Women in Cybersecurity
PROFILE - HILLARY COOVERHillary Coover
Head of Product Strategy – G2-Ops, Inc.
How long have you worked there?
I’m in my first month – brand new!!
What aspects of your job bring you the most satisfaction?
I love solving tough problems in national security using commercial technology, which led me to my current position as a product strategist for a defense contracting company preparing for commercialization of their cybersecurity and digital engineering tools.
What do you enjoy most about the company?
I love the people and everyone’s drive to serve our defense customers to the best of our abilities. They are not exaggerating when they say they are customer-obsessed!
How did you get into cybersecurity?
I completed my MBA a while ago and focused on statistics, data analytics, and Python, which led me to the national security technology space. There, I worked on exciting products and projects focused on addressing some of the most pressing threats and issues to our country – including cybersecurity. I have served in marketing/strategy, sales, partnership, and product management capacities to try to come up with the best possible solutions.
What do you like most about cybersecurity?
I love the passion of practitioners and how easy it is to terrify the heck out of non-cyber friends!
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?
To me, #InspireInclusion means actively working towards a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive. It means advocating for policies that ensure equal pay and representation, supporting businesses led by women and minorities, and actively lifting up peers at every opportunity. Being part of the Cyber Guild’s annual Uniting Women in Cyber (UWIC) conference and its community offers a fantastic avenue for engagement. A special shoutout to Debbie Sallis, the Founder of the Cyber Guild, who stands out as an extraordinary leader and mentor within the cybersecurity realm!
How did you hear about the Cybersecurity Marketing Society?
I was with a startup and reached out to Gianna about the conference held in Arlington, VA in 2022 and asked to attend. I didn’t think much at the time, but the actual conference and gathering of so many amazing and generous people was life-changing.
What do you enjoy most about this group?
Truly excellent leadership. I cannot emphasize that enough – if it were not for the founders and leaders, this community would not exist – period. Everything they do is clearly for those of us that have found ourselves in this extremely challenging, often draining industry. Thank you, CMS!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a translator/interpreter, which I was for a bit (Russian)!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
You are stronger than you think you are. Also, all feedback is a gift.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Business is Relationships.” -My mentor and dear friend, Rich Hansen. It is a reminder that no matter what your role is in any business, relationships and the ability to establish and nurture them are the most impactful investment you can make in yourself and your career.
Who is your hero?
Jen Easterly and Elon Musk. I am endlessly fascinated and inspired by both.
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