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Board of Directors



Tennisha Martin,
MS(x4), MBA, PMP, GPEN, GWAPT, GCIH, ITIL

FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Tennisha Martin is the founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack (BGH Foundation), a national cybersecurity nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and resources to undeserved communities and increasing the diversity in cyber. BlackGirlsHack provides black women and girls with resources, mentorship, direction, and training required to enter and excel in the Cybersecurity field. Tennisha has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Science in Information Technology, Health Care Policy and Management, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, and Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland. She has worked in a government consulting capacity for over 15 years in Project Management, Risk Management, Audit, Information Assurance, Quality Assurance, Software Development, and Testing roles. In her spare time, Tennisha is a Cyber Instructor, mentor, and red-team leaning ethical hacking advocate for diversity in Cyber and the executive suites.


Tanisha O'Donoghue
BOARD MEMBER BGH

Over the last 6 years Tanisha O’Donoghue has been on an upward climb in the Cyber Security Space. The Guyanese native presently resides in the in Washington, DC area. Her current role as an Information Security Risk and Compliance Specialist at Tyler Technologies. As a member of the Information Security Compliance team, she assists with policy management, audits and risk management. Her recent focus has been governance, risk and compliance. Tanisha received her start in cyber with an internship at Symantec in partnership with a nonprofit called Year Up. Year Up's mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. Tanisha’s career experience has included incident response/ recovery efforts, vulnerability management, risk management and compliance. She is the Chief Strategic Officer and Board Member a nonprofit organization that provides resources, training, mentoring, and opportunities to black women to increase representation and diversity in the cyber security field. Her commitment is to work with individuals and organizations to increase the diversity, inclusion and opportunities so they can make an influential impact on the world. She mentors with passion, guiding her mentees to enhance and elevate their vision for their lives.


Jocelyn Platt

BOARD MEMBER BGH

I am Jocelyn Platt aka JP. I live life understanding that knowledge is power and with power comes responsibility. It is my life’s mission to share what I’ve learned with as many as possible. I was born and raised with four older sisters in Buffalo, New York where I attended the University of Buffalo and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Education. I relocated to the DC metro area where I met my only younger “sister” and founder of BlackGirlsHack (BGH). I taught high school in Fairfax County for eight years, attended George Mason University and earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I continued my education and earned an MBA and Master of Science in Project Management. I gained valuable professional experience while working as a Senior Training Specialist and Instructional Designer on government and commercial contracts. Currently, I work as a Senior Instructional Designer and look forward to providing guidance and support for BGH training programs.


Ivonna Smith

SECRETARY, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Ivonna Smith has been educating brown and black children for over 15 years. She works hard to teach her students that they don’t have to accept the limitations that society has placed on them. She knows the importance of making sure her students have strong computer skills and realize the value of this knowledge. She has always made sure to remind all of her girls that black women in places of power are needed now more than ever. She knows that it’s important for them to know that just because they haven’t seen women that look like them in certain positions doesn’t mean they cannot hold those positions. She is the Chief Talent Officer at BlackGirlsHack and on the Board of Directors. Ivonna holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology both received from Howard University in Washington DC.


Rebekah Skeete

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER BGH, TREASURER

Rebekah Skeete is a Security Engineer with Schellman based in Dallas, Texas. As a member of the Infrastructure and Security team, Rebekah is part of a collaborative group of technology professionals serving as the primary technical resource to safeguard the organization's computer networks and systems. In her role, she is responsible for planning and carrying out security measures to monitor and protect sensitive data and systems from infiltration and cyber-attacks. Prior to joining Schellman in 2022, Rebekah worked for the Texas Rangers in a myriad of roles, including Cybersecurity Analyst and Manager of IT Applications and Operations. During the construction of the Rangers new state-of-the-art ballpark, Globe Life Field, Rebekah assisted the Rangers IT department’s efforts to transition over 200 front office employees to their new workspaces. Outside baseball and IT, Rebekah is also interested in politics and started volunteering for campaigns in 2008. From 2013-2016, she served as a Campaign Manager in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 2015, she attended the Women’s Campaign School at Yale. Rebekah is the COO of BlackGirlsHack, a nonprofit organization providing black women with resources, training, mentoring, and access to increase representation and diversity in the cybersecurity field. Committed to inclusion and belonging, she holds the firm belief that representation enhances the culture and community of an organization and seeks to amplify underserved voices at any table she has a seat.


