At Per Scholas, leadership is more than a title — it’s a calling to advance economic mobility, foster opportunity, and ignite change across our communities. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce six dynamic leaders who have stepped into Managing Director roles across our campuses within the last year. Each brings a wealth of experience, a passion for education and workforce development, and a deep commitment to the cities they call home.

Meet the newest Per Scholas Managing Directors:

Joshua Park – Philadelphia (Joined May 15, 2024)

Philadelphia’s tech talent pipeline just got even stronger. Joshua Park joins Per Scholas Philadelphia after more than eight years at the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, where he fostered career opportunities and built robust employer partnerships. Before his time at WPSI, Joshua led Sylvan Learning’s Philadelphia operations and began his career as a middle and high school math teacher. When he’s not opening doors for Philly’s future technologists, Joshua enjoys writing songs, growing tomatoes, and adventuring around town with his family — and three mischievous cats.

Camisha Beverly – Baltimore (Joined June 5, 2024)

Baltimore’s energy and ambition find a perfect match in Camisha Beverly. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, training, and entrepreneurship, Camisha brings a unique ability to inspire, connect, and empower. Whether she’s working with brands like Vitamin Water and Volkswagen or leading new initiatives at Per Scholas Baltimore, Camisha is passionate about unlocking potential and expanding access to technical training. For her, the journey is about taking that first courageous step — and she’s ready to help countless Baltimoreans do just that.

Cedric Deadmon – Kansas City (Joined July 24, 2024)

Kansas City’s thriving tech ecosystem gains a champion in Cedric Deadmon. With 25 years of experience across workforce development, higher education, and career services, Cedric is a seasoned advocate for adult learners and credential attainment. A nationally certified College and Career Counselor, Cedric has consulted and presented nationally on strategies to boost economic mobility. Now, he brings his visionary leadership to Per Scholas Kansas City, ensuring that more residents gain access to life-changing tech careers.

Keisha Mabry Haymore – St. Louis (Joined September 4, 2024)

A TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and all-around powerhouse, Keisha Mabry Haymore now leads the charge at Per Scholas St. Louis. Keisha’s career spans classrooms, startups, and civic boards, and she’s been featured everywhere from NPR to Fast Company. With a background in education, business development, and digital marketing, Keisha embodies innovation and impact. Her mission in St. Louis? To build bridges, break barriers, and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in tech and beyond.

Kate Doyle – Chicago (Joined February 10, 2025)

With a background spanning special education, tech entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy, Kate Doyle’s leadership at Per Scholas Chicago signals bold new momentum. Before joining Per Scholas, Kate co-founded KindWork, a nonprofit focused on tech career pathways, and held senior positions in the tech industry. A civic leader on Chicago’s North Side, Kate is committed to creating opportunities that transform communities. She shares her home — and her passion for progress — with her spouse, child, and rescue dog.

Gene Walker – Pittsburgh (Joined February 19, 2025)

Per Scholas Pittsburgh welcomes homegrown leadership with the arrival of Gene Walker. A Pittsburgh native and proud Peabody High School graduate, Gene brings rich experience in education leadership and community engagement. As a School Board President for Pittsburgh Public Schools and former Elder at Mosaic Community Church, Gene is no stranger to service. With a house full of pets and a heart full of commitment, Gene is poised to strengthen Per Scholas’s impact in Pittsburgh and uplift learners across the Steel City.

A Bright Future Ahead

Our newest Managing Directors share a common thread: a deep belief in the transformative power of education and access. As they step into their new roles, we are filled with excitement for what’s ahead. Together, they will drive Per Scholas’ mission forward — unlocking potential and expanding economic opportunity, one city at a time.

Welcome, Joshua, Camisha, Keisha, Cedric, Kate, and Gene! We are honored to have you leading the way.

This month, we’re proud to celebrate a decade-long partnership with TEKsystems! Since 2015, our collaboration has trained 10,000+ learners across 12 cities.

Through this partnership, more than 1,300 Per Scholas graduates have launched careers in roles ranging from network support to full-stack development. Their combined career earnings total nearly $288 million—a testament to the transformative impact of investing in people and their potential.

“Amid our 30th anniversary, we’re honored to recognize TEKsystems as one of our longest-standing and most dedicated partners,” says Plinio Ayala. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and deepening our resolve to cultivate exceptional talent, connect them with leading organizations, and unlock potential for generations to come.”

This milestone reflects the power of sustained partnership and shared purpose. Per Scholas is not only training talent—we’re changing lives and reshaping futures.

Read the full impact report.

Per Scholas marked a historic milestone by celebrating our 30th anniversary with the prestigious honor of ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Per Scholas Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill took the stage at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square to commemorate this occasion, highlighting three decades of impact, transforming lives through no-cost tech training and advancing economic mobility across the nation. More than 50 members of the Per Scholas community were in attendance and onstage, including leadership, learners, and supporters, all gathered to commemorate our remarkable journey and continued commitment to launching thriving careers in the tech industry.

Ringing the closing bell at Nasdaq symbolizes Per Scholas’ enduring influence and recognition as a leader in workforce development. Over the past 30 years, we have empowered more than 30,000 learners with the skills and certifications needed to thrive in technology careers. As Per Scholas looks ahead to the future, this milestone reaffirms our dedication to innovation, inclusion, and expanding access to transformative career pathways.

“I am honored to ring the NASDAQ bell, representing the spirit of American innovation and the limitless potential of the American Dream,” Caitlyn said, surrounded by Per Scholas leaders, learners, and supporters, all united in their mission to drive economic mobility through tech.

On Thursday, September 19, Per Scholas hosted a panel, Build Your Talent Pipeline through Cybersecurity & Tech Apprenticeships, with industry leaders addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of skilled cybersecurity and tech professionals. The event, led by Alanna Hughes, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Strategy at Per Scholas, Patrice Madu, Per Scholas Los Angeles Managing Director, and Terence West, Senior Director of Apprenticeships at Per Scholas, provided attendees with insights into overcoming hiring challenges through innovative apprenticeship programs.

Key speakers included Sabra Johnson, General Manager at ISD; Walter Tucker IV, Program Manager at ISD; Nicole Van Baelen, HR Director at Trane; and Ladena Sampson, Program Manager at Train, who shared their experiences on successfully building a talent pipeline through apprenticeships.

Throughout the event, attendees learned practical strategies to bypass common barriers to acquiring top cybersecurity talent. The discussions provided an in-depth look at the current cybersecurity hiring landscape, helping participants understand how to stay competitive in an evolving market. Speakers also highlighted how apprenticeships can play a crucial role in cultivating future leaders and retaining skilled professionals.

The event was more than just a discussion; it offered an invaluable opportunity for networking and idea exchange. If you’re interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities, reach out to Alanna Hughes at ahughes@perscholas.org.