industry peers at Power Up: Charlotte, hosted at the Per Scholas North Carolina campus. Plinio Ayala, Chief Executive Officer, Per Scholas, Kenneth Walker, Executive Vice President, Inclusion & Culture, Per Scholas, and Omoanaste McCarther, Senior Director, Workforce Initiatives, Per Scholas, were also in attendance.The morning began with an Executive Breakfast, open to Director+ leaders. An industry-expert panel, open to the public, followed. The industry panel was moderated by Zach Boren, Senior Fellow – Work, Education, and Labor Division of the Urban Institute. Panelists included Paul Douglas, President at The JPI Group; Megan Howes, Assistant Director, Workforce Development, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC); Michael Johnson, Senior Software Engineering Manager at Duke Energy; and Mike Terrell, Senior Managing Director at Per Scholas North Carolina. 

Monty McGee, Director of Cybersecurity Partnerships & Engagement at Edison Electric Institute, and Dr. Kristie Sauls, Program Director of NC Career Launch at the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, shared additional remarks. 

Per Scholas North Carolina hosted Power Up: Charlotte in collaboration with the Urban Institute, IREC, and CareerEquity. This grant-funded partnership delivers worker-centered training tailored to the energy sector’s IT needs.

 

Contact: Rafael Gerena, Vice President of Communications & Policy, Per Scholas

rgerena@perscholas.org 

 

About Per Scholas                           

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we’ve offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $2 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 20+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

This event is part of the Power Up Series that was created by Per Scholas and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. The total cost of the Power IT project is $5,815,899. $5,000,000 (86 percent) is funded through the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration. The other $815,899 (14 percent) is funded through nonfederal resources.

Eric Ortiz

Donna Bradshaw

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