Sylvia Finds a New Path
Faith, Trust, and a Reliable Set of Keys
After spending 15 years working in research, Sylvia decided it was time for a career change. She planned to take three to six months off to explore new options, but that break turned into nearly two years. During that time, a family member encouraged her to look into the tech field. Through her own research, she discovered Per Scholas, which led her to CityLink.
Sylvia completed the Per Scholas IT career training program and continued searching for a job longer than expected. During this time her car broke down and for the first time in her adult life, she had to rely entirely on public transportation. While using the bus and rideshare services helped her stay connected to opportunities around the city, transportation costs quickly added up, more than $1,000 per month.
In the midst of her job search Sylvia attended Black Tech Week, a conference that proved to be a turning point. There, she met a woman involved in a program supporting women of color in tech through the Chamber of Commerce. Through employer led sessions at the event, Sylvia connected with the company that would later become her current employer. Today, Black Tech Week is run by the Urban League, and she has remained in touch with her contact who has become an encouraging mentor.
Sylvia learned about ChangingGears through Per Scholas and CityLink and was ready to purchase a car through the Vehicle Purchase Program.
She named her car Bertha, describing it as strong, regal, reliable, and full of power.
What stood out most to Sylvia about the ChangingGears experience was the level of care and support. From the prayer during her car pickup to the gas card and handwritten note left in the glove compartment, she felt genuinely supported by the team. She appreciated how Tony always made time for her and how Viviane went above and beyond. Through an event hosted by Viviane, Sylvia also had the opportunity to meet two ChangingGears board members and felt that her voice and experiences were truly heard.
Today, Sylvia works in cyber security as part of an operations systems team. In her role as a dispatcher, she coordinates field technicians when technical issues cannot be resolved remotely.
She encourages others considering the CityLink and ChangingGears programs to take the step. Her advice to purchase a vehicle is to prepare ahead of time and understand your budget. She emphasizes the importance of putting pride aside and recognizing the opportunity as meaningful support during a transitional season, trusting the program.
Since receiving her car, Sylvia has been able to visit friends in Columbus and even go zip-lining, experiences that were not easily accessible before.
Looking ahead, Sylvia’s immediate goal is to continue growing in cyber security, with a long term goal of moving into leadership. Originally from Kenya, she also hopes to create opportunities for others and pursue future international work that allows her to give back.
