See It To Be It Spotlight

I got into cyber…because I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and how it can be used to solve business problems. Early in my career, I realized how critical cybersecurity is in protecting the systems that power our daily lives. That realization inspired me to explore the field more deeply, and now I have the privilege of leading program management activities for our public sector endeavors at Cribl.

For me, a positive cyber mindset is…about resilience and curiosity. In this field, things change quickly, and challenges are inevitable. Maintaining a growth mindset and seeing each obstacle as a learning opportunity has been key to my success. It’s also about remembering the people behind the technology and staying focused on making a difference in their lives.

The quote I live by is…“Proceed until apprehended!”

What is your favorite part about UWIC? Everyone’s energy. We attend, support and engage to help each other grow and positively impact the industry. I look forward to attending every year in order to collaborate with new professionals.

The life experience that helped me transition to a career in cyber is…my academic background in organizational leadership, combined with real-world experience consulting for Fortune 100 companies, played a huge role in my transition. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of how to lead people and manage risks in complex environments, which translates perfectly into the cybersecurity world.

My top tip to those interested in transitioning to a career in cybersecurity is…start with curiosity and be willing to learn. The most important thing is to take that first step – even though it can be scary. 

This industry has space for people from all walks of life, whether you come from a technical background or not. Find a mentor, or even better – earn a Sponsor. Connect with practitioners on LinkedIn, Invest in yourself by going to conferences and trainings. If that seems too far out of reach, seek out resources such as online courses or nonprofits offering free intro classes. No matter the path you choose to go, remember that you are a POWERHOUSE.