WomenWhoSecure

Welcome to a riveting episode of WomenWhoSecure! Today, we are delighted to feature a remarkable individual, Pavlina Povlova, who stands as a shining example in the cybersecurity realm. Her journey and insights are bound to inspire and empower, making her a true trailblazer in this ever-evolving field.

Pavlina's story is a testament to the exceptional women who are breaking new ground in the cybersecurity industry. With a wealth of experience in Cyber Policy, and a decade of experience, she takes us on a journey through her career and her accomplishments thus far.

As a distinguished cybersecurity expert, Pavlina brings her in-depth knowledge of this rapidly changing landscape to the forefront. Her experiences and expertise serve as a guiding light for those who aspire to make their mark in this dynamic and rewarding field.

In this episode, we delve deep into Pavlina's journey, exploring her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and her dedication to staying at the forefront of Cyber Policy. Her unique insights into emerging trends, industry challenges, and the significance of networking within the cybersecurity community are certain to leave you both inspired and well-informed.

Join us as we get to know Pavlina, a remarkable figure in the world of cybersecurity, cyber policy, and glean valuable insights from her illustrious career. Her story is a powerful reminder of how determination and passion can shape one's path in the cybersecurity realm.

Connect with her on LinkedIn to stay updated and inspired by her ongoing mission in the world of cybersecurity.

Join us on WomenWhoSecure as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Rachael Marks, an IAM Cybersecurity Engineer, RPA expert, and the founder of Cyber Compound.

Rachael's expertise in cybersecurity is matched only by her passion for empowerment. She shares invaluable advice drawn from her experiences, offering actionable insights for all.

As a founder of Cybercompound, she nurtures emerging talents in cybersecurity, showcasing her dedication to the field's growth.

But Rachael isn't confined to tech; she's also a gifted musician. Her melodies complement her cybersecurity symphony, making her a true Renaissance woman.

Catch Rachael on tour with Sammie Always, blending her musical talents with cybersecurity know-how. Don't miss this chance to be inspired!

Hosted by Stephanie Luangraj, WomenWhoSecure celebrates influential women in cybersecurity.

Connect with Rachael on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and her ⁠company⁠!

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Step into an engaging episode where we sit down with Akira, an esteemed Application Security Engineer at Resilia and co-host of the Application Security Weekly podcast. With a robust background and profound insights, Akira's presence enriches this episode.

Akira's expertise shines as they share invaluable advice for personal and professional advancement, providing listeners with gems of wisdom. Beyond their tech accomplishments, Akira's lifelong passion for music and opera adds a unique layer to their vibrant persona.

This episode isn't just enlightening—it's delightful. Akira's multi-talented journey is an inspiration, and we're privileged to be part of their ongoing career growth.

Connect with Akira on LinkedIn and check out their website: https://www.akirabrand.com/

Defying Odds, Championing Cybersecurity: Tia's Inspirational Odyssey

Journey into a remarkable episode of WomenWhoSecure, where we spotlight Tia's remarkable path into the heart of Cybersecurity. Despite life's hurdles, she has emerged as a resilient mother and a remarkable Cybersecurity Engineer.

Tia's impact resonates through her role, making the lives of SOC analysts smoother within the Security Operations Center. In this episode, she opens the doors to her journey – from her Navy days to multiple internships, culminating in her vibrant career as a Cybersecurity professional.

Her advice is golden: "Community involvement is essential." Tia passionately engages in virtual events like Veterans in Cybersecurity and Vetsintech, leveraging flexibility to network and grow. Battling imposter syndrome and adversity, Tia epitomizes self-empowerment.

She's not just an inspiration for Veterans and mothers, but for all women aspiring to embrace Cybersecurity's realm. Tia's story is a testament to how determination can conquer challenges, enabling a flourishing career.

Connect with her on Instagram!

Our featured guest, Yasmin, brings forth her extensive expertise in the fields of security, privacy, and data protection.

