Dr. Cheryl Cooper Speaking Topics

• Hood to Hooded: Unleashing Resilience and Finding your Voice through the Power of Choice

  Hood to Hooded is a powerful, memorable keynote that explores the unjust racial and gender bias in corporate America. It fills the growing desire for education and awareness that has sparked an increase in sales of books addressing these discriminatory issues in the United States. Here the author provides powerful lessons learned on her journey from hood to hooded.

  In this inspirational keynote I use storytelling from my memoir, "Hood to Hooded". American Award-winning journalist Cynthia Newsome noted, "This book provides insight into the woman’s experience that will help generations of women who follow".

  • How do I find my authentic voice?
  • Have you ever felt invisible? People of color often face prejudice and bias that contribute to a sense of invisibility.
  • Even when others don’t directly put you down, assumptions and harmful stereotypes can produce feelings of inferiority.
  • The power to author your life through the power of choice.
  • The power of mentorship in succeeding as a woman.
  • How my confidence?"

• The Big Race and Gender Gap in Technology: Women in Cybersecurity & Technology

  Cybersecurity is a field that requires diverse perspectives and skills to protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. Women play a vital role in cybersecurity, as they bring unique insights, experiences and talents to the field. The tech world, in general, still seems to be a man’s domain. Statistics from some of the world’s largest tech companies show that women are still in the minority in holding tech jobs. According to Fortune Business Insights, the cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $165.78 billion in to $366.10 billion between 2021 and 2028. Minorities make of less than 10 percent of the cybersecurity profession.

  • In this keynote I share recommendations of what can be done to develop the next generation of cyber-tech professionals.

  • According to Cybersecurity Ventures, women hold "25 percent" of cybersecurity jobs globally in 2022, up from 20 percent in 2019, and around 10 percent in 2013.

  • The same source predicts that women will represent "30 percent" of the global cybersecurity workforce by 2025, and that will reach "35 percent" by 2031.

  • How do you get started with a career in cybersecurity?

  • How to find MENTOR to ensure your success in a male dominated field.

  • Recommendations to close the race and gender gap.

  Women in cybersecurity can help foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and inclusion, as well as mentor and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals. Women in cybersecurity are not only valuable, but essential for the advancement and security of the digital world.

Ransomware Attack Trends: A Framework for Network Cybersecurity Resilience

Network cybersecurity resilience is the ability of a system to withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyberattacks. It is a crucial aspect of ensuring the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data and services in a dynamic and complex environment. In this keynote I discuss the challenges and opportunities of building resilient networks, the best practices and standards for cybersecurity, and the emerging technologies and trends that can enhance network resilience.

• What are some trends in ransomware?
• How can layered network security prevent an attack?
• How to use Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain to develop a framework to counter ransomware attacks.

I'll discuss the Cyber Kill Chain developed by Lockheed Martin, that identifies the seven stages of a cyberattack that threat actors must complete in order to achieve their objective and provide measures to counter each of the stage of the kill-chain.

Cybersecurity Awareness & Education and The Roadmap for Starting a Career in Cyber

Security awareness is the knowledge and attitude members of an organization possess regarding the protection of the physical, and especially informational assets of that organization. In this session learn about the leading types of cyber-attacks, counter measures, and what you can do if you become a victim. So, you want to start a career in cybersecurity?

I’ll share strategies and a road to get started with an amazing and rewarding career.

• Discover what is cybersecurity.
• Learn how to get started with a career in cybersecurity.
• Learn if you need a degree or certification.
• Learn about top security certifications.
• Learn how to find a mentor.
• Learn how to start building your network.