Kelli Hepburn
“Since learning that women who don’t have all the job qualifications often won’t even apply, I challenged myself to go after roles I’m interested in, even if not a perfect fit.”
A powerhouse paving the way for women in cybersecurity, Kelli’s journey began in telecommunications, where she worked as a project and program manager working on identity and access projects for a major cable TV company.
Since then, she has led Identity and Access Management teams at SunTrust, Western Union, Aegon, and American International Group. She is a prime example of someone who leveraged her transferable skills, hunger to learn, and interest in problem-solving to break into and rise to the top in cyber.
What is one skill, interest or talent of yours that makes you GREAT at your job?
Trust and transparency, always. I hate being told half-truths or not knowing the full story, so I try to be as open as possible with my teams, even if it’s tough to hear.
What are the ways you stay grounded and take care of yourself?
My husband is my sounding board and biggest cheerleader. I think it’s important to have someone in your life you trust to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. I also try to schedule massages, facials, and just plain ole “downtime.”
How has being a woman shaped your experience in this industry?
It isn’t a secret that we must work harder, longer, and better than men doing the same job. Yes, some men have spoken over me, stolen credit for work that I have done, and spread rumors about me, but these have just driven me to be a better me.
What do you love about working in the cybersecurity industry?
As a kid, I loved games, puzzles, and card games. The cyber industry is one giant puzzle. The more you think you can solve it, the more it changes and morphs. I love the challenge and that there can be multiple ways to solve it.
