Her Story
About Shakiera
I have been working in my field for over 15 years with a very cross-functional background. I started off about 10 years ago in the IT space, working for financial organizations like T. Rowe Price and Allegis Group, and then transitioned into cybersecurity where I began developing cybersecurity programs and policies, which brought me into a leadership space. For the past 4 years in my current role, my main focus has been organizational leadership. I create cybersecurity programs and large organizational programs, developing policies and procedures that align to industry standards, whether that's cybersecurity standards or Maryland law and regulations, and creating program workflows to ensure business continuity. What I'm most proud of is my ability to take nothing and make it something, to build any type of organization or program from the ground up. I recently created a large substance abuse program and have managed plenty of programs throughout Maryland. This work is deeply personal to me because my sister passed away during COVID and she was a social worker, so I really deep dive into giving back to underprivileged communities, substance abuse individuals, and homeless individuals through my business, SYR Help and Health Network, to honor her legacy.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shakiera
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family. Definitely my family who supports any of my crazy business ideas and who supports me going back to school every time I say that I'm done. That family support has been absolutely essential to everything I've been able to accomplish.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never become complacent. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to drive me forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to really seek continuing education immediately. Don't just stop at what's in the textbooks or what you learn through your degrees. Go beyond that and seek continuing education to help further develop those skills that are already there. The field moves so fast, especially with technology and AI, that ongoing learning is absolutely essential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is definitely AI. AI is moving faster than I think any of us ever thought it would. Adapting to this new way of technology is a real challenge, but the key question is how can we utilize it to work smarter - not to work for us, but to work with us. I believe AI is ultimately a help to our industry if we approach it the right way.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value most important to me in both my work and personal life is integrity. It's about doing things the right way with great intention. That principle guides everything I do, whether I'm building programs from the ground up or working with my family and community.
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