Jill Vaughan
“Don’t be afraid to take on a new challenge, even if it isn’t in your wheelhouse. You never know where it will take you.”
Jill never thought she’d become a cyber leader. She started her career at a telecommunications company and pivoted into cyber when she became the CISO of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and advanced to CTO.
She loves encouraging and supporting other women and aims to continue helping them feel empowered and providing the resources they need to reach their goals.
What do you do for fun?
I’ve become an avid tennis player and sometimes pickleball. Anytime I get a chance to play, I do it. I love anything active and being outside.
How has being a woman shaped your experience in this industry?
I’m very mission-oriented. I’m passionate about people and always looking for ways to support other women in this space, whether through coaching, mentoring or other ways.
How can we attract more women to the cybersecurity industry?
It’s on us to help forge mentorships and relationships and make our experiences as relatable as possible so women can see themselves in cybersecurity. We need to sponsor and foster women’s growth and development.
What do you love about working in the cybersecurity industry?
Our mission is to protect people and their data, which is why I do what I do and love it. There are also so many avenues for growth, from operations to governance and threat intelligence.
