Jayson E. Street can be summed up in three words: Hacker, Helper, and Human. Professionally, he is the Chief Adversarial Officer at SecureYeti, a renowned cybersecurity expert, and hacker. In this special live recording of Do We Belong Here at the 2025 Sunshine Cyber Conference, Tashya and Pam sit down with Jayson to explore his unconventional life journey, the experiences that shaped him, and his philosophy on what it means to be a "good person"—a concept he believes is rooted in choosing to do the right thing. Jayson breaks down the benefits of logical thinking in cybersecurity and how it contrasts with the complexities of emotional decision-making. He also shares his unique take on the "red hat vs. black hat" mindset in hacking, challenging traditional notions of ethical and malicious hacking. Finally, the conversation dives into his belief that everyone is born a hacker and explores the true meaning of "hacking" beyond technology.

Mandy Mospan, a Business Analyst at ThreatLocker, is passionate about helping people through her work, but her path to cybersecurity was anything but traditional. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, recorded live at the 2025 Sunshine Cyber Conference, Mandy joins Tashya and Sarina to share her inspiring journey from working as a vet tech at the Atlanta Zoo to becoming a cybersecurity professional. Her story is one of resilience, fearlessness, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone. Together, the three discuss Mandy’s work with ThreatLocker, her insights into blending creativity with cybersecurity, and how soft skills - like communication and problem-solving - play a crucial role in technical fields. She also shares valuable advice for anyone looking to pivot into cybersecurity, emphasizing the power of adaptability and lifelong learning.

In this episode of Belonging Together, Tashya Denose, Pam Lindemoen, and Sarina Gandy check in on how the first few months of 2025 have been treating them. They explore themes of navigating new roles, managing information overload and finding balance in an always-connected world, the shifts they’re working on in their mindsets, and what they’re looking forward to in the coming weeks. Plus, Tashya drops some major “mic drop” moments you won’t want to miss.

Kristin Demoranville is the CEO and Founder of AnzenSage. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Kristin joins Tashya and Pam to share her unconventional journey into becoming a leader in cybersecurity and food production. She discusses the power of trusting your instincts, the value of diverse experiences, and the surprising connections between animal behavior and cybersecurity. Kristin also breaks down the unique security challenges facing the food sector and why people-centric frameworks are key to strengthening cybersecurity. Together, she, Tashya, and Pam explore the exhaustion often felt by women in the field and the importance of resilience and community in navigating the industry.

Welcome to Belonging Together, a new monthly series from the Do We Belong Here family! Each month, Tashya Denose, Pam Lindemoen, and producer Sarina Gandy will check-in, hold each other accountable, and share unfiltered reflections on life, goals, and the journey of belonging. In this episode, we dive into our intentions for the year, the weight of self-expectations, and the power of a support system - not just to keep us accountable, but to remind us that we’re not in this alone. Tune in for the power of community, real conversations from women in cyber, and a reminder that everything is going to be okay. 💛

Happy New Year! 🎉 We’re kicking off 2025 by speaking with Michael Piacente, the managing partner and co-founder of Hitch Partners, an executive search firm specializing in the cybersecurity and technology fields. In this episode, Tashya and Pam dive into the unique approach of Hitch Partners in prioritizing diversity and inclusion and the current state of the CISO job market amid changing economic conditions. They discuss the future of CISO roles, common hiring mistakes companies make when pursuing diversity and the trends, and challenges women face in advancing their careers in cybersecurity.

Happy Holidays from the Do We Belong Here family! 💛 As we close out 2024, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and connect on a deeper level. In this bonus episode, Tashya, Pam, and Sarina open up about the personal and professional growth they’ve experienced this year, sharing lessons learned, challenges faced, and reasons to be grateful. To our incredible listeners: thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means everything, and we can’t wait to return in 2025 with more stories, insights, and proof that we do belong here in the cyber world. 💛

In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen dive into the evolving landscape of the cyber industry over the past several years. They discuss the impact of the global pandemic on remote work and the shifts that have followed, the ongoing challenges between job openings and the availability of qualified candidates, and the potential long-term effects on the future of the industry and its professionals. They also share personal updates from the past few months, reminding us that with community and good friends, we always have a place where we belong. Stream the Do We Belong Here documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl Follow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod Learn more about Cyber Florida: cyberflorida.org

In this special edition episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen dive deep into the world of social engineering with the People Hacker herself, Jenny Radcliffe at the 2024 WiCyS Conference. Discover the thrilling and challenging aspects of Jenny's career, from evading security systems to teaching the importance of resilience and psychological savvy in cybersecurity. Jenny shares personal anecdotes that demonstrate the power of persistence and curiosity, and provides practical advice for anyone looking to thrive in the demanding field of cybersecurity. Tune in to learn how overcoming adversity and strategic thinking can lead to success in both personal and professional realms.

In this brand-new segment of the Do We Belong Here podcast, producer Sarina Gandy brings you "Soul of Cyber," where she sits down with influential figures in the cybersecurity world to uncover the essence of who they are beyond their professional achievements. Join Sarina at the 2024 WiCyS conference for an intimate conversation with Jen Easterly, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Jen is a combat veteran with over two decades of service in intelligence and cyber operations, a dedicated mother, and an avid Rubik’s cube enthusiast. Her role in the cyber industry has been pivotal in creating transformative policies and fostering a more secure digital landscape. In this episode, Sarina and Jen dive into: * The impact of being the only woman at the start of her career on her leadership style, including the value of military discipline and the importance of creating effective, diverse teams * Discovering and living your Ikigai, the Japanese concept of "reason for being" * Human resilience and Jen’s personal journey of testing her limits and overcoming challenges * The necessity for leaders to build teams with psychological safety Tune in to gain unique insights into Jen Easterly's life, leadership, and the soul of cybersecurity!

In this special episode recorded live at the 2024 WiCyS conference, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen sit down with Beth Hawthorne, a seasoned professor and cybersecurity program director at Rider University. Beth stands out as a key figure in the cybersecurity community, having attended all ten years of the WiCyS conference and significantly shaping its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Her influence is particularly felt through her participation in the annual first-year panel, where she helps conference newcomers feel at home. In tjis episode, Beth shares her extensive academic journey and her unwavering commitment to diversifying the field of cybersecurity. From being one of the few women in tech at the start of her career to mentoring the next generation of cyber professionals, Beth's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in cybersecurity. Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-k-hawthorne-phd-a2a70025 Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org

Andrea Frost is a Senior Software Security Engineer at Dell Technologies and has been working in the cyber industry for the past 10 years. In this in-person episode recorded at the 2024 WiCyS Conference, Andrea sat down with Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to talk about her journey from working on the ski slopes in the winters and volunteering as a fireman in the summers to becoming a leading woman in cybersecurity. She tells the story of how attending her first WiCyS conference 9 years ago changed the entire trajectory of her life and career, and touches on the lifecycle of the WiCyS conference and the impact it is making on the women of this industry. Finally, she deep dives into the inception of the WiCyS Career Growth Hub and its role in supporting industry newcomers. Find Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovianna-gonzalez/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org

Jovianna Gonzalez is the CEO and founder of Digital Forensics, the first Hispanic-owned women’s digital forensics and cybersecurity company in the US. In this episode, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen talk to Jovianna about her journey from aspiring attorney to digital forensics expert, highlighting the importance of being open to new opportunities and having an investigative mindset. She emphasizes the significance of allies and mentors in her career and the need for ethical practices in the field of digital forensics. Jovianna also discusses the importance of mental health and work-life balance, sharing strategies she implements within her own team to ensure that each of her employees is set up for success.  Find Jovianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovianna-gonzalez/ Learn more about Digital Forensics Now: http://www.digitalforensicsnow.com/ Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org   Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl   Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Catching Up  03:22 Interview with Jovianna Gonzalez: From Aspiring Attorney to Digital Forensics Expert  14:11 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges  28:01 Recognitions and Reflections  31:35 Balancing Multiple Roles and Prioritizing Mental Health  37:29 Ethical Practices in Digital Forensics  40:58 Lessons Learned as a CEO and the Importance of Boundaries  42:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Takeaways  Be open to new opportunities and have an investigative mindset  Allies and mentors play a crucial role in career development  Ethical practices are essential in the field of digital forensics  Prioritize mental health and work-life balance  Flexibility and adaptability are key in running a successful company 

Bianca Lewis, aka BiaSciLab, is quickly becoming a household name in the cybersecurity world, and for good reason. At just 17 years old, Bia is not only a prodigious hacker but also a five-time DEFCON speaker and the visionary CEO behind Girls Who Hacker organization. In this live session recorded at the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference, Pam Lindemoen and special guest host Dr. Candi Ring delve into Bia's extraordinary journey through the cybersecurity over the past decade. Together, we explore the boundless potential of her generation in propelling the cybersecurity landscape into uncharted territories. Tune in as we uncover the driving force behind Bia's rise and the invaluable lessons her story imparts about passion, purpose, and the transformative power of new perspectives.

Mari Galloway, CEO of the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, is a woman whose magnetic presence ignites every room she enters. Her power radiates in an undeniable way through her hair, attire, and unwavering confidence, and the Do We Belong Here team wanted to know - did her light always shine this bright or did she work to cultivate it over time? In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen speak with Mari about how she got “stuck” in the cyber world, eventually leading her to working in Vegas with the biggest casinos in the world. As they navigate through her experiences, the trio reflects on the adage that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas, especially in the realm of cybersecurity. The discussion explores Mari’s evolution of self-confidence as she reflects on the challenges of being a trailblazing black woman in a predominantly male-dominated field. They also dive deep into Mari’s chapter of “Securing Our Future” by the Black Women in Cyber Collective and explore the pivotal role of finding your community in fostering resilience and self-empowerment. Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu - womenscyberjutsu.org   Connect with Mari on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/themarigalloway/   Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod   Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org   Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl

Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) is a non-profit organization that brings women together to celebrate and foster their passion for cybersecurity. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya and Pam speak with some of the incredible women behind the WiCyS organization to learn all about their mission of building a strong gender-diverse cybersecurity workforce and how they are accomplishing that. You’ll hear from Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS founder, Dr. Janell Straach, WiCyS Chair of the Board, and Lynn Dohm, WiCyS Executive Director about the power of community, what it means to actually be an ally, and why retaining and recruiting women into this field is so important.

Dr. Fatou Sankare is an expert in data science and ethical hacking. A woman who is passionate about cybersecurity and education, Dr. Sankare holds her doctorate in cybersecurity and is also the founder of Datacation, a growing organization that prioritizes bringing cybersecurity to marginalized communities. Dr. Sankare is also passionate about spreading cyber awareness and proving that everybody has a place in the cyber world, regardless of background, technical skills, or access to education. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Dr. Sankare joins Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to discuss her unusual journey from political science to cybersecurity and examines the connections between the two fields. She also dives deep into the experiences that she’s had as a young Muslim black woman in cybersecurity, shedding light on the moments where she feels she has to wear her credentials on her sleeve just to prove that she belongs. Tashya, Pam, and Dr. Sankare also explore our annual tradition of choosing a word to embody this year and how they hope to grow in 2024. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” - Michael Enzi

Celebrate the festive season with the Do We Belong Here team! In this bonus episode, Tashya Denose, Pam Lindemoen, and Sarina Gandy navigate the year-end haze and share our reflections on the closing chapter of 2023. Delve into a quick recap of our personal "words of the year" and the journeys we’ve undertaken to embody them. As we bid farewell to this year, we wish a joyous, healthy, and safe new year to all our cherished listeners. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to reconnect with you in the coming year. Until then, sending you love and strength for whatever lies ahead! 💛