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Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration is your guide to building a thriving, long-lasting career.

This season, we’re diving into both the technical and human elements of a thriving career—exploring career strategy, leadership, and the evolving mindsets that fuel success, alongside deeper dives into cutting-edge technology tools, emerging industry trends, and critical technical skills.

With a mix of expert conversations and personal reflections, this season is about equipping you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Join us as we decode the wisdom of those who’ve forged their own paths and gain the insights you need to shape yours.

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration

Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Sage and Haley's Journey

February 09, 2026 • Courageous Daring Wonderful You, LLC • Season 2 • Episode 46

0:00 | 17:04

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In this episode of the Bites and Brilliance podcast, I speak with Sage and Haley, on our Away Mission at the Aspen Cyber Summit in November 2025.

Sage and Haley, both scholars at Bowie State University, share their journeys into the field of cybersecurity.

They talk about the importance of community and mentorship in navigating their careers, particularly as women of color in a predominantly male industry.

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities they face as they define their voices in the cybersecurity ecosystem.

They discuss the significance of networking, volunteering, and finding mentors to help guide their paths.

Both Sage and Haley express a desire to bridge technical and non-technical aspects of cybersecurity, highlighting the evolving nature of the field and the diverse career paths available.

Their insights provide valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, emphasizing the importance of community and proactive engagement in the industry.

Connect with my guests on LinkedIn:

Sage Despeignes

Haley Reyes

For women in tech and cybersecurity

If you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice—whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility—this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can help

Ask Me Anything (AMA) — coming in 2026

If you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in.

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Season Two of Bytes, Bits & Brilliance is coming to a close. I'd love your feedback as we shape Season Three. Share here

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The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.