Brooke Baxter
Brooke Baxter is a graduate student in cybersecurity at Western Governors University, pursuing a competency-based program that emphasizes performance-based assessments and industry certifications. Known for their rapid learning and disciplined approach, Brooke has completed the majority of the program in just six months and anticipates graduating by the end of this month. Their academic journey builds on a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Utah, with minors in Criminology and Diversity, and an Associate’s degree in General Studies earned with distinction. Brooke also actively participates in professional groups like ISC² and the local Women in Cybersecurity chapter.
Before transitioning fully into cybersecurity, Brooke spent several years in behavioral health, working in anxiety and autism treatment centers as well as housing-first programs for individuals experiencing homelessness. They also gained four years of experience in physical security, combining hands-on protection with counseling and case management. This unique background informs their approach to cybersecurity, blending technical proficiency with a strong focus on protecting individuals and communities. Brooke describes their professional philosophy as grounded in having a clear “why,” structured learning, and seeking support when needed, all aimed at achieving tangible outcomes in security.
Brooke has earned multiple recognitions for both their academic and professional work, including the Graduate of Excellence award, the Rising Star Alumni Award, and a finalist nomination in the National American Miss Elite Pageant. They have also received the Cody Lee Gives Back Grant to support music production, reflecting a broad commitment to community and personal growth. With certifications including CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and ISC² Cybersecurity, Brooke is positioned to leverage both their clinical and security experience to excel in the protection of personal data and digital assets, aiming to make a meaningful impact in cybersecurity while continuing to learn and grow.
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• ISC2 Cybersecurity Certification
• Western Governors University- M.S.
• University of Utah- B.S.
• Salt Lake Community College- A.S.
• Graduate of Excellence
• Rising Star Alumni Award
• National American Miss Elite Pageant Finalist
• Cody Lee Gives Back Grant
• National Honor Society
• ISC Squared
• Women in Cybersecurity Group (university-based)
• Co-founder of Start by Believing University of Utah Division (sexual violence prevention)
• Member of Students Against Sexual Assault
• University of Utah
• NAACP Education Division
• Seattle (during George Floyd protests)
• Downtown Emergency Service Center (Housing First operation)
• University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my current mentor, Mitzi, who has been incredibly supportive throughout my graduate studies. She's a former nurse practitioner with the best bedside manner, and she's been there for me through some pretty significant hurdles I've faced during this program. Even when she wasn't on the clock, she was answering emails and providing support. Having that kind of mentorship and support system has been crucial to getting through the challenges I've encountered.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her to structure your time and make sure that if your brain, when you wake up, is telling you today needs to be a break, that you are letting yourself take that break. But you need to have a structure so that you can prevent yourself from going into those dark places when you just get stuck in a rut, and then eventually every day's a mental health day. Make sure that you have some type of structure and a support system, whether it's a friend or family member, who can just remind you what your end goal is and why you're doing it. Really have a why, because that's the thing that's gonna get you through it, is having a reason to get through it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What's most important to me is having a why, having a reason for what I'm doing. I want other autistic women to know that it's possible to be successful, and even if you're struggling at times, and even if it takes you a while, or even if you have to completely change your field, finding who you are is important. I just want them to feel inspired to see someone else on the spectrum making it. Throughout my journey, I've been involved in causes that matter to me, including co-founding the Start by Believing University of Utah Division for sexual violence prevention, being a member of Students Against Sexual Assault, working with the NAACP's Education Division during the George Floyd protests in Seattle, and working at the Downtown Emergency Service Center, a Housing First operation for the homeless community.