Shana Franks

A Journey from the Open Road to Cybersecurity

For nearly a decade, Shana Franks navigated the highways as a CDL truck driver, an integral part of the logistics industry. With dreams of launching her own trucking company, she faced countless hurdles establishing herself in the industry as an owner but remained determined and ambitious. After graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in accounting, Shana started her own trucking company. However, just months into her new venture, she discovered a devastating truth—her business accounts had been compromised in a data breach. When her business collapsed, she found herself without a stable income, without a home, and without direction. She was lost, unsure of what to do next, and had no one to lean on.

The shock of losing her business and her financial instability left Shana reeling. However, amidst the chaos, a spark of curiosity ignited—how had her accounts been hacked? What could she have done differently to protect her business? These questions led her to a newfound interest in cybersecurity. It was during one of her many nights searching for solutions that she stumbled upon Per Scholas on TikTok.

She was immediately intrigued. The statistics were compelling: over 80% of graduates found employment in tech. It sounded too good to be true, but something inside her urged her to take a chance and she quickly applied.

Once accepted into Per Scholas North Carolina’s IT Support program, Shana faced a new set of challenges. A friend offered her a place to stay, but she had to share a bed on the floor of his daughter’s room. There were days when she didn’t even have the money to get to the training site. She worked part-time, taking on seasonal jobs just to stay afloat. But despite the hardships, she reminded herself that she wasn’t doing this just for herself—she wanted to succeed to pay it forward to those who had helped her along the way.

From the moment she stepped into the Per Scholas classroom, she was in awe. “The quality of education, the care and attention given to learners—it was nothing like I had expected from a nonprofit,” Shana reflected. Seeing the commitment of the instructors and staff, she resolved to give it her all. She immersed herself in learning, networking with industry professionals at events through Per Scholas, and making the most of every professional development and learning opportunity.

As the program neared its end, Shana’s dedication paid off. She connected with recruiters from Wells Fargo’s cybersecurity team and secured an opportunity as a Cybersecurity Associate. She was advised to reach out as soon as she graduated. The moment felt surreal—less than two months prior, she had lost her truck, applied to Per Scholas and was accepted to fill a seat that opened up at the last minute, worked relentlessly through the three-month course, and now she was on the brink of entering a lucrative tech career.

When the offer came through, it was life-changing. Shana secured a near six-figure salary, an opportunity she never imagined possible. More than the financial reward, she felt empowered. She was no longer just surviving—she was thriving.

Now a Cybersecurity Associate at Wells Fargo, Shana is in her third training program rotation, preparing for a transition into a DevOps Engineer role. She continues to upskill, learning coding languages including JavaScript through Per Scholas courses. She has not only rebuilt her life but has positioned herself in a field with endless opportunities for growth.

With financial stability, she has been able to support her family, save for the future, and serve as a role model for her nieces and nephews. But she hasn’t stopped there. She regularly returns to Per Scholas to mentor and inspire new learners, helping them with resume building and career guidance. She knows firsthand what it’s like to start over, and she’s determined to help others do the same.

Shana’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and resilience. Per Scholas didn’t just provide her with training—it provided her with a pathway to economic mobility. From being on the verge of losing everything to securing a future in cybersecurity, her story embodies the impact of investing in oneself and the power of community support. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope, proving that no matter how difficult the road, a brighter future is within reach through opportunity and dedication.

Per Scholas didn’t just teach me tech—it gave me the confidence to reclaim my life. The support, the training, and the network helped me turn a devastating loss into an incredible opportunity. Now, I’m not just building a career—I’m building a future.