As a VET, I got into cyber…after starting my career designing and building networks in the Marines and companies such as Sprint and Booz Allen. The need to secure our data captivated me and motivated me to seek a new career in the newly emerging cybersecurity profession. Since then, I have gone on to become a cybersecurity educator and executive.

For me, a positive cyber mindset is…knowing that you are prepared to meet the challenge no matter what form it may take. Confidence is contagious, I feed on confidence in my leaders and your team will certainly feed off yours to perform at their highest level.

What do you enjoy most about being part of UWIC? Being a part of UWIC gives me the opportunity to work with other like-minded leaders committed to increasing opportunities for women to achieve a more diverse workforce.

My top tip to those interested in transitioning to a career in cyber is…you must be prepared to be frustrated. However, at the same time, marvel at how quickly you perfect your skills and abilities. This is likely to be the hardest transition of your life but through hours of self-study, pure grit and mentorship you will make it.

The quote I live by is…The Marines taught me that obstacles are put in your way to overcome and grow from the experience, so my motto is find a way or make one or Latin translation “aut inveniam viam aut faciam,” which happens to be Capitol Technology Universities motto.

Something few people know about is…that I played college lacrosse for two years at Georgia. (No, I was not a starter haha.)