Merit America

Tonight I had the honor of serving as an Alumni Q&A panelist for Merit America, engaging with interested and incoming learners. Giving back to Merit America is truly rewarding, as they have paved the way for my brighter future. Through this program, I have forged invaluable connections and friendships, and I am eager to witness everyone's growth. Considering a new path with Merit America? It's a decision that can open doors to incredible opportunities and personal development. #MeritAmerica #Alumni #ProfessionalGrowth

Supporting the stability and economic mobility of our residents is a key pillar of #EdenHousing strategic plan. This is why we're very excited about the new partnership with Merit America. Merit America is a national nonprofit providing fast, flexible pathways to tech careers for individuals stuck in low-wage jobs. Merit America has provided us with a limited number of free spots in the IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, and UX Design tracks for Eden Housing residents. Through these programs, our residents will earn industry-recognized credentials and gain the skills needed for a new career—while receiving real-time support from a professional coach and learning on a schedule that fits their busy lives. We're grateful for this partnership that will help create lasting, positive change in the lives of our residents! 🌱 #ResidentServices #EconomicMobility #TechCareers https://lnkd.in/g-JHYuZS

Wow, what a month! Cybersecurity Awareness Month has been a whirlwind of activity, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people. Let me first say I truly enjoy helping others. Whether it be helping  businesses or individuals understand the importance of having a strong security posture or just sharing my experience in tech and cybersecurity to those looking to start a journey to a new career. So with that said, I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. I was truly humbled when asked to be a guest speaker and represent the non profit organization Merit America as an alumni who is a Cybersecurity Professional and a STAR (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Careers in Cybersecurity Week hosted by NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education). In front of an audience of over 150 participants, it was an honor to share the stage with dynamic industry leaders, Layla O’kane and Marissa Ellis, and contribute to the conversation about building a strong cybersecurity workforce s. Also, a big thank you goes out to the NICE Board, staff members, and organizers under the direction of Director Rodney Peterson. It was a joy to meet and work with you all. Moving forward I can’t leave out the people who helped me be prepared for such a time as this. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mentors, Erica Wondra, M.S. Wondra and Boyd Clewis, CISSP, CCSK, CISA whose guidance has been invaluable. Their support has been instrumental in my growth as a cybersecurity professional. It is hard to be great at anything without great mentors and they have been the best. When I say this has been an incredible month I mean it. I'm also proud to have partnered with Each1Teach1 Tech, a non-profit organization under the leadership of Josiah U. and Executive Director Angela C.. I am able to share my knowledge and experience with their program participants. Empowering the next generation is a passion of mine, and I'm excited to see what these talented individuals will accomplish.  All this and so much more I don’t have room to write down and the month is not over yet!!! As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, let's remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing journey. By staying informed, adopting strong security practices, and supporting initiatives like those of NIST, Merit America, and Each1Teach1 Tech, we can create a safer digital future. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #Tech #Mentorship #GiveBack #PCIMavenAficionada David Meece Ashley P. 👉 Terri V. Corrinna Chaney Study GRC Marian Merritt