How to be an "only": Finding your voice when you are the only one in the room

Presented at CactusCon 12 (2024), Feb. 16, 2024, 2 p.m. (45 minutes).

Being an "only" is an experience that many people find themselves in. Someone could be the only woman, veteran, person of color, member of the LBGTQIA+ community, differently-abled or neurodivergent. One could be the only person who represents a particular culture, religious or otherwise. Being the "only", while challenging, presents a unique opportunity to build understanding and bring your confidence and skillset to a variety of cybersecurity teams. I'll be sharing how the other "only" folks can navigate their career and how those who are more represented in cybersecurity can advocate for others while solving their hiring woes.

Presenters:

  • Ashley Sequeira - Security Architect, User Protection at Google
    Ashley Sequeira is currently a Security Architect in User Protection at Google. She has spoken at numerous cybersecurity conferences including Defcon and volunteers within the cybersecurity community. Dedicated to growing communities through fostering understanding, she is a “bridge builder” in increasing diversity in the tech community. Previous to Google, Ashley worked at Palo Alto Networks and led the Veteran Employee Resource group and supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG at various events. While at PANW, she ran the SecOps training program, consulted for SOAR platforms and worked as a Professional Services Consultant. Prior to her time at Palo Alto Networks, Ashley worked in a Security Operations Center and served 13 years in the Army Reserve. In the Army, she competed on the National Taekwondo Team(2011, 2015), played in the Army Band and learned her fundamentals in IT. Ashley will be starting a PhD in Cybersecurity at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in January.

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