Priyanka Malarauthu

I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, resilience, and the incredible mentors who have supported me and my dreams. Staying curious has driven me to keep learning and adapting, even in challenging situations, while resilience has helped me overcome obstacles without losing sight of my goals. I am especially grateful to Tim Murphy - Assistant Vice President of User Services at Saint Louis University; Cid Cardoz- Director Associate at Zelis; Shawn Faulkingham - CIO of INDOFF LLC; Yvonne Long - IT Compliance Program Manager - Global Industrial and Jim Malkus - CEO of INDOFF LLC for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me without whom my journey would not have been the same.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning and to surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Early in my career, my mentors encouraged me to embrace opportunities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, even when they seemed daunting. That mindset has allowed me to grow continuously, take on leadership roles with confidence, and pursue my dreams while staying adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

My advice is to be confident in your abilities, stay curious, and never be afraid to ask questions or take risks. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so a willingness to learn and adapt is key. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, trust your instincts, and remember that your perspective as a woman is valuable it brings diversity, creativity, and innovation to the field.

One of the biggest challenges in cybersecurity today is keeping up with rapidly evolving threats and technologies the landscape changes daily, and staying ahead requires constant learning and agility. At the same time, this pace creates incredible opportunities: there is a growing demand for skilled professionals, and women have a unique chance to bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and leadership to a field that thrives on innovation and problem-solving.

The values I hold most dear are integrity, curiosity, and resilience. In my work, integrity ensures I approach every challenge with honesty and accountability, while curiosity drives me to keep learning and growing. Resilience helps me navigate obstacles and stay focused on my goals. In my personal life, these same values guide how I connect with others, make decisions, and pursue my passions with purpose and authenticity.