Tell us a little bit about your career background. How did you get into cybersecurity?

I fell into cybersecurity by accident. In 2013, I launched a program to teach computer skills to refugees in the DC area, which helped me meet some amazing folks working in the tech field. I was hired as a business analyst to work on DHS programs which bridged my international policy experience with new technical skills.

What are your core responsibilities as a manager?

Listening! Making sure that my team has the tools and support they need, aligning our work with the larger strategy, growing everyone’s job knowledge, especially my own, and giving birthday shoutouts.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Besides birthdays, I love the constant opportunity to learn and apply new skills. Easy Dynamics has paid for me to get my PMP, my CISSP, and tons of other professional development.

How has Easy Dynamics challenged you to grow?

At a small firm, there aren’t always established ways of working, so you can have a huge influence on how things get done. It’s challenging but exciting.

What is your advice to other women looking to enter the tech industry?

There are more opportunities for your skillset than you may think. Technology is more than just coding. Think risk management, legal/compliance expertise, data analysis, graphic design, user psychology – there are so many aspects needed to launch a great program.

What do you see as the biggest hurdle that needs to be overcome for more women to pursue this career path?

Racial bias is still so prevalent, and it’s holding our industry back. We can benefit so much more from the incredible voices and ideas from Black women and other underrepresented communities. We know that cybersecurity is evolving daily – we need the broadest possible range of experiences and perspectives to effectively combat modern threats.

What is the value of diversity in leadership?

Diverse leadership can help bring diverse candidates to your firm. It can be daunting for someone to join a company where they feel they may not fit in.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

Tell us a little bit about your career background. How did you get into cybersecurity?

I fell into cybersecurity by accident. In 2013, I launched a program to teach computer skills to refugees in the DC area, which helped me meet some amazing folks working in the tech field. I was hired as a business analyst to work on DHS programs which bridged my international policy experience with new technical skills.

What are your core responsibilities as a manager?

Listening! Making sure that my team has the tools and support they need, aligning our work with the larger strategy, growing everyone’s job knowledge, especially my own, and giving birthday shoutouts.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Besides birthdays, I love the constant opportunity to learn and apply new skills. Easy Dynamics has paid for me to get my PMP, my CISSP, and tons of other professional development.

How has Easy Dynamics challenged you to grow?

At a small firm, there aren’t always established ways of working, so you can have a huge influence on how things get done. It’s challenging but exciting.

What is your advice to other women looking to enter the tech industry?

There are more opportunities for your skillset than you may think. Technology is more than just coding. Think risk management, legal/compliance expertise, data analysis, graphic design, user psychology – there are so many aspects needed to launch a great program.

What do you see as the biggest hurdle that needs to be overcome for more women to pursue this career path?

Racial bias is still so prevalent, and it’s holding our industry back. We can benefit so much more from the incredible voices and ideas from Black women and other underrepresented communities. We know that cybersecurity is evolving daily – we need the broadest possible range of experiences and perspectives to effectively combat modern threats.

What is the value of diversity in leadership?

Diverse leadership can help bring diverse candidates to your firm. It can be daunting for someone to join a company where they feel they may not fit in.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I’m nine months pregnant! Looking forward to setting up my baby monitor with a mind toward secure IOT practices.