Alshlon Banks

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Alshlon Banks currently works for the state of Connecticut in the child protection profession. He has an insatiable passion for cyber security and will be transitioning into the field full-time shortly. Alshlon currently has his master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and has recently obtained his Security + certification from CompTIA. He is currently studying for his CEH certification and AWS Solutions Architect certification. Serving the community is no stranger to Alshlon as he has held several different roles as being a member Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Excelsior Lodge # 3 Prince Hall Mason, and Location Ambassador for Blacks In Cybersecurity. Alshlon firmly believes that Information is power, and it must be respected and protected when the need for it arises.


Aleise McGowan

CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Aleise has over 21 years of IT experience in the K-12 space. Aleise is currently working for the Simpson County School District as the Director of Technology. She has a passion for information security and loves fostering and inspiring the same love through her role as an Adjunct Instructor. Aleise has a Master of Science in Management Information Systems with a dual specialization in Information Security and IT Management. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Computing at the University of South Alabama and is looking to move full-time into the information security space. Her research areas include information security, predictive analytics, data mining, machine learning, consumer engagement, and persuasive technology

Aleise is a longtime advocate for diversity and inclusivity and is dedicated to breaking barriers that challenge current and future IT professionals. This is evident in the work she’s done as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, as a co-founder of WiCyS Northern Alabama Affiliate, and a member WiCyS Global’s Neurodiversity Special Interest Group.

Aleise is currently studying for her CEH certification.

Eric Martin

VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Eric Martin Bio


Travis Mayfield

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Hello, I am Travis Mayfield and my background includes developing and implementing new technologies to meet business requirements and optimize processes. I am skilled in promoting teamwork and training and guiding team members to attain successful project execution within time, quality, and budgetary constraints. My expertise lies in overseeing all aspects of technical projects, including creating project plans, providing guidance to teams, analyzing project progress, and optimally utilizing available resources to achieve desired outcomes. I interact constantly with senior leadership to ensure the fulfillment of needs and requirements. I am a solutions-driven individual with active involvement in implementing the most feasible and cutting- edge solutions for process improvement. As a consummate and articulate communicator, I possess strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills with expertise in managing high- pressure escalations. I am tech-savvy with strong proficiencies in Agile, Scrum, and Kanban Environments, Splunk, Azure DevOps, DynaTrace, SQL Server, JIRA, LUIS and Watson (NLP), and MS AppInsights. Furthermore, I believe my experience and exceptional work ethic set me apart in the highly competitive industry. I am always looking for new opportunities to broaden my horizons and enjoy taking on new challenges that allow me to leverage my knowledge and skills.

Ryan Richard

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Ryan is a cybersecurity professional with a focus on security policy from a Governance, Risk and Compliance space. His journey to cybersecurity has given him a unique perspective on the industry and how we can best serve our communities. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Whittier College he became deeply involved in elections and election administration. While working with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's office to pilot the county’s new voting system he decided to continue to pursue formal education in the cybersecurity field. After completing a course of study at Cal State University Long Beach, Ryan made the transition into cyber in a help desk role and currently serves as a Compliance Analyst for one of the top MSSP’s in the nation. Ryan's ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between legislators and cybersecurity professionals. Recognizing that effective cybersecurity policies are crucial for securing not just government systems but also the online landscape for all citizens, he aims to advocate for sensible and comprehensive cybersecurity policies. By leveraging his background in political science and cybersecurity expertise, Ryan seeks to promote legislation that will protect and educate marginalized communities as they navigate the digital realm.


