Alumni
Lucky Nyiraneza Wolcott emigrated to the United States from Uganda in 2008 and now lives in Northern California. Proficient in English, she also speaks Swahili, the official language of the East African Community. Family tragedy – the death of her mother which left her to raise her younger siblings – helped shape her into the resilient, determined and problem-solving individual she is now known to be. After working 10 years in the airline and health care industries, she decided to further her education and enrolled at Cabrillo College where she is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems. After taking her first class in security, Lucky realized that a career in Information security would suit her perfectly. She recalls, “It was a light bulb moment for me!” She adds, “I am thankful that I discovered the NextCISO apprenticeship program as I believe it is preparing me for an amazing career in cybersecurity.”
Amanda Lyking is an award winning Quality Assurance Engineer with 11 years of experience in the digital advertising, finance and insurance industries. She has worked on several major brands including Royal Caribbean, Four Seasons, Under Armour, Mustela, Met Opera, Smithsonian, and Virgin America. The teams she was a member of developed HBOGO for Xbox and Playstation, and transitioned The Daily Beast from paper to digital. Looking to expand her already significant knowledge and skills, Amanda joined the NextCISO Apprenticeship program and is hoping to use this program as a foundation to pivot into a career in futurism and Artificial Intelligence auditing. She says, “I was honored to have been selected for this program as it is preparing me for an area that not only intrigues me but is a passion of mine.”
A native of Oakland, California, Evan Rachal can be described as a “go-getter.” She has been steadily employed since she was 15 years old, keeping up with her education at the same time. She received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and her J.D. from the Santa Clara University School of Law. Her work experience spans a variety of industries, including legal, retail, public service, non-profit organizations, and political campaigns. She has spent the last 6+ years working in operations for several digital marketing agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Naturally curious and a creative problem solver, Evan was intrigued by The NextCISO program and apprenticeship opportunity. She says, “I am looking forward to combining my knowledge and experience gained through education and past positions with the cybersecurity training to put it all into practice for a company or organization that could benefit from the unique perspective that I can bring to the table.”
Kim Vivas is a native of New York City and graduated from a program called Prep for Prep, a leadership development and gifted education program targeted at high achieving NYC underrepresented students. She went on from there to earn a degree in Psychology from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Her work experience includes positions in office management, human resources, finance, programming, training and event planning. She shares, “I am interested in the holistic employee experience and am especially passionate about helping organizations achieve diversity & inclusion. I also believe in the importance of combating mental health stigma in the workplace.” Recently Kim was a finalist for the Diversity Initiative of the Year Award by Women in IT and became a signed model with MMG. Her interest in cybersecurity and The NextCISCO program stems from her desire to help her fellow employees gain confidence in the workplace.
Lauren West hails from San Francisco, California and has experience in the hospitality, marketing, and technology sectors. Trained in Culinary Arts Administration, she broke into the technology industry while working at Airbnb, where she oversaw facilities. She took those skills to UserVoice, Beyond, and Lob, where she held the positions of Operations Manager, Technology Operations Manager, and Marketing Copywriter. In her Technology Operations role, she sat under the office of the CTO and was responsible for building the business continuity and disaster recovery strategies. Lauren was also charged with executing security drills globally across three facilities. The output of her work helped the company smoothly and rapidly transition at the onset of the pandemic. She notes, “I started my career working for small businesses, where I learned how to roll up my sleeves and get things done as efficiently as possible. However, my career has grown in a way that has let me see the value of automation, and the complexities that come with implementing it. I’m thrilled to be a part of the inaugural class of the NextCISO program and am excited to have the opportunity to break into the Cyber Security industry.”
Margarita Azizyan was born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia where she mastered the Armenian, Russian, Spanish, and English languages and obtained her Master’s Degree in Linguistics. Several years ago she came to the U.S. and settled in Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where she graduated cum laude. While at Cal Poly she was an active member of the Student Digital Forensics Research Team, WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity), and the National Society of Leadership and Success, CPP Chapter. Career-wise, Margarita has 3 years of research and development experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She is honored to be a part of the first NextCISO Apprenticeship and excited to be able to pursue a career in the evolving field of Cybersecurity.
