As we dive into 2025, I’m reflecting on what has already been an incredible start to the year. It’s shaping up to be one for the books, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.

First, I’m honored to share that I’ve been named one of the St. Louis Titan 100. This recognition highlights top leaders and executives in the region, and being included among such talented individuals is both humbling and energizing. The Titan 100 is a celebration of leadership, vision, and impact, and I’m looking forward to connecting with my fellow Titans and contributing to the continued growth of our community.

Second, just this week, I had the privilege of presenting at Saint Louis University for the Cyber Billikens and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) SLU Affiliate. The event focused on LockBit ransomware, one of the most pervasive cybersecurity threats today. During the session, we discussed real-world scenarios like how attackers exploit Active Directory through backdoors and practical strategies for preventing and mitigating such attacks. The questions and engagement from the audience were phenomenal, and I left feeling inspired by the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are ready to take on these challenges.

A special thanks to Maria Weber, Nathan Nenninger, and Kyle Wilhoit for their leadership and support of the Cyber Billikens team, and to the WiCyS SLU Affiliate for their collaboration in making this event such a success. Events like these remind me of the power of community and shared learning in advancing cybersecurity awareness.

Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about InfraGard’s State of Cyber, which will be held on March 5th at Washington University in St. Louis. This annual conference is always a highlight, featuring top-notch speakers from federal agencies who provide valuable insights on protecting critical infrastructure. It’s a can’t-miss event for anyone in cybersecurity, and I’m eager to see what this year’s lineup has in store.

2025 is already off to an amazing start, and I have a strong feeling this year will bring even more opportunities to grow, learn, and collaborate. Here’s to making it a memorable and impactful year!