Kiauna Newman

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER BGH

Kiauna Newman is an aspiring security analyst with a healthcare compliance and auditing background. She has also gained valuable experience in healthcare compliance and auditing, providing a solid foundation for understanding the importance of data privacy and security. She has a Bachelor's in Cyber Security and is working toward a Master's in Cyber Security and information assurance. Kiauna has volunteered at past conferences and oversees onboarding volunteers for the Black Girls Hack (BGH), (BGH) community, helping to build a solid and inclusive network of cybersecurity professionals. Her areas of interest include programming, OSINT, privacy, and research, as she believes knowledge is the key to staying ahead of evolving security threats.

ADVISORY BOARD 



Dr. Aunshul Rege

Advisory Board Member BGH

Aunshul Rege is an associate professor and director of the CARE Lab at Temple University. Her research has been supported by numerous National Science Foundation grants and focuses on the human, sociological, and psychological aspects of cyberattacks and cybersecurity. Aunshul is also passionate about cybersecurity education and runs free summer social engineering competitions for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as free workshops for educators. She is a proponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in research and education and has generated an "Organizations We Love" (OWL) list, which is an inventory of 286 organizations that strive to make tech and info/cybersecurity opportunities and experiences accessible to everyone. Aunshul currently serves as the research lead for the Social Engineering Community at Def Con. Prior to her academic life, she worked as a software and QA/QC engineer in industry. Aunshul has a BSc and BA in Computer Science and Criminology respectively, a MA in Criminology, a MA in Criminal Justice, and a PhD in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University.


Eric Belardo

Advisory Board Member BGH

Eric is a US ARMY Military Intelligence Veteran of Bosnia and Kosovo with NATO; Eric Brings over 30 years of Cyber Security & Online Safety Experience across many industry domains including Civilian Government, Department of Defense, International, Financial, and Civilian markets. Where he has supported organizations in strategic direction, program assessments, remediation and monitoring, intelligence services (VIP & High Value individuals), and Security Risk Mitigation and Security Education. Eric’s experience in the cyber security field encompasses the areas of Security Operations, Incident Response, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery, Digital Forensics, Certification and Accreditation, Enterprise Security Architecture, and Security in Mergers & Acquisitions in over 20 Countries. Eric Founded Raices cyber org in 2021, a non-profit foundation to support Hispanics, latinos, Latinas and latinX in the field of Cyber Security. Eric is a sought after speaker on TV and in person, having performed keynote speeches/ webinars and many YouTube Videos and Livestreams


Staci Hill Okine

Advisory Board Member BGH

An award-winning systems engineering senior leader with two decades of sales engineering and cybersecurity experience, Staci Hill Okine exemplifies a confident mix of technical acumen, leadership excellence and ability to create elite teams and inclusive culture where people thrive. Staci currently serves as the US Commercial Director of Systems Engineering at Palo Alto Networks. With a strong conviction for investing in people and nurturing tomorrow’s leaders, throughout her career Staci has coached, mentored, sponsored many women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. In her community, Staci volunteers with Ohio Cyber Women introducing young girls to cybersecurity, is a member of the Central Ohio Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), the New Albany Women’s network, and serves on the planning committee of the New Albany African American Parents Network. Staci holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Spelman College and a Master of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the first Black female systems engineering director at Cisco.


Dr. Dane Brown

Advisory Board Member BGH

Dane Brown is an Assistant Professor in the Cyber Science Department at the United States Naval Academy. He holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering (USNA '05) and an M.S. in Computer Engineering (NPS '06). He completed a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Virginia Tech '19) with a focus on analyzing the security of firmware in ARM environments. Dane has worked at the Naval Academy since 2010. Originally an instructor in the Electrical Engineering department, he quickly got involved in teaching and developing courses for the new Cyber additions to the Naval Academy core curriculum. In 2014, he was hired into the new Cyber Science department and charged with helping to create the curriculum and course sequence for the emergent Cyber Operations major. To this end, he has adapted and delivered a course which introduces students to computer architecture and design principles in a hands-on format. Prior to joining the Naval Academy faculty, Dane Brown served as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy responsible for maintenance, personnel, and operations. He still serves as a Naval Reservist to this day and has deployed to U.S. Central Command to work in the Joint Cyber Center in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Dane's expertise lies in problem solving at the lowest levels of computer software, hardware, and networks. He has a passion for information system security to include: Binary Analysis Reverse Engineering Cryptography Privacy and Trust Microprocessors Communications Protocols Signal Processing Biometrics Cyber and STEM Education


