Alexis Dieter, working in Offensive Cyber Operations, proves there’s no one “right” way into cyber. After 13 years in bartending, Alexis pivoted careers, went back to school, and is now thriving in penetration testing all while finishing her degree.

Here are her lessons for anyone looking to break in (or breakthrough):

✅ Life Skills More Important than Tech Skills
Bartending taught her resilience, communication, and tough skin — the real keys to thriving in cyber.

✅ Network = Net Worth
Professors, clubs, conferences, and even old colleagues opened doors to her first internship.

✅ Stay Hungry, But Pace Yourself
Cybersecurity is a marathon. Continuous learning is crucial but burnout is real.

✅ Give Back Early
She leads outreach to women and minorities, proving that lifting others lifts the industry.

✅ Future-Proof Your Career
Alexis is already thinking about quantum computing risks and how they’ll change security in the next decade.

And when it comes to AI?

“AI can write scripts and save me time, but it can’t replace intuition. Offensive security is still very human.”

🚀 Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a cyber veteran, Alexis’s story is a reminder: your past doesn’t define your future — your curiosity does.

#CybersecurityCareers #PenTesting #OffensiveSecurity #CareerPivot #LifeSkills #Networking #QuantumComputing #AI #GenerativeAI #CybersecurityCommunity #WomenInCyber #InclusiveCyber #futureofwork

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Meet Marivell, a proud Latina from NYC who turned curiosity into a career in cybersecurity, governance, risk & compliance (GRC), and leadership.

🔑 Highlights that resonate:

Curiosity as a Superpower → Asking the “dumb” questions launched her career in tech.

Representation Matters → A Latina voice proving that you don’t need a perfect path: just grit, curiosity, and community.

Breaking Silos → Cybersecurity’s biggest challenge isn’t tech, it’s the lack of collaboration.

GRC Reframed → Policies aren’t boring; they’re the foundation of cybersecurity programs.

Generative AI → Not a threat if you have foundational knowledge but a danger if you don’t.

Mentorship with Intention → Don’t just ask. Bring purpose, an agenda, and be ready for the give-and-take.

Optimism Always Wins → Inspired by Kimberly S. Reed’s book, Marivell reminds us that resilience + optimism = survival in cyber.

💬 Quote to share:

“I am proof you don’t need a perfect path. You need grit, curiosity, and community.” – Marivell

✨ Keywords to drive engagement:
#Cybersecurity #LatinaInTech #Mentorship #Curiosity #DiversityInCyber #GRC #AI #Resilience #RepresentationMatters #WomenInCyber

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We sit down with Robert, CIO of a leading healthcare services company, to explore how non-traditional career paths, life skills, and human-centric leadership can reshape technology teams. Robert shares his journey from political-science graduate to tech executive, his work closing educational gaps with Teach For America Colorado, and candid lessons on mentorship, failure, true role of AI in our work and authentic leadership.

🔑 Top Takeaways
Non-Tech Backgrounds Drive Innovation
Fresh perspectives, from customer service, education, even music, unlock creative problem solving.

Life Skills Are Business Skills
Empathy, respect, accountability and strong communication form the bedrock of high-performing teams.

Mentors Guide, Not Dictate
The best mentors ask probing questions and share stories, helping you surface your own strengths.

Fail Fast, Learn Faster
Real-world setbacks teach resilience, sharpen listening skills, and foster adaptive leadership.

AI Empowers, but Demands Oversight
Automation boosts efficiency, but over-reliance leads to complacency and erosion of critical thinking.

True Inclusion Requires Action
Moving beyond gatekeeping certifications and degrees to open doors for underrepresented talent.

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🔐 She Built a Zoom Bot at 13 to Skip Class… and Ended Up Securing NASA.
Meet [@Bandana | Hack With Her], a rising cybersecurity force who’s not waiting for permission to shape the future.

At just 17, Bandana is:
✨ A cybersecurity researcher focused on adversarial attacks on LLMs
🌐 A UN Dynamic Team Coalition Cybersecurity Lead
🎓 A National Cybersecurity Education Ambassador
👩‍💻 A bug bounty hunter who’s helped secure NASA, the U.S. Dept. of Education & the Indian government

But what makes her story magnetic isn’t just the accomplishments — it’s how she started:
➡️ Taught herself Python through W3Schools
➡️ Built a Zoom bot to skip 7am classes during lockdown
➡️ Climbed “Cringe Mountain” to share her learning in public
➡️ Grew a personal brand on Instagram & LinkedIn from scratch

We talked about:
✔️ The fine line between personal branding and bragging
✔️ Why vulnerability is key to networking
✔️ GenAI’s dual role in good and harm — and how she’s defending against jailbreak attacks
✔️ Her mission to make the cyberspace livable for everyone

------------------
SHOW NOTES

Instagram - Hackwithher
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackwither/

BOOKS
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook
– A comprehensive guide to web app security and penetration testing.

The Car Hacker's Handbook
– Focused on automotive cybersecurity and how to understand and exploit vehicle systems.

The 30 Ways to Make Money Hacking Ethically
– A bug bounty hunting book that explains 30 vulnerability types with real examples.

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In the latest episode of Inclusive Cyber, I had the honor of speaking with Nicole Lilly, founder of Deeply Devoted Lilly, somatic coach, and former corporate wellness strategist.

