What inspires you in your current role? The chance to dive into the many different areas of cybersecurity! Each one comes with its own unique challenges and appeal, whether it’s analyzing data, investigating incidents, or discovering patterns. In addition to that, I get to work with an amazing, supportive team in an environment where I feel comfortable being myself and confident that my voice matters. The collaboration makes solving problems not only more effective but also creates a space where I’m constantly learning, growing, and contributing, and that mix of variety, challenge, and genuine teamwork is what keeps me motivated and excited. 

What do you enjoy most about your company or role? I love the feeling of being a detective—diving into rabbit holes and coming out with new insights, even if that wasn’t the original goal. There’s nothing quite like tackling a tricky problem that I’ve been working on for some time, piecing everything together, and finally hitting that “aha” moment when it all starts to make sense. Whether it’s tracing artifacts across log sources, figuring out what happened, or trusting my instincts and backing them up with data, it’s a process that keeps me learning and growing.

I also enjoy exploring different areas of cybersecurity—each one has its own beauty to it, and there’s still so much more for me to dive into. What makes it even better is working with others—sharing ideas, combining our expertise, and solving complex problems together. It’s a constant reminder that collaboration is one of the most powerful tools we have in this field.

How did your journey into cybersecurity begin—was it a twist, a calling, or a leap of faith? Okay, hear me out—it all began with watching crime dramas like Criminal Minds. I loved the ethical hacker characters like Penelope Garcia (Criminal Minds), Abby Sciuto (NCIS), Felicity Smoak (Arrow), and Quinn Perkins (Scandal)—all of whom were amazing women who always seemed ten steps ahead, protecting people who couldn’t protect themselves. The idea of using technical skills to outsmart attackers and defend others really inspired me. And let’s be honest, the hacking scenes with all the screens and fast typing always looked way too cool to stay away from! Of course, the dramatized version isn’t exactly reality, but the core idea of preventing threats and protecting privacy resonated with me. Real-world cyber threats are just as serious, and I realized how meaningful it would be to play a role in preventing them. The more I learned about the field, the more I knew it wasn’t just a passing interest—it was something I truly wanted to dedicate myself to. And I haven’t looked back since. 

What do you like most about cybersecurity? It’s never boring! It’s like solving a constantly shifting puzzle that keeps me in the weeds, figuring out how all the pieces connect. I love digging into the details, tracing the breadcrumbs of an attack, and piecing together the full story. Beyond that, there’s also a real sense of purpose in knowing that what I do helps protect people, organizations, and their data in an increasingly digital world. This field is dynamic and full of possibilities—whether it’s diving into digital forensics, exploring threat intelligence, or staying ahead of emerging threats, there’s always something new to learn and tackle. That constant growth is what keeps me hooked. 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. What does that mean to you? #AccelerateAction, to me, is about taking intentional steps to drive real change. It means pushing boundaries, addressing gaps in cybersecurity, and advocating for greater diversity in the field. It’s also about paying it forward—mentoring the next generation, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities and spaces for others to thrive. Progress doesn’t happen on its own; it takes action, collaboration, and persistence. For me, it’s a reminder to not just talk about change but to actively be a part of it and be that spark that inspires progress. 

If you could give your younger self a piece of career advice, what would it be? “Stop waiting for the perfect moment or to feel completely ready—just go for it!” In cybersecurity, curiosity, a willingness to learn, and hands-on experience are far more valuable than striving for perfection. Practice regularly—get your reps in, whether it’s analyzing logs, honing technical skills, or solving problems—and stay intentional about your learning and goals. Don’t underestimate the power of relationships, either. Take every opportunity to learn from others, build meaningful connections, and put in the effort to maintain them. Those relationships and that mindset are what truly drive growth and open doors in this ever-evolving field.

Who inspires you, in your personal or professional life and why? It might sound a little silly, but one of my biggest inspirations has always been Stargirl, a character from one of my favorite childhood books. She had this incredible way of making people feel seen and valued—whether it was through random acts of kindness, her thoughtfulness, or staying true to herself no matter what. Stargirl celebrated others, lifted them up, and created joy in small, meaningful ways, like leaving anonymous gifts or filling her “happy wagon” with moments of gratitude. In cybersecurity, where much of the work we do impacts people we may never meet, her example reminds me to stay intentional, thoughtful, and human-centered in everything I do.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in cybersecurity, and how have you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in cybersecurity is being underestimated and often being the only woman in the room. There have been times when I’ve felt left out, talked over, or needed to work twice as hard to prove myself and have my ideas taken seriously. I’ve also noticed that I’m often the one stepping up to handle behind-the-scenes tasks—like creating slides, documenting progress, or organizing and coordinating logistics to keep a project moving—while men tend to bypass these tasks and focus on the technical work. Additionally, I’ve experienced the weight of being over-mentored but under-sponsored, receiving advice without the same advocacy or opportunities others get.

Balancing my passion for driving diversity and inclusion with my day-to-day responsibilities has also been challenging. While I’m proud of my contributions to initiatives that promote inclusivity, these efforts often go unrecognized compared to traditional technical work and can sometimes feel invisible.

To overcome these challenges, I’ve learned to advocate for myself and be intentional about showcasing the full impact of my work—both technical and non-technical. I’ve set boundaries to ensure I’m not overcommitting to tasks that limit my growth and have focused on speaking up in meetings, finding allies who amplify my voice, and building relationships with sponsors who advocate for me in spaces I’m not in. A strong network of allies and mentors, especially women in tech and cybersecurity, has been invaluable in navigating these challenges. They remind me that resilience, persistence, and collaboration can lead to real change. Most importantly, I’ve embraced my unique perspective and experiences as strengths, using them to create impact and show that there’s more than one way to make a difference in this field.

LinkedIn: Rachelle St-Fleur