At Per Scholas, the work we do is fueled by passionate leaders who ensure that learners and alumni across the country have access to the opportunities they deserve, and empower them to thrive in their tech careers. Among those leading the charge are Jackie Anderson and Claire Cuno, whose work behind the scenes is shaping the future for thousands of individuals striving for careers in tech.

Jackie Anderson, VP of National Recruitment, Applicant Process, and Tech Integration, is the driving force behind making sure prospective learners have a clear and seamless path into Per Scholas programs. From the first moment someone hears about Per Scholas to the day they begin their training, Jackie’s team is innovating processes to make the journey more accessible, understandable, and efficient.

“My role excites me because I get to play a part in our work supporting learners, especially those from backgrounds you don’t typically see in tech, as they transform their lives,” Jackie shares. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to innovate our processes, not only to support our learners and organizational growth but also to empower our Recruitment & Admissions staff, ensuring they can provide the best possible support.” With a background in community engagement and program development, she continues to drive efficiency and growth, helping Per Scholas expand its reach and impact. 

Jackie’s impact can be seen in the numbers—since 2018, she has spearheaded recruitment for over 15 expansion projects, growing Per Scholas from six to twenty-four campuses. She has also led efforts that have quadrupled annual applications from 17,488 in 2021 to over 70,000 in 2024. But beyond the data, the true measure of her work is in the success stories, like that of a former hairdresser she recruited in Dallas. After completing Per Scholas training, that learner landed a role with a major tech employer and has since grown into multiple positions within the company.

While Jackie focuses on bringing learners into Per Scholas, Claire Cuno ensures they have the support they need to thrive. As Senior Director of the Learner Support Team, Claire leads with strategy, innovation, and a deep commitment to holistic learner success.

“Our work is about more than technical training—it’s about providing the comprehensive support learners need to succeed in their careers and beyond,” Claire says. Under her leadership, the team has introduced new service delivery models, built an MSW intern pipeline, and strengthened the connection between social work, financial capability, and workforce development.

Claire recalls a moment early in her career at Per Scholas that continues to fuel her passion—a cohort of learners in the TechBridge program in the Bronx. “These were incredibly talented 18-24-year-olds who just needed a chance and extra support to build their confidence,” she remembers. Taking them to the Salesforce office in Manhattan for mock interviews was a turning point. “For most of them, it was their first time in a corporate setting. They showed up in suits, nervous but prepared. And they crushed those interviews. You could see the transformation—the pride on their faces was incredible.” Many from that cohort have gone on to build stable, growing careers in tech, lifting up not just themselves but their families and communities as well.

Claire’s leadership is deeply influenced by her background in social work, community organizing, and even youth arts education. “There’s a common thread in all of it—understanding different perspectives and solving problems together,” she reflects. Her experience as a former athlete also shapes how she leads. “I was captain of my soccer and lacrosse teams, and I bring that same mindset to my team—anticipating needs, working through challenges together, and always striving to be the best.”

Since Claire started, she has been able to scale the Learner Support Team from a single position to a robust staff of 15 full-time Licensed Clinical and Masters-level Social Workers and Financial Coaches, complemented by 20 social work interns from nearly 15 universities nationwide. “Our impact has been measurable—we almost tripled learner engagements over the past year, from 7,760 engagements in 2023 to nearly 20,000 in 2024, with data confirming that those who consistently connect with the Learner Support Team maintain higher enrollment and graduation rates than non-participants,” Clair reflected. In 2025, Per Scholas will intentionally expand our work to post-graduation support, with over 25% of our engagement now focused on helping alumni navigate toward thriving wages.

Looking ahead, Claire is focused on expanding the capacity of the Learner Support Team and ensuring their work aligns with Per Scholas’ broader mission. “Personal and financial wellness truly matter for long-term career success. This isn’t just a nice addition to technical training—it’s essential,” she says. She envisions a future where Per Scholas continues to set the standard for holistic support in workforce development, demonstrating that access to opportunity is only the beginning.