Tracy Z Maleeff

Advisory Board Member BGH

Tracy Z. Maleeff, aka @InfoSecSherpa, is a Security Researcher with the Krebs Stamos Group. She previously held the roles of Information Security Analyst at The New York Times Company and a Cyber Analyst for GlaxoSmithKline. Prior to joining the Information Security field, Tracy worked as a librarian in academic, corporate, and law firm libraries. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in addition to undergraduate degrees from both Temple University (magna cum laude) and the Pennsylvania State University. While a member of the Special Libraries Association, Tracy received the Dow Jones Innovate Award, the Wolters Kluwer Law & Business Innovations in Law Librarianship award, and was named a Fellow. Tracy has been featured in the Tribe of Hackers: Cybersecurity Advice and Tribe of Hackers: Leadership books. She also received the Women in Security Leadership Award from the Information Systems Security Association. Tracy publishes a daily Information Security & Privacy newsletter and maintains an Open Source Intelligence research blog at infosecsherpa.medium.com. She is a native of the Philadelphia area.


Merritt Baer

Advisory Board Member BGH

Merritt (Twitter: @MerrittBaer) is a security executive based in Miami, FL. Merritt serves as an advisor to a number of young companies including expanso (storage and compute at the edge, with inherent security and privacy properties, based on open source protocol bacalhau); BalkanID (intelligent, fine-grained identity security and governance); and LISN (AI-driven CISO decision- making tools). She advises executives on cloud security and go to market, from Fortune 100 banks to biotech start-ups. She also served as Field CISO at Lacework, where she guided Lacework customer CISOs on security threat detection and contextualization capabilities. Through her leadership, she framed Lacework as a needle mover by developing a CISO framework for materiality of cyber incidents, which the Wall Street Journal has cited many times. Previously, Merritt served in the Office of the CISO at Amazon Web Services for over five years– a Deputy CISO to help to secure AWS infrastructure, at vast scale. She used this experience to provide security expertise to significant AWS customers. In 2022, she moved over $2B of deals across the line where security was a blocker, and she was AWS Security’s most prolific public speaker. Merritt has experience in all three branches of government and the private sector. Before Amazon, Merritt served as Lead Cyber Advisor to the Federal Communications Commission. She has also served at the US Department of Homeland Security, the Office of US Senator Michael Bennet, and the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Before joining the government, Merritt started a business advisory for emerging tech companies. Merritt speaks regularly on infosec, including cloud computing, AI/ML, quantum computing, and the future of the Internet. Her insights on business strategy and tech have been published in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, VentureBeat, SC Media, The Baltimore Sun, The Daily Beast, LawFare, Talking Points Memo, and ThinkProgress. Her academic work has appeared in the journals of Temple, Georgetown, Santa Clara, UPenn, and UVA. Merritt is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard College. She is admitted to the Bars of New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the United States Supreme Court. Based in Miami, FL and Denver, CO, she has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a National Security Fellow at the Center for New American Security, and a Cyber Fellow at the East-West Institute. She is founder of women’s tech expert network Tech & Roses; serves on the Advisory Committee of Miami-Dade College Cybersecurity Center, and on the Advisory Board of Black Girls Hack, has served as Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity at


