Her Story
About Rima
Rima Akileh, PMP, MSCY, is a cybersecurity and security strategy professional serving as a Security TPM II at Nordstrom, where she leads enterprise-wide security and technology initiatives spanning identity and access management, network security, physical security, risk management, and compliance. She entered the cybersecurity field in 2017 after earlier careers in education consulting and wedding and event planning, transitioning into the industry through a boutique penetration testing firm. Since then, she has built extensive experience in security engineering, program management, technology strategy, and organizational transformation, including leading initiatives that strengthened security operations and supported enterprise resilience. Throughout her career, Rima has combined technical expertise with a strong passion for education, mentorship, and leadership development. At Nordstrom, she has led major initiatives including an identity and access management migration involving 400 locations, security and infrastructure improvements, PCI-DSS and HIPAA compliance efforts, and network cost optimization that generated significant savings. Previously, at Accenture and Deja vu Security, she developed security awareness and technology-literacy programs, conducted security assessments, coached engineers, and improved communication between technical teams and clients. Rima holds a bachelor's degree in management and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from City University of Seattle, along with a PMP certification and an AI Solution Architect certification. Her professional focus includes identity and access management, penetration testing, responsible AI, security strategy, risk management, zero-trust maturity, and cybersecurity education and training. She is committed to building inclusive environments where people feel empowered to contribute, experiment, and grow, and she actively mentors professionals in both technical and interpersonal skills. Through her work and volunteer involvement with organizations such as Toastmasters International and professional cybersecurity and project management communities, Rima continues to bridge the gap between security and business while helping others build confidence and advance their careers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rima
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the peer mentors and consultants who supported my career development as a woman in a male-dominated field. They helped me build confidence, strengthen my technical skills, and recognize my potential. Today, I’m passionate about mentoring others to create sustainable systems, establish measurable KPIs, and confidently advocate for themselves.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering cybersecurity is to remember that there is room for everyone. Explore the many different areas within the field, find where you feel most comfortable, and don’t be intimidated. Everyone starts somewhere, so take that first step and grow from there.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is moving faster than we can secure it. Industry leaders, companies, users, and policymakers must have an open conversation about responsibilities and guardrails and strive for consistent improvement. We can no longer afford to spend months writing and debating bills. We need to build in iterations and move faster.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value empathy, continuous improvement, and service. I focus on strengthening client relationships by helping cybersecurity consultants understand customer perspectives, communicate feedback effectively, and develop strong soft skills. I also value professional engagement through organizations such as ISACA for Puget Sound and WiCys, as well as giving back by supporting people experiencing poverty.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.