At present, Yasmin spearheads security engineering programs and projects at Snapchat, reflecting her profound knowledge in the domain. With over 5 years as a software engineer, she has curated an impressive portfolio by crafting in-house software and security solutions for giants like Snap, Meta, and Google.

Her influence doesn't stop there. Yasmin co-founded Meemo, an AI-powered social finance app recently acquired by Coinbase, benefiting over 100 million daily active users worldwide. As CEO of noHack, she diligently crafts impactful security solutions, adding an extra layer of safeguarding for her clients.

Beyond her professional acumen, Yasmin ardently bridges the gap between minority students and tech companies, revealing her commitment to inclusivity. Her passion resonates beyond tech, aligning with her role as a CEO and an advocate for empowering students.

With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science focused on cyber security engineering from the University of Maryland, Yasmin's journey is a fusion of expertise, innovation, and advocacy.

Connect with her on LinkedIn!

Join us on WomenWhoSecure as we journey alongside Holly, unraveling her captivating trajectory in the realm of cybersecurity. In this episode, she unveils the stepping stones that led her to her current role as a Senior Security Developer at Artic Wolf.

Holly embarked on her cybersecurity odyssey through a traditional college route, graduating from the esteemed Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. As her journey unfolds, she candidly shares the pivotal moment when she realized her passion for cybersecurity eclipsed her initial interest in computer engineering.

Tune in to glean wisdom from Holly's insights. One noteworthy gem she shares is the value of embracing change: "Don't hesitate to explore new roles," she affirms, a piece of advice that resonates strongly for those considering their own career leaps.

Beyond her journey, Holly's impact extends to founding WICYS affiliates in Austin and Los Angeles, showcasing her commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive cybersecurity community.

Connect with Holly on LinkedIn!

In this episode of WomenWhoSecure, Alexis Merritt compares her career approach to cooking spaghetti. She explains "You want to be like spaghetti: Not afraid to throw things at a wall and see what sticks." She is currently a full-time Incident Response Consultant at Cisco Talos Intelligence Group. Alexis shares some information about her day-to-day work such as handling ransomware incidents for organizations around the world. In addition to these highlights, she shares advice that has helped her as well as advice she wishes she knew earlier along her career journey. To get started in cybersecurity, Alexis took a traditional college path and is an alumna of Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Information Technology Management. She's definitely an inspiring woman with a bright future ahead.

Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn! 

Meet Jenni, a recent IU Bloomington alumna who's making waves as a full-time Information Security & Risk Analyst. Her passion for cloud security, data privacy, and ethics fuels her drive, while her commitment to the community shapes her impact.

Jenni's remarkable journey encompasses more than a thriving career. She's dedicated to increasing the representation of Black and Latinx talent in technology, a commitment that goes beyond her full-time role. Her influence extends to founding a summer program at IU Bloomington, introducing young girls to the world of Cybersecurity.

Tune in as Jenni unveils her path, spotlighting the strong connections and pivotal moments that have shaped her trajectory. Her story is one of inspiration and empowerment, showcasing the potential of determination, community engagement, and educational initiatives.

Connect with Jenni on LinkedIn!

Meet Rebecca, the visionary founder and CEO of RR Digital Media, where Web Design, Web Development, and Cyber Security converge. Join us as we dive into her riveting journey, where she defied odds to emerge as a self-made trailblazer.

Rebecca's transformation from obstacles to becoming a powerhouse is a story of grit and determination. Today, she stands tall as a full-time Freelance Web Developer, armed with formal education in Cyber Security. Her canvas is a blend of creativity and code, weaving captivating online spaces for organizations.

Tune in to uncover how Rebecca not only imparts her coding prowess but also educates clients on crucial cyber security aspects, guiding them to implement robust security practices. Learn how she transitioned from a corporate stint of just six months to embracing her passion, charting a path that's now a thriving reality.

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn!