December Womenar | Veteran Women Leading in Cybersecurity

Description

Launched by our Women in Tech CO Council, our Womenar series are bi-monthly webinars that aim to identify and understand the issues facing women in technology and leadership positions. We invite both men and women to engage in these bi-monthly programs.

Join us at this month's Womenar where we will hear about the incredible journeys of women veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service to thriving careers in tech and cybersecurity. This event will shine a spotlight on their achievements, challenges and the unique skills they bring to the tech industry.

Engage with our panelists as they discuss parallels between military service and careers in tech, the importance of diversity in tech and their journeys to careers in cybersecurity.

Moderator:

Ashley Cooper, PMO Manager, City and County of Denver

Ashley Cooper is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the technology industry. Her career began in software development, UI/UX design, and automated QA testing, eventually transitioning into IT consulting and project management. She currently serves as a manager in the Program Management Office (PMO) for the City and County of Denver. Ashley also holds leadership roles as the Vice Chair of the Colorado Technology Association’s Young Professionals Board and co-chair of the City and County of Denver's Women in Technology Employee Resource Group. She is passionate about empowering women in technology and fostering growth and success for others in the field.

Speakers:

JoAnn Gerena, Information System Security Manager, Lockheed Martin

Joan Gerena is a highly skilled cybersecurity professional who has 20 years of experience dedicated to the Department of Defense, with a significant portion of it serving on behalf of Lockheed Martin. Prior to joining the company, she was a senior non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, where she served for twelve years, contributing to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from 2004-2016. During her tenure as a Logistician in the Air Force, she was responsible for planning and managing worst-case scenarios and disaster recovery operations. Supporting Joint Special Operations and earning the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Joan is currently working as an Information System Security Manager for Lockheed Martin Rotary Mission Systems (RMS) in Pennsylvania. In this role, she oversees all collateral networks with DCSA accreditations at the Valley Forge site and ensures the implementation of robust security measures to keep innovative technologies secure for the warfighter and unattainable to the adversary. 

Joan is a lifelong learner, holding an Undergraduate degree in Business Administration-Security Management from DeVry University and a Masters's Degree in Security Management from the American Military University. She also possesses certifications in CompTIA Security+ and ISACA Certified Information Systems Security Manager (CISM). 

Joan is a strong advocate for empowering people from underrepresented communities and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. She is the Secretary for Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Lockheed Martin Affiliate (WiLMA) and a member of Latinas in Tech (LiT), Latinas in Cyber, and Vets in Tech (ViT). Her journey has been a testament to her personal growth and success, and she stands as a role model for others, despite the numerous challenges she faced along the way.

Latrael Hunter, Assistant Vice President, Info Security Consultant, Bank of America

An Information Security Consultant within the Business Information Security Office, Latrael has been with the Bank of America for five years. Prior to her current role, she strengthened her cybersecurity experience as an online and onsite third-party Information Security Assessor, where she still helps today.

She holds a Master of Science from the University College/University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in Information Technology.

Latrael is a self-proclaimed “military brat” and Navy Veteran, serving more than six years in supporting various campaigns and traveling the world.

Karla Rivas, Head of People, Community Economic Defense Project & Denver Co-Chapter Leader of Latinas in Tech

Karla Rivas, is currently Head of People at the Community Economic Defense Project, was born in El Salvador and is a Gates Millennium Scholar graduate from Texas State University, currently pursuing her MBA at Colorado State University and serving as the co-chapter lead of Latinas in Tech. She has been part of the United States Army Reserves for over 16 years. 

With a strong passion for the nonprofit sector, Karla’s earlier career focused on programs supporting individuals facing social-economic barriers and limited abilities, and she brings a wealth of experience, including her time in HR with the United States Army Reserves and expertise in recruiting gained from working with tech startups and nonprofits; during her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cherishing moments with her pug, Albert Einstein.

Jaidie Vargas, Cyber Systems Security Engineering Associate Manager, Lockheed Martin & Denver Co-Chapter Leader of Latinas in Tech

Jaidie Vargas is a distinguished, award-winning Cyber Systems Security Engineering leader, celebrated for her exceptional technical achievements that earned her a place in her company’s Fellows’ Top Talent program as a Rising Technical Talent. With over 12 years of extensive experience encompassing cybersecurity engineering, network and communications security, cyber intelligence, and military operations, Jaidie's expertise is deeply rooted in her seven years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy.

She is a fervent advocate for veterans and diversity in the STEAM fields, actively participating in outreach programs within her workplace, industry, and academia. At work, Jaidie is a valued member of the Hispanic Organization of Leadership and Awareness, the Women's Impact Network, and has served as the President of the Women of Cybersecurity (WiCyS) LM Affiliate, known as WiLMA.

As a prominent industry advocate and WiCyS member, Jaidie has contributed her insights as a panelist at numerous events and was interviewed by WiCyS to shed light on Veteran resources, Veteran Pathways to Cyber. In her community, she co-founded and leads the Latinas in Tech - Denver Chapter. Her dedication to diversifying and innovation within the tech industry earned her recognition as an Emerging Leader of the Year by the Colorado Technology Association and is also a recipient of the Dr. Ellen Ochoa HOLA award for her contributions to the STEM industry.

Jaidie holds a B.S. in Cybersecurity and a Graduate Certificate in Counterintelligence, currently pursuing a M.S. in Cybersecurity. Her commitment to continuous learning is underscored by certification including the following: CompTIA Security+ and (ISC)2’s CISSP®. Additionally, outside of the technical industry, she maintains a Cornell Family Development Credential and the ISSA Personal Trainer Certification. Jaidie Vargas stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity landscape, blending expertise with advocacy and community leadership.