Tammy Hinkle

FORMER CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER BGH

Tammy Hinkle, Chief People Officer at BlackGirlsHack, is a certified cybersecurity professional with expertise in Identity, Credential, and Access Management, as well as leadership, collaboration, Scrum, and project management. Tammy holds a Certificate in the Cybersecurity Professional Program from California State University, Long Beach. She also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Art in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Currently, Tammy is an IT Security Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Lab, working for MORI Associates, Inc. She has a passion for serving the community and it is important to her to leave the world a better place than she found it. She has dedicated more than 15 years to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. positively impacting African American children and teens. She is also a member of the distinguished organization Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In both organizations, Tammy has and currently holds both local and regional positions. Her involvement in enriching young lives also extends to her Board positions at two of the highest nationally ranked elementary and high schools. Tammy is purposeful and intentional in her work for the betterment of minds, ensuring equity and a safe space for learning and enrichment. Apart from her impressive professional and community achievements, Tammy cherishes her most important role as the mother of two lovely young ladies.

Leadership team



Joy Bryan

PROJECT MANAGER

Joy Bryan has always had a passion for service and community. She has had the opportunity to volunteer and give back to several organizations dear to her, especially causes that educate and empower children to learn and excel in technology. Joy’s passion for leadership also carried over to her career where she has an extensive background in operations and project management. An Atlanta native, Joy received her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Clark Atlanta University. Joy is an avid lifelong learner having taken many continuous education courses. More recently she completed the Cybersecurity & Information Security program at Emory University. Joy believes there is always a bright side, and she enjoys living a life full of optimism and black girl magic.


Emefa Agodo

DEPUTY CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

Emefa (Emma-fa) is an upcoming cybersecurity professional. After spending nearly a decade in the healthcare industry, Emefa pivoted to pursue a new passion—cybersecurity. This pivot has manifested change, growth, and an overall personal transformation. As a member of BlackGirlsHack, Emefa aligns with the vision of increasing diversity and representation in cybersecurity. Emefa’s journey with BlackGirlsHack has been an upward progression: beginning as a Lab Assistant, then promoted to Lab Manager, and now being selected as Director of Information Security. As opportunity never knocks twice, Emefa is always ready to jump into the battle and responsibility of securing the cyberspace.


Shaheera Kanani

DIRECTOR OF MENTORSHIP

Shaheera currently works in the cybersecurity space as a cloud security auditor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Information Systems and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech. In her free time, she manages her blog shaheerakanani.com which provides advice to new folks in the cybersecurity industry and volunteers with several other organizations helping women in cybersecurity and helping the world become a better place. Her passions include reading, baking, dancing, and watching sports.

Renee Perry

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Renee Perry is a seasoned professional boasting a rich 15-year tenure in customer service within the financial industry. Currently on an exhilarating trajectory in the field of cybersecurity, Renee is charting a new career path with a keen focus on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). As a dedicated student at Thrive DX in New York, Renee is supported by the Black Girls Hack initiative, showcasing her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. In addition to her academic pursuits, Renee serves as a SOC 1 Apprentice at MIC Talent Solutions, Inc., actively contributing to the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity operations. Beyond her professional endeavors, she extends her influence as a Youth Director and ambassador for the Marion County Development Partnership, emphasizing her commitment to community development and empowerment.


Esther Barson

DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE

Esther Barson is a Senior Consultant with demonstrated experience of working in Information Assurance, Risk Management and Compliance, IT Controls, and Internal Controls. She is Ernst and Young alumni and holds multiple certifications including Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Certified Scrum Master, CompTIA Security +, and is currently working to complete the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). Esther has been responsible for developing a variety of Assessment & Authorization deliverables for approval by Authorization Official. She is well-versed in implementing Risk Management Framework (RMF) in accordance with FISMA and NIST Standards, as well as ensuring security policies, procedures and recommendations comply with FISMA, NIST, HIPAA, organizational guidelines, and industry best practices and standards. Most of her experiences are in the financial services and healthcare, the most regulated industries. Esther has a bachelor’s degree in management studies and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Lindenwood University. Esther is a volunteer Sunday school teacher and loves to spend time with her family and friends. She is a well-spoken professional and looking forward to the opportunity where she can utilize her experience while continuing to grow her career.

