Helping People Get to ‘Next’: A Journey of Impact and Inclusion in Tech

Gus Echeverria, Principal Technology Consultant at UpRys, has been an essential part of the team since 2020. Gus works with organizations of all sizes, helping them streamline processes, boost productivity, and scale economically. His technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills shape his work with both UpRys clients and his consulting practice, where he’s passionate about creating efficient, sustainable solutions.??

Gus’s journey into tech wasn’t a solo endeavor; he gained critical skills and inspiration at Per Scholas, where he first met @tonicunningham, a dedicated servant leader and visionary in workforce development who has devoted her career to helping people reach their “next” step in life.?

From Training to Leadership: Fostering Resilience, Growth, and Curiosity?

Gus first encountered Toni while participating in @perscholas, a nonprofit providing free, high-quality IT training for individuals from underserved communities. Toni served as the Columbus campus Managing Director and later as a national Vice President of Alumni Engagement. Her passion for empowering individuals through tech education left a lasting impression on Gus and countless others. “Toni was always so supportive and regularly checked in on how we were doing,” Gus recalls. “She made it clear that her goal was not just to equip us with skills but to help us envision bigger futures.”?

Reflecting on her journey, Toni shared, “My purpose is helping people get to ‘next’ in their personal and professional lives. My ‘why’ is driven by my desire to see everyone succeed!” This purpose, deeply influenced by her mother’s strength and resilience, became the foundation of Toni’s work at Per Scholas, where she emphasized technical skills and essential qualities like resilience, curiosity, and a growth mindset. These efforts contributed to a remarkable 80% job placement rate within a year of graduation, ensuring that alumni like Gus could add value from day one in the workforce.?

Building Pathways to Success for Underrepresented Groups?

As her career evolved, Toni’s commitment to inclusivity led her to co-found #BlackTech614, an organization dedicated to building a safe and empowering space for Black technology professionals. Through @blacktech614, Toni has helped create programming that bridges connections within and beyond the tech community, fostering an environment where Black professionals can be their authentic selves while gaining the interpersonal and technical skills to excel. #BlackTech614’s mission supports local companies by nurturing a diverse pipeline of talent equipped to advance critical IT initiatives with highly productive, profitable teams.?

Now, as CEO of the @thegodmanguild, Toni leads with the same dedication to access and equity. She focuses on building pathways to economic mobility for underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, and veterans. Her work addresses the need for inclusive workforce development and advocates for policies that reduce barriers to entry for aspiring professionals.?

Cultivating Sustainable Growth and Meaningful Impact?

Through collaborations with organizations like the Aspyr Workforce Development Network, Gus and the team at UpRys continue to witness Toni’s dedication to inclusive workforce solutions. Her career, deeply rooted in servant leadership, aligns closely with UpRys’ commitment to fostering sustainable growth, meaningful impact, and community equity.?

For Toni, the journey extends beyond professional accomplishments—it’s about creating a legacy of opportunity and resilience for those often overlooked by traditional hiring practices. UpRys proudly builds on this mission, working to elevate organizations and individuals like Gus, driving sustainable growth and meaningful impact throughout their communities.?