What if the world never handed you power—so you learned how to build your own?

In this electrifying episode of the Women Thrive, Dr. Cheryl Cooper shares her powerful journey from growing up in silence and invisibility to becoming a commanding voice in tech, leadership, and global advocacy. A US Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and trailblazing educator in cybersecurity, Dr. Cooper opens up about breaking through systemic barriers, overcoming self-doubt, and the raw realities of being a Black woman in male-dominated industries. 

She reveals how preparation, presence, and voice are the true game-changers—and how every woman can rise by building trust, influence, and unapologetic confidence. This is not just a conversation—it’s a call to step into your own power and shape the future of STEM and beyond.

✨ About the Guest ✨

Dr. Cheryl Cooper is a United States Navy Veteran, Doctor of Computer Science, and transformational thought leader whose work empowers women in technology and STEMM careers to claim their agency, amplify their voices, and lead change without waiting for permission from external systems.

With more than two decades of experience in cybersecurity, technology, and leadership roles across Fortune 100 companies, academic, and community initiatives, Dr. Cooper holds globally recognized credentials. She is the founder of the BECOMING SEEN movement, a pending trademark and the title of her 60‑day guided journal available on Amazon. Through her proprietary frameworks and bold strategies, she has helped women move from invisibility to influence in industries where their presence has too often been overlooked.

An accomplished author, her works include Breaking the Code: Winning Strategies for Women in Cybersecurity & Tech (2025), Hood to Hooded: A Black Woman’s Choice to Rise, and Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals. Through her writing, speaking, and her podcast Ctrl+Alt+Em‑Power, she shares her personal journey of resilience and choice, inspiring audiences to dismantle barriers and design their own paths to leadership.

As President of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Kansas City, Dr. Cooper has championed hundreds of underserved students, creating pathways into STEMM through mentorship, visibility, and real‑world exposure. In 2024, she was honored with the STEMMy Award for Groundbreaking Leadership, which recognizes a woman in STEMM who has made significant contributions to the STEMM community throughout her over 10‑year professional career.

She is also the recipient of the ABWA Martin Luther King, Jr. award for "Keeping the Dream Alive" in education and community service. Dr. Cooper's mission is clear: "We must see the girl in a world in which she is usually unseen."

📢 Important Links 📢

Connect with our Guest:

https://www.drcherylcooper.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcherylcooper 

https://www.facebook.com/Just4Udataprotection

Connect with Women Thrive Media:

Women Thrive Summit: https://womenthrivesummit.com/

Become a Guest on the Women Thrive Podcast: https://womenthrivemedia.com/podcasts

Women Thrive Book: https://womenthrivesummit.com/book/

Women Thrive Magazine: https://womenthrivemagazine.com/magazine/

➡️ Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(03:40) Dr. Cheryl's Journey: From Silence to Empowerment

(08:05) Navigating Challenges in Corporate America

(09:57) The Importance of Finding and Using Your Voice

(18:08) Addressing Imposter Syndrome and Colorism

(24:21) Dr. Cheryl's Future Plans and Final Thoughts

(28:26) Closing Remarks

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