Celida Bruss
Celida Bruss is a seasoned Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst and Lead Security Analyst with over 23 years of experience in cyber threat intelligence, defensive cyber operations, and network security. She began her career in the U.S. Navy at age 19 as a cryptologist, serving at the National Security Agency, where she quickly distinguished herself by securing complex networks and serving as the sole network defender for an entire Navy strike group. Over the years, she has evolved her expertise from network security into a dedicated focus on cyber threat intelligence, emphasizing the human-centric analysis of adversaries and their motivations.
Currently, Celida is leading the development of a comprehensive cyber threat intelligence program for a major St. Louis–based value-added reseller that builds enterprise networks for clients such as Panera Bread and Chevrolet. In this role, she manages program documentation, tooling, workflows, and analyst operations to enhance detection and prevention of cyber threats. Her approach blends technical intelligence with strategic culture, incorporating socio-cultural and geopolitical insights to understand the behaviors and motivations of cyber threat actors, turning technical observations into actionable recommendations for enterprise leaders.
Beyond her professional work, Celida is deeply committed to advocacy and mentorship, particularly for women and underrepresented communities in cybersecurity. She volunteers with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supports cancer research initiatives, and champions awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Through her career and philanthropic work, Celida demonstrates that determination, skill, and advocacy can overcome systemic barriers, inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while shaping the field with a human-centric perspective.
• US Navy Cryptologist
• Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs – Master’s in Intelligence Analysis (In Progress)
• University of Maryland Global Campus – Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity
• Influential Women 2026
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
• Cancer Research (Neuroblastoma)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of sheer determination, hands-on learning, and experience gained in the Navy and through my career. At times, luck also played a role, but consistently embracing challenges and learning on the job has been key.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve learned to observe the leaders and supervisors around me. I emulate their positive behaviors and also recognize poor leadership as an example of what not to do. Even bad leaders can teach valuable lessons.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can succeed even if you are differently abled or from an underrepresented background. Advocate for others and be a role model, showing that with persistence and skill, opportunities can be created and doors opened for others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is representation—being a Hispanic and Indigenous female in a male-dominated industry. At the same time, there’s an opportunity to integrate socio-cultural and geopolitical analysis into cyber threat intelligence and to improve diversity and access within the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Perfectionism and work ethic are central to my approach—I believe in doing things right rather than just quickly. I also prioritize advocacy for underrepresented communities, mentoring women in cybersecurity, and supporting causes such as cancer research and initiatives for missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Locations
World Wide Technology
Columbia, MD 21045