From Cybersecurity Practitioner to Advocacy: My Journey Back to Cisco

Hello Cisco Community! I’m thrilled to share my journey back to Cisco as a Technical Advocate focused on cybersecurity. My mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in your own cybersecurity quest.

I’m excited to announce my first tutorial on eBPF and my Snack Minute video demo. The demo will offer in-depth information and practical insights to help you advance your career in cybersecurity.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Tutorials and guides: My first tutorial, “Introduction to eBPF,” is live. Check it out for a deep dive into this powerful technology that can enhance your cybersecurity skills.

Snack Minute videos: Take advantage of my first Snack Minute video demo, where I explore eBPF and its applications in cybersecurity. These bite-sized episodes are perfect for learning something new in just a few minutes.

Conference sessions: Stay tuned for insights and knowledge I’ll share at upcoming industry events. These sessions will provide valuable information to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

I’d like to share my cybersecurity experience with you to help you better understand my background and why I’m so passionate about this field.

My cybersecurity experience

I took my first course in cybersecurity in 2012 at the University of Washington. The fast-paced, critical nature of this field across industries hooked me instantly. My hands-on experience with ethical hacking was a lightbulb moment, igniting my passion for cybersecurity and driving me to immerse myself in its many facets.

After three years of supporting network security tools at a large enterprise, I joined Cisco as a Solutions Architect. This pivotal role allowed me to gain hands-on experience with Cisco’s customers and solutions.

I became actively involved with Cisco DevNet, helping to build and deliver developer-focused content for Cisco’s diverse security portfolio. During this time, I earned my first Cisco DevNet Security Automation Specialist certification. I received a Distinguished Speaker award at Cisco Live and a Cisco CX Best of We award.

After a three-year stint with leading application security startups, I’m excited to announce my return to Cisco—this time as a Technical Advocate. I’m here to leverage my expertise to champion security solutions and empower our community.

In addition to my cybersecurity endeavors, I have a deep love for puzzles and problem-solving. Whether it’s conquering the final boss in a challenging video game (any Elden Ring fans out there?) or navigating escape rooms with friends, I thrive on finding solutions and the thrill of success. I also enjoy international travel, exploring new cultures, and understanding their historical and social traditions. When I’m not working, traveling, or solving puzzles, you can find me at home with my 14-year-old cat, Kenny, enjoying music and international cuisine or cheering for my favorite sports teams.

Navigating resources

Much like the thrill I get from solving puzzles and exploring new cultures, I find immense satisfaction in helping others navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. I’m excited to share some incredible resources Cisco offers to help you on your path.

Explore Cisco U.’s extensive resources

Cisco U. offers resources tailored to individuals at every stage of their cybersecurity career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your expertise, Cisco U. provides access to comprehensive tutorials, interactive labs, and self-paced learning paths. Dive into the Cisco U. platform and explore some of our free security tutorials and courses today!

Subscribe to Snack Minute

Are you looking to satisfy your tech cravings in a fun and bite-sized way? Subscribe to Snack Minute, Cisco’s weekly video series that includes demos, API insights, and chats with IT experts. Whether you’re working towards certifications or eager to stay ahead of the curve, these quick and quirky 10-minute episodes will leave you satisfied and primed for the next challenge! 

Earn a Cisco CyberOps certificate

In today’s dynamic threat landscape, cybersecurity operations (CyberOps) are essential for organizations facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Cisco’s CyberOps certifications are designed to equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for cybersecurity operations. These certifications validate expertise in security monitoring, threat detection, forensic analysis, incident response, and more. Learn more about how you can earn your Cisco CyberOps certification.

Join the conversation and connect with peers

Cisco offers a vibrant community, where cybersecurity enthusiasts can share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on solving common challenges. Participate in online forums, attend virtual webinars, and join live events to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay current on the latest cybersecurity trends and developments.

Engage with the community

As I embark on this new chapter, I want to ensure my work aligns with your needs and interests. What cybersecurity topics would you like me to cover? Are there specific challenges you’re facing that I can help address? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or join me on the Cisco Learning Network to continue the conversation.

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