Cawana Muhammad

DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

As a seasoned Project Manager with a rich blend of creativity and organizational prowess, Cawana Collins-Muhammad is a driving force in the world of project management. Holding a BBA in International Marketing from Pace University and an MBA in Marketing, along with Leadership and Management Certifications from Harvard Business School and a Project Management Certification, Cawana Collins- Muhammad brings a wealth of knowledge to every endeavor. With a skill set encompassing time management, organizational finesse, personable communication, attention to detail, and sharp research abilities, Cawana Collins-Muhammad is known for infusing a creative perspective into every project. Her professional philosophy revolves around maintaining meticulous organization while finding innovative ways to achieve goals and resolve challenges. An alumnus of prestigious institutions, Cawana Collins-Muhammad holds a BBA in International Marketing from Pace University and an MBA in Marketing. Additionally, she’s earned Leadership and Management Certifications from Harvard Business School and a Project Management Certification, showcasing a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Passionate about cybersecurity, Cawana Collins-Muhammad is gearing up for a transition into this dynamic field. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends, demonstrated through active immersion, reading, and podcast consumption, positions her as a forward-thinking professional ready to embrace challenges.


Morgan Bell

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

As the Social Media Manager for BlackGirlsHack, Morgan Bell is a champion of diversity and inclusion in the tech space, merging her passion for cybersecurity with a powerful advocacy for representation. Her keen understanding of the digital world drives her to raise awareness and amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in tech. Morgan's journey is marked by her ability to blend technical know-how with creative prowess. She uses her expertise in cybersecurity to weave engaging, informative narratives that enlighten and inspire action toward greater diversity and inclusion. In her pivotal role, Morgan applies her creative talents to develop innovative social media strategies. These strategies not only highlight the accomplishments of Black women in cybersecurity but also nurture an inclusive online community, paving the way for a more diverse and equitable tech industry. Before her curiosity for cybersecurity was piqued, Morgan flourished as a freelance artist and creative director. Her journey has been a captivating evolution, seamlessly transitioning from the realm of visual expression to the complex landscape of cybersecurity advocacy and community building. Intrigued by the myriad possibilities in the cybersecurity industry, Morgan dedicated herself to acquiring knowledge and skills. She attended Evolve Security Academy, where she attained her CompTIA Security+ certification and excelled to become a valued teacher's assistant at Evolve Security Academy. In addition to her professional pursuits, Morgan devotes her free time to rigorous study, working towards the highly esteemed Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification. This multi-faceted journey reflects Morgan's commitment to continuous learning and her passion for blending the worlds of artistry and cybersecurity, making her a dynamic presence in both spheres.


Sarah Farid, Esq

OF COUNSEL

COMING SOON


Nikki Smith

DIRECTOR OF THREAT INTELLIGENCE

Nikki is a cybersecurity enthusiast who has spent the last 15 years honing her craft as a professional and technical leader, taking on many roles such as Security Operations Manager, Senior Cloud Security Engineer, CISO, and Strategic Technical Advisor to name a few. As a young teen, she thwarted herself into learning more about information security after family members fell victim to identity theft. Since then, she has prioritized educating herself, her loved ones and her professional network on strategies to safeguard sensitive data while traversing the cyber world. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Information Science where she was the first student to curate a curriculum for independent study in computer security at the institution. Thereafter, she received her master's degree in cybersecurity with a specialization in cybersecurity technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She currently holds a CISSP and AWS Security Speciality certification, and is currently studying for various offensive security certifications. Today, she is the founder of SheHackedIt, a cybersecurity consulting business whose mission is to assist startups with shifting left the implementation of security solutions while emphasizing the importance of diversification within the security space. With a passion for community service, mentorship and cybersecurity; she proudly affiliates with organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Cyversity, and Women of Cyberjutsu. She is ecstatic to join BlackGirlsHack as the Director of Threat Intelligence, where she can utilize her skills to contribute to the evolution of diversity in cyber while serving to protect the organization.


