See It To Be It Spotlight

I got into cyber…because of my passion for criminal justice and solving mysteries. I wanted to fuse that passion with technology. Early in my career, I worked in IT and systems engineering roles, where I learned how pivotal people are in protecting systems. Over time, I realized that while technology is critical, it’s the human element—educating and empowering individuals—that can make or break a security program. This understanding drove me to focus on creating effective training and workforce programs to cultivate a highly skilled cyber workforce to defend against today’s evolving threats.

My top tip for those interested in transitioning to a career in cybersecurity is…cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology. My top tip is to start with a strong foundation in IT, then focus on understanding the human element of security—how decisions, behaviors, and education impact risk. Certifications and hands-on experience are important, but so is developing skills like problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and the ability to ask the right questions. Cybersecurity is a vast field, and there’s a role for everyone. Someone who monitors for threats has a very different role than someone who creates security policies. If you’re less technical, don’t be afraid to take on non-traditional roles in areas like workforce development, cyber project management, strategy, or governance. Cybersecurity is a broad field, and there’s room for everyone with the right mindset and dedication.

The quote I live by is…“Be the change you want to see.” This quote resonates deeply with me because it reflects my approach to workforce transformation and cybersecurity. Rather than waiting for the workforce shortage to improve, take action to create a stronger workforce. That means challenging the status quo—acknowledging that traditional approaches, like rigid degree requirements and misaligned expectations, often create barriers. By being self-aware of how we contribute to these challenges, employers can remove roadblocks through innovative solutions that drive lasting change and clarify options for job seekers. For me, it’s about changing lives by creating accessible career pathways, fostering curiosity, and helping individuals see their own potential because it is worth it to protect our nation. #CyberCareersForAll

The skill that set me up for success is…my ability to analyze challenges holistically and ask the right investigative questions. This approach has been critical in; defining requirements accurately to solve for a problem-set, shaping technical and non-technical solutions, and enabling root cause analysis to solve for systemic change. By combining this skill with my technical and leadership experience, I’ve been able to design innovative programs that attract, train, and retain diverse talent, ultimately strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity posture.

For me, a positive cyber mindset is…A teacher dedicates their life to helping their students succeed, and I see my work in the same light. Just as a teacher nurtures individual potential, I focus on opening doors and creating opportunities that allow people to thrive in cybersecurity careers. Cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about empowering individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to a stronger defense. It’s recognizing that effective defense requires collaboration, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to workforce development.

Although there is a talent shortage, it is not a headcount problem, but instead a skills matching, awareness, and career entry problem. I believe in breaking down barriers, for example, by promoting skills-based hiring to create opportunities for a broader range of talent. By creating understanding of different role types (defensive, offensive, cyber physical systems), skills needed, and career journeys, we can build a workforce that is not only technically skilled, but also resilient and diverse. This mindset has guided my work with the White House and other national organizations, to create entry-level pathways for individuals to enter and thrive in cybersecurity careers.

What I thought I wanted to be when I grew up…when I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a detective, driven by a desire to solve puzzles and uncover hidden truths. That curiosity has carried over into my cybersecurity career, where I’ve focused on analyzing risks, asking the right questions, and solving challenges. Over time, I discovered my true calling in workforce development, where I’ve had the opportunity to create innovative talent programs that empower individuals to succeed in cybersecurity. Whether it’s removing roadblocks like degree requirements, or designing effective training programs, I’ve found my passion in helping others achieve their potential.

What I most want to be remembered for are…my contributions to shaping the cybersecurity workforce of the future and making the field more accessible. Whether it’s through creating innovative talent programs, mentoring aspiring professionals, or developing thought leadership that influences national strategies, I hope my efforts help close the talent gap and inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in cybersecurity. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy of making a tangible impact—not only by protecting what matters most, but also by empowering people. Through my work with the White House and other national organizations, I’ve helped remove barriers like degree requirements, promote skills-based hiring, and create more entry-level opportunities. These efforts have opened doors for individuals from all backgrounds to enter and thrive in cybersecurity careers.