Richard Osagie
Richard Osagie has been working in the Information Technology field for over six years. During that time, in addition to providing stellar technical support to hundreds of end-users with diverse needs, he has been involved with major technology deployments and complex security projects. He has worked at JPMorgan Chase, Northwestern Mutual, Barclay’s Investment Bank, Bettercloud and is currently at Beyond, a digital design agency. Personal projects include the launch of a technology consulting firm and developing acquisition strategies for a real estate conglomerate specializing in the revitalization of underdeveloped communities. Richard asserts, “I thrive on helping others reach their full creative potential by giving them the technological guidance that is so important to their success. The truth is that, in this day and age, a company’s approach to technology can make or break it.” It is this belief that made Richard the perfect candidate for The Next CISO apprenticeship program. This training will be pivotal in the navigation and scaling of all of his pursuits.
Sean Coutee was born and raised in Alexandria, LA. A combat Army veteran, he received the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal for his service in Operation Desert Storm. Post military, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Northwestern State University. He currently resides in the Dallas area and works for a major insurance company as an IT Quality Assurance Analyst. All told, he has over 13 years of experience working in the telecom, healthcare, software, and insurance industries. In his spare time, he volunteers for several organizations, including a veteran’s support group. He says, “My focus is always achieving measurable, dependable results. I like working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and pride myself in being able to deliver under pressure. I enjoy collaborating with multiple levels of management to assure continuity. Moving into cybersecurity through the NextCISO program is the perfect next step for me.”
TaShawndra Brown was born and raised in Florida. In 2014 she graduated from Bethune-Cookman University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. For the past 5 years she has been working as a Felony Probation Officer, a position which has allowed her to develop two of her long-held interests: helping people and problem solving. Although she says that she has thoroughly enjoyed making a difference in the lives of those who have strayed from the straight and narrow, TaShawndra declares. “In recent years I have become more and more fascinated by the ways that technology plays a part in shaping people and organizations. As a result, I reached out to the Women in Cybersecurity group on LinkedIn and quickly connected with Jenai Marinkovic. I’m so glad I did!” Through that connection TaShawndra is now one of the small group enrolled in the inaugural NextCISO apprenticeship program and hopes to transition to the exciting field of cybersecurity.
Nicholas Brown was born and raised in New York City where he thrives on the cultural diversity it offers. He says, “I loved hearing the different languages spoken and being exposed to the myriad of ethnicities.” College took him to the State University of New York at Albany where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He also had concentrations in Psychology and Latin American/Caribbean Studies. Since graduating in 2014, he’s worked in the healthcare, hospitality, and arts fields but says that he had yet to find “the perfect career for his broad interests and analytical mind.” He used his time during the pandemic, when NYC literally shut down, to search other career options and came across The NextCISO program. He now believes that the expansive, evolving industry of Cyber Security might be just what he has been looking for.
A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, Olubukola Wise received a B.S. in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and, in 2011, was awarded the CQPA (Certified Quality Process Analyst) designation by the American Society for Quality. She currently works as a technical analyst for the IT service management company TELAID. She describes herself as “a 5S Champion who has implemented and sustained 5S lean methodology in startup and high volume manufacturing.” As a quality assurance manager for BWAY Corp. and then a continuous improvement coordinator for Axia Corp., she utilized her process auditing, process documentation and process simplification know-how to support manufacturing operational excellence. In April 2020 she obtained her CompTIA Security+ certificate and, as of Feb. 2020, is also a GoCyberSec Certified Cybersecurity Risk Management Associate. She hopes to use her NextCISO training to add value to the GRC (Government Risk Compliance) Cybersecurity community.
Teresa Ramirez was born and raised in Mexico, making Spanish her native language. After emigrating to the U.S, she attended Palomar College and then obtained her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from California State University-San Marcos. While at CSU-SM, she served as the External Affairs Director of the Latino Business Student Association. She also has four years of customer service experience in various industries. On a personal note, showing her determination, initiative, and desire to learn, Teresa traveled solo through Europe last year (before the pandemic) where she visited 12 countries and more than 22 cities! She notes, “While traveling, technology kept me not only oriented in foreign lands but in touch with loved ones back home. I am thrilled to be expanding my knowledge in this area as I believe that the evolution of technology is at a defining moment and I want to be at the forefront. I am confident that The Next CISO apprenticeship is the right step toward making my career dreams come true.”
