Influential Woman · Cybersecurity

Ashley B.

Consultant, Deloitte

Maryville, IL 62062

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Lindenwood University Degree St. Charles Degree Missouri - Cybersecurity Member Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) - Affiliate Board Member

Her Story

About Ashley

I'm a cybersecurity professional at Deloitte, where I work on federal projects focusing on risk, compliance, and zero trust. My day-to-day responsibilities involve understanding why we need cybersecurity policies to help everyone in the agency stay safe. I call myself a bridger because I bridge the technical language and business development so everyone can understand, even people who are afraid of computers or worried about human error. If you understand the compliance and read the policies and procedures, that will help you. I like to keep people comfortable and help them know that everyone can contribute to cybersecurity. What I'm most proud of is being that bridge between technical and business, making sure everyone is comfortable and understands that cybersecurity needs to be safe for everyone.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Ashley

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would attribute my success to not being afraid to learn new things, always wanting to learn. It's also about the people I've surrounded myself with who are reaching for excellence. Networking and who you've been influenced by has a lot to do with my success today. Having a strong support system and tapping into your discernment when you know deep down that you don't agree with something, not being afraid to let people and experiences go, and making sure your support system is solid has been crucial to where I am today.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

What I would say is surround yourself with people who are reaching for excellence as yourself, and have a circle of people around you that you can lean on if you ever feel that you can't achieve greatness. They teach about networking, and sometimes you reflect over your life who you've hung out with and who you've been influenced by, and that has a lot to do with success. Just having a strong support system and tapping into your discernment when you know deep down that you don't agree with something, not being afraid to let people and experiences go, and making sure your support system is solid at a young age. For women in my field specifically, I would say knowing when to use your voice and understanding timing, not just wanting to be heard, but having an impact with that. Build your voice and know that your idea can change the trajectory of a project, or an agency, or your company, or any organization. Be strong and use your voice and use it well, and understand timing along with that as well.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I would say for some women, knowing when to use their voice and understanding timing, when to use your voice, not just wanting to be heard, but having an impact with that. I believe with some women, especially with the college students that I talk to, you need to build your voice. Know that your idea can change the trajectory of a project, or an agency, or your company, or any organization. That's one thing that I believe is just being strong and using your voice and using it well, and understanding timing along with that as well.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I would say overall, having integrity in all that you do. I'm also someone who believes if your health is great, you can perform well. Outside of work, I focus on being a lifestyle person with weightlifting, eating well, skin care, and hair care, just to keep myself together and have a piece of everything that I do. I'm a very healthy influence with that for myself, making sure I maintain that balance and peace in everything.

Keep Exploring