In this episode, which is part one of a two part special, I speak with Tennisha Martin, Founder of Black Girls Hack about her career journey, her experience as a nonprofit Founder and about the current threats to DEI initiatives. We also talk about the current state of diversity in cybersecurity as well as what the future holds for her incredible organisation.

Tennisha Martin is the founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack (BGH Foundation), a national cybersecurity nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and resources to underserved communities and increasing the diversity in cyber. BlackGirlsHack provides its members with resources, mentorship, direction, and training required to enter and excel in the cybersecurity field. Tennisha has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters degrees in IT, Healthcare Policy and Management, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics and Business Administration. She has worked in a consulting capacity for over 15 years in penetration testing, project management, risk management, audit, information assurance, quality assurance, software development, and testing roles. In her free time, Tennisha runs a consulting company, is a hacker, co-author of “Securing our Future: Embracing the Brilliance and Resilience of Black Women in Cybersecurity,” mentor, speaker, and an advocate for diversity.