Elijah Luutu brings over twenty four years of experience in Radio Frequency design, implementation, expansion, optimization, integration and Project management of Cellular and Wireless networks. He has done consulting work across the US with all of the major US wireless Carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint and vendors like Ericsson, and ALU (now Nokia). Eli was on the team responsible for design, performance, optimization and monitoring wireless networks on special events for AT&T and Sprint. Some of those events included the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival in Indio, CA, and various NASCAR events around the country. He received his BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He sees transitioning to cybersecurity through the NextCISO program a natural progression in his career.
Nathan Li is a recent college graduate residing in Los Angeles, CA. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California Irvine. During his time there, he sought to diversify his education by taking a wide-range of courses which include programming, social media marketing, and accounting. He currently works as a Marketing Analyst for a Cybersecurity company and it was there that he discovered the Next CISO program. He hopes to use the knowledge gained from the apprenticeship to better understand his field and potentially jump start his own career in cybersecurity. He believes that he has found the career path he would most like to pursue.
Jeffrie Robinson was born and raised in Chicago, and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He has several years of experience in the food service and manufacturing industries, both of which, he believes, need stronger cybersecurity. As a student of the NextCISO program, he is looking to gain a better understanding of risk and how it impacts various industries. He hopes to help companies like the ones he’s worked at protect themselves by designing security solutions for them.
Influenced by his mother’s career in the information security field, Jeffrie plans to also obtain his associate degree in CIT with a focus in cyber defense. Jeffrie’s current interests include math challenges, robotics, Japanese anime, and volunteering for social causes.
Chelsea Mcanulty is a native of Sacramento, California where she gained experience in customer service, hospitality, and sales. After having a child and being a stay-at-home mom for 4 years, she missed the business world but decided to pursue a different career path – one where she could gain new skills and build on them. Armed with her infectious enthusiasm and passion for learning new things, Chelsea joined the technology world. Presently, she works as an executive administrator and HR coordinator for a technology-oriented non-profit. She says, “I feel that this is where I belong! Now my main goal is to better understand the cyber world.” And that is exactly what she is doing. She now holds certificates in Google Cloud and Google Workspace (G SUITE) and is working toward others.
Cody has a degree in early childhood education but, after a stint in the Army where he trained and served as an intelligence analyst, his career path took a different route. As a civilian, he gravitated to private security roles which led him to a position as a Dual Rate Dispatcher for a casino enterprise. There he monitors several departments, ready for any emergency that might arise. He interacts regularly with sheriffs’ departments and the Secret Service and is trained in CCTV, other surveillance equipment, and CIP reporting. He is also certified in Google Workspace. The experience has increased his interest in cybersecurity.
Cody is a father of two and describes himself as a history buff. He enjoys archery and dappling as an armorer and bladesmith.
Steve Dorelien is a proud native of Rockland County, New York, and a graduate of Albany State University where he majored in Information Science. He has experience working in the political, sales, and technology industries. He is currently an IT professional in the retail department of a multinational technology company where he interacts with customers, sharing best practices, remediating device issues, and facilitating repairs if necessary.
Steve is currently on track to receive his Cybersecurity Analyst Certification from IBM and his Blue Team Level 1 certification. Steve says, “My plan is to keep on building my cyber knowledge and skills by immersing myself in the NextCISO program and the cybersecurity world.”
Estela Delgado has over 12 years of experience in Information Technology. She has expertise in network security, network infrastructure, technical assessments, and project management. She is a Chapter Lead for Southern California’s Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC). Estela holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Technology from Mt. Sierra College and is trained as a CCNA (Certified Cisco Network Administrator). She currently works as a network consultant.
In her spare time, Estela enjoys teaching students from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, introducing them to the world of technology. She has worked in the CyberPatriot program teaching cybersecurity fundamentals to middle and high school students. Pleased to be part of the NextCISO program, Estela notes, “Finding this program was like finding a soulmate. It makes perfect sense for me. I look forward to the day that I can make a difference leading the cybersecurity efforts of a growing business – and maybe even pioneering new methods!”
Eva Baaza hails from Uganda where she worked in project management and as an instructional designer for IT curriculum. After relocating to Los Angeles, Eva earned her MBA from Azusa Pacific University. While there as a student, Eva worked as executive administrator and writing coach. After graduation, she worked as a business development administrator for DreamOut People’s Project.
Eva is an active member of the community volunteering for Protecting Our Precious Curious Kids On Line!, Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Paris & Paris Law Firm. She has earned her AWS Partner: Accreditation (Technical) Certificate and is a Certified Network Security Specialist LV1 from the International CyberSecurity Institute. Eva says, ”I find security and the cloud very intriguing and love the challenges that both bring with them in the modern era.”
