Sara Jacob, CISSP, PMP
Sara Jacob, CISSP, PMP, is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with more than 17 years of experience across government, defense, and private sectors. She currently serves as a Cyber Program Lead at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, where she directs large-scale cybersecurity initiatives, strengthens partner-nation capabilities, and works closely with senior officials and world leaders to advance global cyber resilience and mission-critical security operations.
Earlier in her career, Sara supported NASA on major spaceflight programs, contributing to cybersecurity efforts that protected launch systems and safeguarded technology essential to missions returning to the moon. Her strong foundation in computer science and her ability to operate across multiple languages allow her to build trusted partnerships and navigate diverse environments with clarity and precision.
Sara’s contributions have earned national recognition, including the United States Attorney Public Service Award in 2018, honoring her exceptional service and leadership in protecting communities and national interests. She has also been commended by NASA and other federal partners for her role in advancing high-priority missions and achieving critical cybersecurity objectives.
A published author and mentor, Sara holds a Master’s in Computer Science along with industry certifications including CISSP and PMP. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Leadership and AI Implementation, focusing on how artificial intelligence can strengthen human decision-making in cyber operations through responsible innovation.
Her leadership philosophy is anchored in integrity, clarity, and consistency, guiding her approach as she builds partnerships, leads global programs, and empowers future leaders in the cybersecurity domain.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• University of Technology – Iraq - Bachelor of Science - BS, Computer Science
• Old Dominion University - Master of Science - MS, Computer Science
• Civil Servant Award from the U.S. General
• • NASA OCIO Core Value Award (2022)
• • Certificate of Achievement from FBI Director, Robert Mueller III (2010)
• • U. S. Army Certificate of Authenticity Operation New Dawn (2007)
• Active volunteer with CISSP
• ForKids
• PMI Institute
• CISSP
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, curiosity, and a clear sense of purpose. My journey across government, defense, and private sectors has shown me that technology succeeds only when people lead with vision and integrity. A commitment to continual learning and adaptability has allowed me to navigate complex challenges and build trust in every environment. I also owe much to the mentors and teams who pushed me to grow, and to the values instilled by my family, which keep me grounded, mission-focused, and dedicated to serving others with clarity and consistency. I especially honor my mother, whose strength and warrior spirit taught me that courage is not an act but a way of life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to lead with people, not processes. In cybersecurity, it is easy to focus on systems and tools, but lasting success comes from empowering the individuals who manage and protect those systems. That guidance reshaped how I lead, reminding me that technology exists to serve people and that strong teams, strengthened by resilience built through setbacks and challenges, are what truly drive mission success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I once read about an experiment where ten male developers and ten female developers were given an impossible problem to solve. The men returned pointing to the tools or the conditions, while the women returned pointing to themselves. They took full ownership of the outcome, even though the challenge was deliberately unsolvable. That moment stayed with me because it revealed how often women in technology carry responsibility even when the system itself is flawed. My advice to young women is this: keep that sense of ownership, because it is a powerful strength, but do not let it turn into self-doubt. You are not the problem. Your perspective, resilience, and way of thinking are part of the solution. Trust your abilities, trust your voice, and give yourself the same grace you give others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
“Right now, the biggest challenge and opportunity in cybersecurity is the rapid evolution of threats and the rise of artificial intelligence. Adversaries are moving faster, systems are more interconnected, and the workforce is stretched thin, and AI only adds to the intimidation many teams feel. But AI is also our greatest opportunity. If we use it to strengthen human judgment rather than replace it, we can build smarter defenses, faster responses, and more resilient missions. The future of cybersecurity will belong to the teams who learn to balance innovation with responsibility
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, clarity, and consistency anchor both my professional and personal life. Integrity keeps me honest in my decisions, clarity helps me communicate with purpose, and consistency ensures that I show up the same way every day. I also deeply value accountability and compassion, because doing right by people always leads to stronger results. Whether I am leading a team, mentoring others, or building cyber programs, these values guide how I serve. Outside of work, I believe in balance; gardening, cooking, paddle boarding, and spending time in nature remind me that success is not just about achievement; it is about staying aligned with what matters most.