“I believe in me.” A Five-Minute Story for Fearless Cyber Girls!

Mary Carmichael CPA CMA, CISM, CISA, CRISC, ICD.D President at ISACA Vancouver | Leader in Governance, Risk Management & Compliance | Columnist on Digital Risk, AI, & Cybersecurity

?? This story features Daina, the Director of Mentorship at ISACA Vancouver, and underscores the significant impact of mentorship. You can meet Daina at our Mentorship Kick-Off Event on September 11th. Please register to participate at https://lu.ma/0fa4mx5m and share your career journey with our mentees, including students and early career professionals. ??

?Daina McFarlane always felt a unique pull towards computers. While at university, she assembled a computer from discarded parts, igniting a passion for technology. This wasn't just about the thrill of assembling parts; it was about solving puzzles and the gratification that came with every solution. This is still the case today in her position as an Information Security Analyst. A typical day at work for Daina is never predictable. Monitoring alerts, ensuring the integrity of systems, and scrutinizing emails for potential threats make her schedule dynamic. Yet, it's the unpredictable nature of cybersecurity that she cherishes, the knowledge that every day is a new challenge and a new lesson.

Daina's career journey isn't about cybersecurity; it's about believing in oneself. Her mantra, "I believe in me," is her guiding light, pushing her to take control and chart her path. Drawing inspiration from Albert Einstein, she aspires to embody value over success. Her approach is a testament to the philosophy of extreme ownership, as championed by Jocko Willink. While dreams and ideas set the foundation, it's the decisive action that truly drives transformative change. The essence of Daina’s career lies in the "doing".

In her role as the Director of the Mentorship Program at the ISACA Vancouver Chapter, she's reminded of the journey she took to get here. University days spent juggling Computer Science and Management subjects, the pride in acquiring her first CompTIA Security+ certification, and the constant hunger for hands-on experience that no classroom could truly replicate. In addition, Daina thrived in a progressive company that prioritized continuous training and celebrated individual ownership, enriching her professional journey.

But the journey wasn't always smooth. When Daina relocated countries, she stumbled upon an unexpected roadblock. Here, people saw information technology and cybersecurity as separate paths. Her previous achievements were not fully recognized. But did that stop her? Not Daina. She dived deep into the 'blue team' domains, relearning defensive strategies with zest. Yet, without a defined role in mind, she found herself exploring all aspects of cybersecurity. Focusing on a specific role early on would have been a game changer for her.

One aspect always stood out for Daina: the absence of a mentor. She had to steer her own ship, often without guidance. Perhaps that's what makes her role in ISACA Vancouver's mentorship program so special. Now, determined to fill the gap she once felt, Daina is lighting the path for others. She believes in giving back by mentoring emerging talents, helping them recognize their potential, and ensuring their journey is smoother than hers.

Her advice to those looking to break into the cyber careers?

“Dive in with passion. Research, connect, and find mentors who resonate with your goals. Don't just learn from their triumphs but also their setbacks. Stay hungry for knowledge, and always believe in your capabilities.”

Today, Daina is not just as a cybersecurity expert but also as an inspiring mentor, guiding those on their cyber journey with her unwavering belief, resilience, and commitment. Daina's message to everyone with a dream is clear: “Believe in yourself. Take action. For in doing, lies the magic.”

Ice Breaker Tip! At the?ISACA Vancouver Chapter Mentorship Kick-off event on Sept 11th (register at https://lu.ma/0fa4mx5m), ask Daina about machine learning and homomorphic encryption. She sees these as game changers that can redefine how we protect and process data.

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