Meet Perdue Associate Alyssa Cramer in our "Pull Up A Chair" Series

Tell us about your role at Perdue?

?I am the Team Lead for the Identity and Access Management.?In my role, I build identity tools and manage user accounts and permissions.?On top of that, I am the lead resource for cybersecurity training, education, and awareness. I am the person that sends out the simulated phishing emails and the cybersecurity training. I also lead, plan, and execute all the Perdue cybersecurity events.

How did you get into the world of Information Technology (IT)?

?I took the long way into the world of IT. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and worked in the mental health field and moved into office management. From there, I found my way to being the Executive Assistant to the CIO of Perdue in 2013.? In that role I became interested in the world of IT security and changed career paths into technology, starting as an IT analyst. I have found my niche in this area of IT, and I really enjoy helping to educate our Perdue associates on the importance of Cybersecurity Awareness and risk management.

Tell us a little about your upbringing?

?I was born and raised in the farm country of Hunterdon County, NJ. ?I am the youngest of three and I have two older brothers. I grew up playing all kinds of sports. I was what some would call an active child because I was always spending time with my older brothers. All my family still live in NJ, in the same area I grew up. I moved to Salisbury, Maryland in 1994 when I attended Salisbury State University for college. I fell in love with the area, especially the beaches, and decided to make the area home.

What is a fun fact about you that most people would not know?

?I am a proud mother of twin boys, who are juniors in high school. When the twins were born, they were one pair of 7 sets of twins born that week at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (now Tidal Health).? The maternity ward was overflowing with babies!

?They excel at sports and one of my favorite things to do is watch them on the playing fields. It can be a struggle sometimes trying to be available for everything - being a good mom and a dedicated associate – but Perdue has made that a lot easier by giving me the flexibility to be able to be there for my boys whenever necessary.

?One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go to the over sand vehicle beach on Assateague Island. The twins and I will pack up the truck and drive out there and spend the day relaxing, boogie boarding, exploring, and enjoying the beautiful area. I love animals, music, reading, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family. I am pretty low maintenance.

What advice would you give a young person starting their career?

Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. You are too bright to be doing the same thing forever, figure out your next step and go for it – do not look back. You are the only person that can hold you back.

If I could go back and give a younger Alyssa advice, what would it be?

I would tell her to believe in herself, do not let anyone hold you back, not even yourself.? Develop good habits. ?Own your mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Focus on your dreams and make them happen and start saving for the future with your first paycheck.