While growing up, I would always listen to the modem initiation sequence when connecting to the internet. It made me wonder how this accessibility was possible by way of an analog telephone line. I spent hours trying to conceptualize how a computer-translated data into sound on one end, then transmitted the sound to another computer. I was beyond fascinated, leading me to major in Computer Information Systems in college. I also obtained an MBA with a concentration in Technology Management as well as the CISSP.My interest in the cybersecurity industry began when the field was called information assurance. I wanted to learn how to prevent hackers from obtaining information stored on personal computers. I am passionate about offensive and defensive security involved in the cybersecurity field because it allows me to control the system by “talking to” the operating system via a Linux command line, and then making recommendations on how to prevent unauthorized intrusions. Currently, I’m the Chief Cybersecurity Sector Lead representing The Aerospace Corp in the customer-facing SMC Chief Information Officer System Program Office. I am responsible for Cybersecurity System Security Engineering for an ongoing Space and Missile System Center project, as well as I serve as the primary point of contact for the U.S.-Japanese partnership. I love my work because of the unique challenges that I face every single day. One week I could be in Japan discussing data flows for a satellite systems downlink, and the next week I could be at the Pentagon for a meeting with officials about cybersecurity policy. This career is truly an experience, unlike any other field I have experienced. In my free time, I volunteer as the Cybersecurity Non-Profit (CSNP) Lead at the Los Angeles Community Outreach. I enjoy helping others and would love to help solve the current cyber talent shortage by exposing more people to the field of cybersecurity. I’m currently seeking new opportunities within the cybersecurity field. My ultimate goal is to obtain a Chief Information Security Officer position to lead a security team and spearhead enterprise security initiatives.As I grow my connections, I’d like to create partnerships between industry leaders, military leaders, and aspiring cyber professionals to build a pipeline of qualified individuals who can transition into a cybersecurity career from any other career fields. We have to open the doors to less experienced newcomers to alleviate burdens placed on companies who cannot find enough individuals to fill the cybersecurity roles.