Rosa Le was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan with one younger brother, two supportive parents, and a cat named Milo. She is a 22-year-old whose hobbies include playing video games, going to the gym, and listening to music. She is currently a cybersecurity student and has graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.
I am currently a Computer technician with 2 years of experience. As an individual that loves growing in learning newer technologies, I joined the NextCISCO Apprenticeship program in 2022 where I am learning new skills that will be apply to a GRC role. Jordy Guillen was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As someone who loves achieving goals, created a new sports program at Northern Michigan University. With the experiences from working with clients and customers support, he tailored and dedicated his skills to continue a new role as Computer technician. “I feel that I need to continue learning, in order to give back more to the community.” Therefore, Jordy is now working to continue his education in the NextCISCO apprenticeship program. After taking the DiSC test, I am considered as an influence. I tried to help others and inspired others to work together. Afterall, working with a team accomplishes the dream.
Antonio Hernandez was born in Lansing, so huge fan of MSU, and sports in general with his favorite being basketball. He values family and enjoys playing video games.
Anthony Joseph Jr is a graduate of Nexus at the University of Michigan Engineering with studies in Digital Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Newtwork Security, Cloud Security, and Microsoft Security amongst others. Some of his interests include Knowledge, Tech, Peace/Meditation, as well as watching Sports, TV, and movies, and being a father.
Antonio was born in Grand Rapids MI but grew up in Chicago IL. In Aberdeen MS where he graduated high school, he learned to haul hay, ride a horse, and also learned about horse ownership. Attended the Xavier University of Louisiana and then went to Atlanta GA, and is now back in Grand Rapids MI. Family time, financial freedom & stability, an uncapped career arc, and hobby time are some things that are important to Anthonio.
Anne is passionate about Privacy Law & Data Protection as she currently studies Cybersecurity and completed her Legal Education in India where she was born and raised. Some of her hobbies consist of reading, cooking, and research on the Intersection of Law & Technology. Although an introvert, she is flexible and adaptive, and adventurous.
Max is a 24-year-old born and raised in GR who loves dogs, favorite color is purple, and has two older sisters. Hobbies include Studying Korean and Spanish, going for walks and interest in tech. Some fun facts about Max; lost 60-80 lbs since starting a weight loss journey, has had many broken bones including the nose, and has a nephew one year younger.
Kimberly is a Registered Health Information Technician and has experience in Customer Service where she reprocessed claims, tech support, and updated the CRM Database. Kimberly likes to read and bake.
Stacia comes from a small family but is a big foodie who loves taking vacations and self-care, as well as Netflix and music. She also loves to explore Astrology, Spirituality, and Conspiracies.
Hello all, I am a first year student at WMCAT Cybersecurity Adult training program, Winter 2022-23’. I am 24 years of age, born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I attended Ottawa Hills High, graduated 2016, also studied at Western Michigan University graduating December 2020, with a BS in University Studies and Minor in Interior Design. My DiSC learning style is SI. Some of Rewlon’s interest or hobbies include Graphic and Interior Design, Sports, and Reading.
I was born in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a City High graduate (Class of 2013). I have an associates in art from GRCC. I am someone looking to grow and gain skills for the future. Family, friends, and self-growth are what is important to me and have helped shape me into who I am today. I am here to fulfill a WANT and a NEED. The want to gain knowledge and find a career. And need to gain new skills and find a way to be successful.
TrackMarcuis’ path from leading teams in customer service to exploring the world of cybersecurity is a testament to his adaptability and passion for growth. With 15+ years of experience managing multicultural teams in industries like online travel and telecommunications, he’s honed his skills in leveraging data and fostering a collaborative environment. His recent transition from Booking.com was sparked by a business acquisition, leading him to discover the exciting opportunities at WMCAT and GRCIE. In his downtime, Marcuis enjoys fishing and has had memorable encounters with musicians like the Zac Brown Band and India Arie. A renewed love for reading and a penchant for audiobooks keep him engaged, with favorites like ‘The Four Doors’ and ‘Man’s Search for Meaning.’ Marcuis is excited to bring his leadership abilities and diverse experiences to the GRC program, eager to connect and grow with his peers. Marcuis is a member of the GRCIE Leadership program where he’s learning to lead GRC teams.