Jackie and Claire, along with so many others at Per Scholas, are making sure that learners don’t just enter the tech industry but thrive in it. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment are shaping pathways for individuals to build lasting, meaningful careers—proving that when access meets opportunity, the possibilities are endless.

Pam Kingpetcharat has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Finance for 2025 by Women We Admire. As the Chief Financial Officer of Per Scholas, Pam has played a pivotal role in the organization’s financial strategy and growth. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding Per Scholas’ reach, enabling more individuals access to high-quality tech education and career opportunities. Per Scholas proudly celebrates Kingpetcharat’s achievements and her commitment to advancing careers in the tech industry.

Read the full feature here.

Per Scholas Appoints New Chief Operating Officer to

Accelerate Mission-Driven Initiatives

BRONX, N.Y. (January, 31, 2025) — National nonprofit Per Scholas has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to their National Leadership Team. Tamara Johnson, previously Per Scholas Chief of Staff, continues her career with the nonprofit in this new role with a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and operational management, ready to further the organization’s mission of building a more equitable workforce.

In this role, Tamara is responsible for the successful execution of our strategic plan, working in close partnership and collaboration with Per Scholas’ multiple funding and employer partners.

Tamara has built a career in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Before Per Scholas, Tamara spent the past 15 years in the workforce development field, including nearly 12 years as a senior leader at leading nonprofits such as Year Up and Genesys Works. Before Year Up, she built collaborative client relationships in relationship management and business development roles in for-profit organizations.

“I am honored to move into this role at Per Scholas as Chief Operating Officer,” said Tamara Johnson. “This organization is at the forefront of creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to thrive in the tech workforce. I look forward to working with the incredible team at Per Scholas to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the nation.”

Per Scholas has a longstanding reputation for delivering industry-recognized training and connecting talented individuals to high-growth careers. Appointing Tamara Johnson as Chief Operating Officer underscores Per Scholas’ dedication to scaling its efforts and ensuring that technology career opportunities are accessible to all.

“Tamara’s extensive experience and passion for workforce equity make her an ideal leader for this critical role,” said Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “As we continue to scale our programs and serve even more learners, her vision and expertise will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and advancing our mission.”

For more information about Per Scholas and its programs, please visit www.perscholas.org.

About Per Scholas: 

Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers. 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. By 2030, we aim to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually—building on three decades of impact. 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. 85%+ of our learners are people of color, 40% are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone, driving transformative economic change.

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

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We are excited to celebrate Keisha Mabry Haymore, our new Managing Director at Per Scholas St. Louis, who was recently featured in the St. Louis Business Journal for her leadership, dedication to workforce development, and commitment to empowering underserved communities. Since joining us in September, Keisha has brought an inspiring vision to Per Scholas’ mission of transforming lives through free, high-quality tech education.

The St. Louis Business Journal recognized Keisha’s impressive background and her journey of merging education, technology, and community. She has an extensive resume, from founding Heydays Creative and Collaborative Workspace to serving as an entrepreneur-in-residence with WePower, an organization focused on economic and social equity. Under her guidance, Per Scholas is poised to expand opportunities for local residents, providing essential tech skills that drive economic mobility in St. Louis.

In her short time here, Keisha has already made an impact, guiding Per Scholas in adapting to the evolving tech landscape. She views current changes in the industry, including AI advancements, as an opportunity to prepare St. Louis learners for high-demand, tech-enabled careers. In her own words, “Tech touches everything… Even though the landscape is shifting, we see it as an opportunity to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow.”

We’re happy to have Keisha’s leadership highlighted by the St. Louis Business Journal and are confident she will continue making a difference. Her passion for education and community development is truly inspiring, and her recognition is well-deserved. With her guidance, we look forward to helping more St. Louis residents build thriving tech careers through Per Scholas.

Jenn Fowler Howard, Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas Columbus, was recently recognized for her leadership and commitment to workforce development and equitable access to education. She was featured in Women We Admire’s article “The Top 50 Women Leaders of Columbus for 2024” for her impactful role in overseeing strategic partnerships and program execution to advance Per Scholas’ mission of providing technology training to underrepresented communities.

