The Ripple Effect: How Basma is building Community Connections to Strengthen Cyber Defenses

In this episode of Inclusive Cyber Danny Magallanes chats with Basma, a cybersecurity professional. Basma shares her journey into cybersecurity, emphasizing her passion for the field ignited by her love for Legos and out-of-the-box thinking. She discusses her role as the vice president of Women in Cybersecurity, Washington affiliate, highlighting the importance of building a supportive community and providing guidance and mentorship for women entering the field. Basma also emphasizes the significance of transferable skills for transitioning professionals and the need for sponsors to advocate for career growth. Danny and Basma discuss the importance of persistence, giving opportunities to diverse talent, and the role of branding in personal and professional development. Overall, the episode aims to inspire and empower individuals to pursue careers in cybersecurity while fostering diversity of thought in the industry.

SHOW NOTES
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Linkedin Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/basma-basem-9088911a4/

ORGANIZATIONS

Women in Cybersecurity - https://www.wicys.org/
Cyversity - https://www.cyversity.org/

BOOKS

Building a Career in Cybersecurity: The Strategy and Skills You Need to Succeed - https://www.amazon.com/Building-Career-Cybersecurity-Strategy-Succeed-ebook/dp/B0CBNLMTM3

Chapters

• 0:00 IC_anim
• 0:02 IC Mission
• 1:02 Introduction
• 2:25 Basma's Background
• 3:10 Legos Inspired Her to Get into Cybersecurity
• 4:29 Getting into WiCyS
• 6:31 Mentorship
• 7:47 Doing your Due Dilligence Before Contacting a Mentor
• 9:15 Providing Guidance to People who want to enter Cybersecurity
• 12:00 Guidance for Transitioning Professionals
• 13:28 We need to Value Transferrable Skills
• 15:55 Best Practices on Finding a Mentor
• 20:32 What is a Sponsor and how to Find One
• 23:09 Hiring Managers Disconnect
• 27:55 Tips on Building your Brand
• 32:14 AI Discussion
• 37:35 AI a Good Thing or Something We should be Concerned About?
• 40:40 Just Do It!
• 45:45 Book Recommendations
• 48:37 Closing