Regina Griffin

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Regina Griffin is a highly motivated System and Network Administrator with over 3 years of experience in cybersecurity and software engineering, specializing in leadership, project management, and cybersecurity resilience. Regina has successfully completed training in TCP/IP protocols, OWASP, JAMF Management, NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and Microsoft Defender. Certified in ITIL, GIAC SANS GFACT, and Certified Scrum Master, she actively volunteers as the Director of Operations at BlackGirlsHack and serves as an Executive Assistant at BlackGirlsHack Security to Tennisha Martin. Regina is also the Director of the MiC HEaLS Program at Minorities in Cybersecurity. In her role as a System & Network Administrator in the Fintech sector, Regina managed access provisioning, utilized Service Now for ticket tracking, and demonstrated expertise in Google Cloud Platform. She played a key role in developing and updating SQL scripts for admin access, user accounts, and troubleshooting related to banking applications. Regina has a background in software update technology and has worked as a Coding Instructor, teaching Python online. With a focus on cybersecurity resilience, Regina currently serves as a Program Manager, contributing to the development and implementation of programs that enhance an organization's ability to withstand and recover from cyber threats. Her commitment to security, excellent communication skills, and innovative problem-solving approach make her a valuable asset in fast-paced environments.


April Richardson

DEPUTY CHIEF DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

With 13 years of experience in the technology and cybersecurity industry, April has established herself as a skilled professional with a diverse educational background in technology and cybersecurity. Her journey began with an associate degree from Wayne Community College, providing you with a solid foundation in Information System Security. Building on this, she earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from East Carolina University, showcasing her ability to explore different fields. Continuing her academic pursuits, she obtained a master’s degree in information technology and management with a concentration in Cybersecurity from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Over the past few years, she has delved into the intriguing world of cybersecurity, aiming to comprehend the evolving dynamics of this unique industry, specifically in Red Team Operations. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family, gardening, cooking, and playing video games, showcasing a balance between work and leisure in her life.


Dion 

DIRECTOR OF APPLICATION SECURITY

Dion, aka @Martian is an Appsec Engineer and Security Researcher with experience in Healthcare, government, and FinTech cybersecurity. He has a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Dion holds several certifications such as the CISSP, GWAPT, eWPTX and CEH-Master. His mission is to break barriers in the cybersecurity field and spread knowledge and skills for success. His technical content has been featured in Intigriti’s Bug Bytes, InfoSecWriteups, System Weakness and his personally-owned publication. He is passionate about maintaining a versatile skill set in order to embrace the ambiguity of the modern cybersecurity market. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, engaging in threat intelligence research, bug bounty, building security projects and mentoring others willing to learn more about the field.


Jamila Wilson

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Jamila Wilson is a dedicated IT Security Professional with a rich background in IT audit, operations, and security. With over seven years of experience supporting major corporations, Jamila has honed her skills in cybersecurity, IT audit, physical security, DevOps, vulnerability management, risk assessment, SCADA systems, cyber exploitation, and network engineering. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Jamila has always had a passion for safeguarding information and people. This passion has driven her to excel in various roles, including her current position as an IT Security Professional at FTI Group in Munich, Germany, where she leads comprehensive global IT audit projects, enhances IT compliance and security, and significantly reduces security threats through advanced threat intelligence and incident management. Her tenure at Accenture and Puma SE further solidified her expertise in developing security plans, conducting thorough audits, and managing data protection initiatives. Jamila's educational background includes a Master of Science in Information Science from North Carolina Central University, and she is continually advancing her knowledge through certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, and ITILv3. Known for her ability to relate complex technical information to non-technical audiences, she has successfully delivered security awareness training to thousands of employees, enhancing their ability to recognize and respond to security threats. In addition to her professional achievements, Jamila is actively involved in her community as a Girl Scout leader. She enjoys traveling and reading, which contribute to her well-rounded character and global perspective. Jamila is also happy to work at BlackGirlsHack, where she wants to contribute to empowering and mentoring the next generation of Black women in cybersecurity. With a deep commitment to information security and a track record of success, Jamila Wilson continues to be a valuable asset in protecting information and ensuring the safety of organizations and their people.

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