Gratitude: Reflecting on 2021
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“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” — Albert Schweitzer
Even though it sometimes felt like the year went by in the blink of an eye, 2021 also felt like time stood still. We got through another arduous year in the time of pandemic, but you don’t always get through these things alone.
I’d like to take time here to acknowledge some folks who inspired me, helped me, or just are beacons for greatness who emit a light from inside them.
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” — Amy Collette
In no particular order, a shout out to just some of the folks who really helped to make my 2021 special. There are more folks that I make sure to let know how much I appreciate and respect them. Here’s the highlight reel:
- Andy Piazza (@klrgrz on Medium & Twitter)
I’m grateful for Andy’s willingness to share his Threat Intelligence knowledge. He was super helpful to me this past year as I attempted to take his CTI 101 course, while displaced from my home and sitting in a hotel room. (Long story.) But, Andy was great. I’m in awe of his vast knowledge and great style of imparting said knowledge. - Eric Belardo (@ebelardo73 on Twitter)
I’m grateful to Eric for inviting me to be an Advisory Board member for Raíces Cyber Organization whose mission is to get more Latina and Latino professionals into the Information Security industry and community. - Joe Schottman (@JoeSchottman on Twitter)
Joe has been an excellent supporter of women learning InfoSec. He even went as far as volunteering his time to teach a group of my mentees in Nigeria about the OWASP Top 10. He answered a call I put out on Twitter, and I’m forever grateful because he made such a positive impact on those ladies. - Share the Mic in Cyber (@ShareInCyber on Twitter)
I’m grateful that this initiative exists to help boost the voices and visibility of our Black InfoSec fam. I have participated three times and have made incredible connections with @PrivacyKai, @rebekahskeete, and @Do1nIT_Sec, three amazing folks with whom I was paired for each Share the Mic in Cyber event. - Wentors (@Wentors_ on Twitter)
This is a non-profit group based in Kenya with whom I’ve served as a mentor and now as an ambassador. They work to help educate and train women and girls for careers in tech and Information Security. - CyberGirls (@cybersafehq on Twitter)
I am a mentor of 5 young women from the Oyo State of Nigeria through the CyberGirls program of the CyberSafe Foundation there.
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Podcasts or conferences I’ve done in 2021. Where available, click the link to listen or view the presentation! (I don’t think I omitted any but let me know if you think I did!)
- ITSP Magazine. “Be Curious, Be Kind, Diversify Your Network, And Use Your Words Wisely | Redefining Education With Tracy Maleeff.” 15 June 2021.
- Tessian. “How to Lead With Empathy.” 7 July 2021. S2E3.
- The Diana Initiative. CISO & Leader Panel. 16 July 2021.
- Cyber Space Kenya. Featured Speaker. 8 August 2021.
- Boston Security Meetup. Not recorded, to the best of my knowledge. 19 August 2021.
- The Many Hats Club Podcast. Episode 101. 24 August 2021.
- Great Women in Fraud. Episode 49. 14 September 2021.
- Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference. “Data Privacy and Cyber Security: The Proactive Approach.” 6 October 2021.
- Cyber Talk Africa. “A step by step guide on how to start a cybersecurity career.” 9 October 2021.
- Texas Cyber Summit. “Information Literacy Makes for Better Information Security.” 29 October 2021.
- She Hacks Kenya. Fireside Chat Speaker. 25 November 2021.
- The Librarian Linkover. Episode to be posted in 2022. Check the site.
