BlackGirlsHack: Empowering Black Girls and Women in the Field of Information Security and Cyber Security
In our latest episode of “Ask a CISSP,” show host, Ryan Williams Sr. had the pleasure of speaking with Rebekah Skeete , Chief Operating Officer, Board Member, and Treasurer of BlackGirlsHack, about her journey in cybersecurity, the mission of her organization, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in our field.
BlackGirlsHack (BGH) is a trailblazing organization dedicated to creating opportunities for black girls and women in cybersecurity. As Rebekah explained, the mission of BGH is to provide training, mentorship, and support to individuals who are often underrepresented in tech.
Rebekah shared how the organization started with Tennisha Virginia Martin, MBA, PMP, GWAPT, GPEN, GCIH , the Founder, President & Executive Director, and Chairman of the Board of BlackGirlsHack, documenting her journey to become a pen tester. What began as an Instagram page quickly grew into a full-fledged organization aimed at filling the gaps in the cybersecurity community. Rebekah’s role as COO involves implementing processes and procedures to help the organization efficiently fulfill its mission.
The Power of Community and Mentorship
One of the standout moments from our conversation was Rebekah’s emphasis on the importance of community and mentorship. She highlighted the various programs BGH offers, from weekly training sessions to cohort programs for red and blue teams. “It’s about creating a support system where people can share their experiences, learn from each other, and grow together,” she said.
Rebekah also discussed the value of holistic support, emphasizing that mental health and personal well-being are crucial for professional success. The BGH book club is one such initiative that fosters a sense of community, allowing members to unwind, share, and learn from each other.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Ryan and Rebekah’s insights into imposter syndrome resonated deeply. Ryan shared how even established professionals sometimes feel they need to “get their weight up” before reaching out to major organizations such as BlackGirlsHack. It’s a reminder that regardless of where we are in our careers, we all have moments of self-doubt. Rebekah’s humility and candidness is a testament to the supportive culture at BGH, where members are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their potential.
The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
As we further discussed the future of cybersecurity, Rebekah shared her thoughts on the growing impact of AI. Initially skeptical, she has come to see AI as a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our capabilities. BGH is currently developing an AI training cohort to ensure members are prepared to leverage these new technologies.
Supporting BlackGirlsHack
For those interested in supporting BGH, Rebekah outlined various ways to get involved. From donations to volunteering time and skills, there are numerous opportunities to contribute to this vital cause. Upcoming events like SquadCon, BGH’s annual conference, provide a platform for learning, networking, and community building.
Highlighting SquadCon
SquadCon, hosted by BlackGirlsHack, is an upcoming flagship event that promises to be a cornerstone for the cybersecurity community. Scheduled for August 6–8 in Las Vegas, SquadCon offers a hybrid experience, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. The conference kicks off with a game night, fostering networking and camaraderie. Over the next two days, attendees will engage in content-rich sessions featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. With an accessible general admission fee of $100, SquadCon aims to lower barriers to entry, making it an inclusive and essential gathering for anyone passionate about cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, expand your network, or support diversity in tech, SquadCon is the place to be.
Pre-Sale tickets are on sale now!
Conclusion
Our conversation with Rebekah Skeete was inspiring and enlightening. It reinforced the importance of diversity in cybersecurity and highlighted the incredible work BGH is doing to foster inclusion and support. As we continue to advance in our field, let’s remember the value of community, mentorship, and lifelong learning.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.
Stay safe, stay secure!
BlackGirlsHack Foundation (BGH Foundation) is a registered non-profit organization in the state of Virginia with a 501(c)(3) designation. We are a training-focused organization that was created to help increase diversity in cybersecurity by helping to bridge the gap between what is taught in educational institutions and what is necessary for careers in cybersecurity.
While several organizations cater to the interests of women and minorities in cybersecurity, black women are still severely underrepresented both in the field and by existing infrastructures. BlackGirlsHack meets the needs left unmet by existing services by providing hands-on skills that are focused on people who are upskilling and reskilling in cybersecurity.
To that end, BGH provides weekly hands-on ethical hacking workshops and training programs aimed at helping to provide technical skills and certifications to one of cybersecurity’s most underserved populations. BGH partners with some of the world’s best training organizations to offer introductory to advanced-level training through our BGH Training program.
Rebekah Skeete is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BlackGirlsHack and a Security Engineer with Schellman based in Dallas, Texas. As a member of the Infrastructure and Security team, Rebekah is part of a collaborative group of technology professionals serving as the primary technical resource to safeguard the organization’s computer networks and systems. In her role, she is responsible for planning and carrying out security measures to monitor and protect sensitive data and systems from infiltration and cyber-attacks. Prior to joining Schellman in 2022, Rebekah worked for the Texas Rangers in a myriad of roles, including Cybersecurity Analyst and Manager of IT Applications and Operations.
Outside baseball and IT, Rebekah is also interested in politics and started volunteering for campaigns in 2008. From 2013–2016, she served as a Campaign Manager in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 2015, she attended the Women’s Campaign School at Yale.
Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current role at BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.