Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca Gathers brings over ten years of experience in the technology industry to her role at Simplenight, where she oversees compliance, scaling, and security initiatives. Her responsibilities include maintaining robust controls to support business growth, pursuing certifications in regulatory standards such as ISO and NIST, and ensuring that emerging technologies like AI are implemented ethically and responsibly. Prior to her current position, she served as a risk manager at LECOM, where she collaborated with hospital executives, local law enforcement, and risk consultants to enhance safety protocols in an emergency room setting. A first-generation college graduate, Rebecca earned her MBA after completing her undergraduate studies while working full time and raising a small child. She attributes her professional success to a deep personal drive developed during a difficult upbringing, which motivated her to pursue education and excellence rather than become another statistic. Rebecca advises professionals to remain authentic and push through challenges even when nervous, and she encourages women in technology to speak their minds and claim their place at decision-making tables.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm a first-generation college graduate. I grew up extremely poor, so I did not have much to influence me around, you know, to create wealth or to create any sense of security, or education. I think it kind of just came from within. I did not want to end up another statistic. I wanted to excel, and there was just something inside of me that said, something has to change.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Honestly, probably just to always be authentic, to know that you can do things that are difficult, and even if you are nervous, push yourself forward anyway, just do it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It is still very male-dominated, but there's room at the table for us. We are diligent, and we can oftentimes bring very different perspectives. So, I would say never be afraid to speak your mind, even if it's an opposing view. Your voice deserves to be heard.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's a lot of technology that's emerging very quickly, and I don't think that women typically have a seat at the table to make powerful decisions. So, I do think that's something that we can combat if we continue just to educate ourselves and to put ourselves forward and make sure that we are being vocal about the way technology is being produced and handled. It's imperative that we have a voice in shaping how, especially like AI, is rolled out.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I’m guided by a core set of values that shape both how I work and how I live.
In my professional life, I prioritize integrity, accountability, and clarity. I believe in doing what’s right even when it’s difficult, owning my decisions, and bringing structure to complex situations so teams can move forward with confidence. I’m also driven by continuous improvement—I like to learn, refine, and elevate whatever I’m responsible for.
In my personal life, I value family, balance, and wellbeing. I try to create a life where I can be present for the people who matter most, stay grounded, and maintain habits that support long‑term health and happiness. Across both spheres, I’m motivated by purpose: I want my work and relationships to contribute to something meaningful, not just be tasks I complete.
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