We didn’t talk tech.
We talked about what tech often ignores—how emotional wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and inner safety are critical to sustainable performance in high-pressure fields like cybersecurity.

Nicole opens up about:

* Growing up in a culture where worth was tied to appearance—and how she reclaimed her health on *her* terms
* Her corporate wellness career and the blind spots she noticed in how we treat mental health at work
* Why we don’t ask for help, and how self-leadership shifted her relationship with discipline
* What it means to "come home to yourself" and build a life rooted in compassion, curiosity, and clarity

🧠 This conversation reminded me that no productivity hack can replace the inner work required to truly show up—at work or at home.

One of Nicole’s reflections that stuck with me:

“There’s a difference between what you want to be and who you want to be.”

🎧 If you’re in cybersecurity—or any fast-paced field—this episode is for you. It’s not about slowing down. It’s about realigning with your values so you can lead without burning out.

\#MentalHealth #CybersecurityLeadership #SomaticCoaching #WomenInTech #InclusiveCyber #BurnoutRecovery #LatinaLeadership #HumanCenteredSecurity #EmotionalWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #podcasthighlights

--------------------------
SHOW NOTES
Nicole Lilly - LinkedIn
Deeply Devoted Lilly - https://www.instagram.com/deeplydevotedlilly/

Books & Podcasts
----------------------------
1. What i know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey - https://www.amazon.com/What-Know-Sure-Oprah-Winfrey/dp/1250054052
2. We Can Do Hard Things - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things/id1564530722
3. Build with Leila Hormozi - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-with-leila-hormozi/id1663834553
4. Stay Grounded with Rai Jana - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490

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Kylee's journey to cybersecurity is amazing.

From the Midwest to Southern California’s music and production scene, she built a foundation in audio engineering before pivoting to cybersecurity. Facing life-changing challenges, including single motherhood, Kylee earned degrees in speech, language, and hearing science, followed by a master's in cybersecurity operations and leadership.

Her success highlights curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and the immense value of mentorship. Now focused on policy, compliance, risk management, and security awareness training, Kylee emphasizes clear communication and human connection in cybersecurity.

Kylee advocates strongly for women in tech, encouraging confidence, networking, and mentorship. Her insights into generative AI and quantum computing point to exciting future opportunities tempered with necessary caution.Kylee's journey reminds us that diverse paths lead to successful tech careers.Have you witnessed unique career transitions into cybersecurity? Share your experiences!

SHOW NOTES:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleemarie/

Books

1. "Nexus" by Yuval Noah Harari
2. "Sapiens"by Yuval Noah Harari
3. "Getting the Love You Want" by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt
4. "The Laws of Human Nature"by Robert Greene
5. "The Art of Seduction"by Robert Greene

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In the latest episode of Inclusive Cyber, Laura shared her inspiring journey through the IT and cybersecurity world. Starting from a humble role in a school district without formal education, she quickly realized the immense opportunities available, thanks to encouragement from mentors who recognized her potential.

Laura emphasized the importance of mentors, not necessarily formal educators, as critical drivers in her career. Despite a successful five-year venture as a photography entrepreneur, she returned to cybersecurity after COVID-19. Taking a strategic step back initially allowed her to build confidence, upskill, and thrive.

Throughout the discussion, Laura highlighted ongoing industry debates around formal education versus certifications. She argued that while education remains invaluable, practical experience and certifications can open crucial doors, especially for those without traditional educational pathways.

Looking forward, Laura aims to establish a nonprofit to support single mothers and marginalized individuals in entering cybersecurity, reinforcing her belief that empowering opportunities can transform lives significantly.

Laura's story is a powerful reminder that cybersecurity is not just about technical skills—it's also about resilience, adaptability, and meaningful mentorship.

#CyberSecurity #Mentorship #InclusiveCyber #CareerGrowth #EducationVsExperience #NonprofitLeadership

Book Recommendations
The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America by Deepa Purushothaman

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-r-b3532726b/

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In this episode, I sit down with Teressa, a cybersecurity professional with a fascinating journey from art history and anthropology to technical writing and cybersecurity. Teressa shares how her curiosity led her to explore the world of network security and how her non-traditional background has become a unique asset in her career.

🔥 What You'll Learn:

How Teressa transitioned from anthropology to cybersecurity through technical writing
The importance of curiosity in professional growth
How to build supportive mentorship relationships
Why cybersecurity needs a humanistic approach
Insights into her entrepreneurial journey with PopCykol, a company focused on online safety education for families and kids
Teressa’s creative side as a singer-songwriter and how music and cybersecurity intersect in her life
📌 Key Takeaways:

The value of a non-traditional career path
Strategies for translating technical cybersecurity concepts into accessible language
How to leverage curiosity and creativity in cybersecurity
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights from cybersecurity professionals with diverse backgrounds!

#Cybersecurity #InclusiveCyber #PopCykol #TechCareers #DiversityOfThought #Podcast

-------------------------
LINKS
Popcykol - https://www.popcykol.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teressaofpopcykol/
Music - https://www.youtube.com/@qwehrke

BOOKS
We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers

MUSIC
Intro - Lazarus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsn2bS4eHp0
Outro - Pressure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ZHQ7664Pc

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