Patricia Karpus
Patricia Karpus, MSEE, PMP, is an accomplished engineering leader with extensive experience guiding complex, global programs across the technology and cybersecurity landscape. She currently serves as an Engineering Leader and FIPS Manager on Cisco’s Global Certifications Team, where she leads cross-functional teams to ensure products meet rigorous federal and industry cryptographic and security standards. Known for her ability to translate strategic objectives into executable plans, Patricia consistently delivers results across both short-term initiatives and multi-million-dollar, long-duration programs.
With a strong foundation in electrical engineering and program management, Patricia brings deep technical expertise combined with exceptional organizational and communication skills. Her career spans leadership roles at Cisco, Qualcomm, Flex, Ericsson, and ST-Ericsson, where she managed full product lifecycles, ASIC and chipset development, high-volume manufacturing, and complex certification portfolios. She has extensive experience working with global teams, public sector agencies, and executive leadership, ensuring alignment across engineering, security, operations, and business stakeholders.
Patricia holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She is also a graduate of Cisco’s JUMP Women’s Leadership Development Program and is deeply committed to mentorship, community engagement, and advancing women in cybersecurity. Through her volunteer leadership with organizations such as A Doorway to Hope and the League of Women in Cybersecurity (LoWiCyS), Patricia demonstrates a strong dedication to service, collaboration, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.
• PMP
• Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science
• LoWiCys - Leagure of Women in Cybersecurity, Inc.
• A Doorway to Hope
• League of Women in CyberSecurity (LoWiCyS)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a career built on continuous learning, adaptability, and the willingness to grow across disciplines. Over the past 34 years, I’ve navigated telecommunications, electronics design, program management, and cybersecurity, with each role strengthening my technical foundation and shaping my leadership approach. Foundational experiences at organizations such as General Electric, Ericsson, Qualcomm, and now Cisco taught me how to lead through change, collaborate across teams, and balance innovation with responsibility—especially in high-stakes environments supporting government customers.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came through mentorship. Early in my career, strong female leaders—particularly one of my first managers at Cisco—helped me see myself as a leader in a male-dominated industry. She taught me the importance of claiming my seat at the table, advocating for my work, and leading with confidence, all while staying focused on delivering results. That guidance shaped how I lead today and motivates me to pass the same support and visibility on to others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find a strong mentor who understands your journey and can advocate for you. Never doubt your abilities, build your network, and take every opportunity—even ones that feel outside your plan—because they can open doors to paths you never imagined. Lead with confidence, stay visible, and embrace growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the ongoing underrepresentation of women—early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room, learning to trust that my perspective belonged. In government cybersecurity, another challenge is balancing innovation with absolute accountability, since the stakes are high and there’s no room for shortcuts. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to lead, mentor, and help shape a more inclusive and responsible industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people and systems I serve. I prioritize continuous learning and adaptability, knowing that growth in technology and leadership requires curiosity and openness to change. Mentorship and empowerment—especially for women in technical fields—are central to my approach, and I embrace every opportunity to support others, whether it’s a colleague or one of my children’s friends. Above all, I believe transparency and service-driven leadership are key to building trust, fostering innovation, and making a lasting impact.