Howard’s work extends beyond Per Scholas, as she also serves as the founder and executive director of Project C.L.O.U.D.S, a nonprofit focused on leadership development and career preparation for youth. Her recent TEDx appearance highlights her passion for empowering young people and amplifying the influence of positive role models in their lives. This feature highlights Howard’s impact on the community and her dedication to uplifting others through education, leadership, and advocacy. Her leadership in Per Scholas Columbus plays a crucial role in bridging the gap for individuals seeking career advancement in the tech industry, and her personal endeavors further showcase her drive to inspire and support youth in reaching their full potential.

Per Scholas is excited to announce that Brian McRae, Managing Director of the Seattle Campus, has been featured in a recent article by the Seattle Metro Chamber. The piece highlights Per Scholas’ mission to promote economic equity through comprehensive, free tech training for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, people of color, and veterans. With a strong commitment to advancing this mission, Brian leads our efforts to prepare learners for careers in IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, emphasizing the importance of earning industry-recognized certifications.

Under Brian’s leadership, we strive to equip our graduates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the tech sector. Through rigorous training and professional development, we provide our learners with the tools necessary to thrive in an evolving industry. In his interview, Brian stressed the critical role of partnerships with local businesses in facilitating job placements for graduates. By collaborating with small to mid-sized companies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, we aim to connect motivated learners with meaningful employment opportunities. These partnerships not only help our graduates launch sustainable careers but also contribute to fostering a more inclusive tech workforce in the Seattle area. As we continue to expand our impact, Brian remains dedicated to driving positive change and strengthening our community connections.

We are thrilled to share that Per Scholas Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Culture Ken Walker has been recognized in PoliticsNY and amNY Metro’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Power Players list for 2024. This prestigious honor celebrates New York leaders who tirelessly advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors, ensuring every New Yorker is welcomed into brave and safe spaces where they can be affirmed and respected.

At Per Scholas, Ken is not only a diversity-and-inclusion champion but also a trusted Special Advisor to the CEO, leading our DEIB & Culture and Diverse by Design efforts.

Per Scholas is excited to announce that Jeremy Besch has been named the new managing director for our Per Scholas Buffalo campus. Per Scholas is expanding to Buffalo this year, bringing our no-cost technical training to the Buffalo community. Later this year, the campus will launch its first IT Support cohort, a 12-week, entry-level course that prepares learners for dual certifications in CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support. Like all Per Scholas courses, it also includes professional development training, in order to holistically prepare learners to launch high-growth careers in tech.

Jeremy brings to the table a strong background in education and leadership and a commitment to community. Welcome, Jeremy!

Read Buffalo Business First’s announcement of Jeremy’s appointment here.

Per Scholas Los Angeles Managing Director Patrice Madu was featured in Shoutout LA, in which she described Per Scholas’ mission, and our organization’s impact, both on the individual and societal level. She highlighted the Per Scholas Los Angeles campus, which launched its inaugural cohort in February, 2023, and currently offers courses in AWS re/Start, Cybersecurity, End User Desktop Support, IT Support, and Software Engineering.

“Per Scholas fuels economic and social progress in communities across the country through technology education, access, training, and employer connections for individuals in these communities,” Patrice said. “Our training connects people with jobs that can help them launch careers with personal meaning, opportunities for advancement, and the wages needed to invest in their futures.”

Read Patrice’s full interview here.

Per Scholas Columbus Senior Managing Director Jenn Fowler Howard was featured in The Columbus Dispatch for her op-ed centered around embracing diversity in Columbus.

“The heart of Columbus’s tech success story shouldn’t just be about buildings or businesses; we must make room for diversity by empowering individuals from all backgrounds,” Fowler Howard writes. “For me, the future of Columbus’s tech workforce will embody inclusivity and diversity — unlocking hidden potential at every stop, so long as we do the work now to make it happen.”

Read the full op-ed here.