Influential Woman · Cybersecurity

Chelsie Toplyn

Information Security Analyst, American Psychological Association

Valrico, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's in Criminology Degree University of South Florida Degree Associate's in Liberal Arts Degree Hillsborough Community College Cert CompTIA Security Plus Cert CompTIA Cloud Essentials Plus

Her Story

About Chelsie

I've been in cybersecurity for almost 12 years now, and I'm a security analyst. I always tell people I don't have aspirations to management because this is my favorite place to be. As an analyst, I just like having my hands-on tools and being in the dirt and getting my hands dirty. One of the big things I like to advocate for is data sovereignty, which means not just keeping your data secure, but having control of your own data and making it work for you. This is especially important when it comes to young women and young girls, because we're very susceptible to doxing and people using our data in horrible ways to manipulate us or manipulate other people we love. I think I'm most proud of becoming a better communicator with staff at the companies I work with. My customer service has grown being in this position, because I don't like to be the big, bad, scary security person. I've always had an open-door policy, and I like to keep candy on my desk when we were in office. I'm an introvert who was forced to be an extrovert, but I do notice sometimes I do need that human connection, and working on that and becoming a better coworker has been my favorite thing. At the end of the day, I just like helping people. That's been my biggest goal in life, in general. If there's something I can help with, not just cybersecurity-wise, if I see somebody in need and I know I can spare my time, spare a couple bucks, spare whatever, if I don't need it, somebody else does.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Chelsie

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I had a manager who said during an icebreaker for our team that if you think about when you hear news or you watch the news, whatever you get most angry about is what you're most passionate about. That really stuck with me and helped me focus on criminology. I try to work not just my passion, but something that makes a difference.

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

Just do it. Don't question it, don't worry about being the only woman in the group, don't worry about thinking you can't do it. A lot of the times, you can. I would say 99% of the time, you can do it. And even that one percent you can't, there's always another chance. For example, with certifications, you can always take it again. Nothing is ever set in stone. Just do it.

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