See It To Be It Spotlight

As a VET, I got into cyber…As I transitioned out of the military, I had to think about what was next for me. Then one day, I signed up for a cybersecurity elective during my Master’s in National Security Policy. That class was called “Cybersecurity and National Security Law and Policy” and it proved to be a turning point. Within just a few weeks, I was captivated by the industry. It became clear by the end of that course that this was how I would continue a career of impactful service beyond the uniform. I immediately got started on a second Master’s degree in Cybersecurity to set me up for the jump to this industry.

For me, a positive cyber mindset is…rooted in the belief that cybersecurity demands continuous learning and improvement across all levels of a professional’s career. From entry-level roles to the boardroom, there’s no room for complacency. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so we must be always working to keep up with the latest research, trends, and threats. The dynamic nature of the business is one of the things that I love most about cybersecurity!

The skill that helped me transition to a career in cyber is…transitioning to a new career field, especially one that is as different as cybersecurity is from aviation, required a fundamental shift in my mindset. For me, as a seasoned aircraft commander, I was accustomed to a high level of expertise, trust, and responsibility. My skills in the helicopter were proven, and I operated with the confidence that comes from years of mastery.

However, moving into cybersecurity required me to embrace humility. While my military background provided invaluable soft skills, I quickly realized that I was starting from scratch in many technical areas. The key was to admit what I didn’t know and actively seek help and guidance from experts. This willingness to learn, ask questions, and accept that I was a beginner again was, and continues to be, crucial for my growth in this new profession.

My recommended read is…“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. I was inspired to read this book after hearing General Mattis discuss it, and it quickly got a permanent spot on my nightstand. It is a great text to help center yourself and your emotions in both your personal and professional life.

My favorite place is…the golf course!

My inspiration is…my niece and nephew. I hope that I can do my small part in making the world a safer place for their future.

Something few people know about me is…I am an immigrant! I moved to the United States from Canada when I was 5 years old.

What I most want to be remembered for is…I want to be remembered as a great teammate that was motivated by a desire to leave this world better than I found it.

What did you enjoy most about being a part of UWIC?
My favorite part of UWIC was making new connections. As a newer member of the cybersecurity profession, this event was incredibly impactful for building my network. I met so many amazing people who were willing to share their knowledge with me and continue to engage after the conference was over.

What is your favorite part about UWIC?
UWIC is an exceptional community, offering an amazing opportunity to connect with inspiring women in cybersecurity. It’s incredibly empowering to look around the room and see it filled with such remarkable female leaders in our profession!

What is your biggest takeaway from the RISE Mentorship Program?
The RISE Mentorship program highlighted the invaluable role of community within a profession. It was inspiring to witness the dedication of our incredibly talented mentors, who generously volunteered their time to help aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Equally impactful were the mentees, always ready to share their unique journeys and insights which enriched the entire cohort’s learning experience.

What has been your favorite part of being a RISE Mentor or Mentee?
My favorite part of being a RISE mentee was the opportunity to leverage the incredible knowledge and experience of the program’s amazing mentors. It’s rare to have such direct, meaningful connections with such impressive professionals when you are just starting out in an industry. Their guidance and insights were invaluable and I’ll take both the wisdom they shared and the relationships we built throughout this program with me for the rest of my career.