Inclusive Cyber: Unlocking Innovation in Cybersecurity

Danny Magallanes
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Welcome to Inclusive Cyber: Unlocking Innovation in Cybersecurity, your front-row seat to understand how a diverse mix of voices is not just necessary but essential to defend our most sensitive computer networks and personal data. I’m your host Danny Magallanes, and through my podcast, we shine a spotlight on the heroes and the trailblazers from every corner of society who are redefining the Cultural Renaissance frontier. Every episode is a step toward a cyber community that's as varied as it is united, where everyone has the keys to unlock their potential and the power to protect our digital world. Join us on this journey, where every listen, every share, and every dialogue inches us closer to this new reality

  1. 5D AGO

    Fireside Chat: When Tech Moves Faster Than Humanity - Preparing leaders for the ethical crossroads

    In our first Fireside Chat, Jo Anna and I dug into a topic that’s reshaping everything around us: Artificial Intelligence and Accountability. Jo Anna said it best: “We can’t stop AI. It’s everywhere. But we can govern it.” We explored the growing tension between innovation and responsibility. Tech giants are moving fast, but who’s ensuring they move safely? If the past decade taught us anything, it’s that security and governance must evolve just as quickly as the tools we build. Some of the key questions we unpacked:  • How can organizations create AI governance frameworks that reflect their values, not just compliance checklists?  • Are enterprises, not governments, now the real gatekeepers of ethical AI?  • What happens when data centers require more power, water, and land than the communities surrounding them?  • And is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) truly our next milestone, or a distraction from the sustainability issues we refuse to face? Jo Anna raised a point few discuss openly: the environmental toll of AI. Behind every large model are servers that consume massive amounts of energy and water. Innovation has a cost, and it’s time we acknowledge it. We closed with a powerful reminder: “AI may be the car before seat belts. Innovation will outpace safety until harm forces regulation.” This conversation isn’t about fear; it’s about foresight. If you’re building, deploying, or investing in AI, ask yourself: Are you optimizing for speed or sustainability? ⸻ 🔖 Key Themes: AI Governance | Data Ethics | Environmental Sustainability | Responsible Innovation | Quantum Computing 💭 What’s your take? Is AI evolving faster than our ability to govern it, or are we finally learning from history? #ArtificialIntelligence #CyberSecurity #Governance #EthicalAI #FiresideChat #Sustainability #QuantumComputing #FutureOfWork #AIethics #Leadership Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    34 min

  2. OCT 7

    Alejandra's Story: Building a Career at the Intersection of Education and Tech

    Ale’s career journey is anything but linear. From her roots as the granddaughter of Mexican farmworkers to advising high school students, to shaping education policy in Washington DC, and finally landing in the world of technology, her story is one of resilience, mentorship, and serendipity. In this episode Ale shares how her immigrant background shaped her values, why giving back through education became her first calling, and how an unexpected LinkedIn message opened the door to tech. She also reflects on the importance of mentors, the reality of navigating career pivots, and why being brave enough to “make the ask” can change everything. Whether you are early in your career, considering a pivot, or simply looking for inspiration, Ale’s story proves that purpose, perseverance, and a little bit of luck can create a path you never imagined. Key Highlights • Ale’s immigrant roots and values of community and service • Transition from college advising to education policy work in DC • How an unexpected LinkedIn message led to a role in edtech • Lessons on mentorship and how to “be brave and make the ask” • Reflections on luck, preparation, and building a career with purpose • Ale’s thoughts on balance, gardening, and stepping away from tech to recharge Book Recommendations That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph (Netflix co-founder) — an inside look at the startup world and building something unexpected Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    45 min

  3. SEP 29

    If You’re Not at the Table, You’re on the Menu: Lorena Journey to Cyber Leadership and Representation

    In this inspiring episode of Inclusive Cyber, Lorena Mejia, CEO & Founder of Unleashing the Lion in Us, shares how she went from entry-level roles to becoming a leader in technology, cybersecurity, and AI. Lorena opens up about the importance of curiosity, self-advocacy, and mentorship, and why closing the digital divide is critical to building equitable, responsible AI. We cover: Lorena’s unconventional path to tech and cybersecurityHow curiosity and mentorship became her superpowersWhy representation matters in AI and cybersecurityBreaking into cyber without a “traditional” degreeResponsible AI, equity, and security by designEntrepreneurship and building a purpose-driven companyBook Recommendations: Bringing Your Authentic Self: Tattoos, Pearls, and All to the Boardroom – Miriam SimoneA Brown Girl’s Epiphany: Reclaim Your Intuition and Step Into Your Power – Aurelia Dávila PrattThe Inclusive Organization – Netta JenkinsConnect with Lorena: 🌐 Website: https://unleashingthelioninus.com/  📅 Free Consultations: Book via Calendly https://calendly.com/mejia-lore-m_unleashingthelioninus/45?month=2025-09📸 Instagram: @unleashingthelioninus 🎤 Open for keynote speaking, podcasts, and collaborationsConnect with Danny / Inclusive Cyber: 🔗 LinkedIn: Daniel Magallanes 🎥 YouTube: Inclusive Cyber Podcast🎧 Listen now and get inspired to claim your seat at the table  and help build a more inclusive future for tech, AI, and cybersecurity. Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    44 min

  4. SEP 22

    From Mixing Drinks to Pentesting: Alexis Cybersecurity Story

    Alexis Dieter, working in Offensive Cyber Operations, proves there’s no one “right” way into cyber. After 13 years in bartending, Alexis pivoted careers, went back to school, and is now thriving in penetration testing all while finishing her degree. Here are her lessons for anyone looking to break in (or breakthrough): ✅ Life Skills More Important than Tech Skills Bartending taught her resilience, communication, and tough skin — the real keys to thriving in cyber. ✅ Network = Net Worth Professors, clubs, conferences, and even old colleagues opened doors to her first internship. ✅ Stay Hungry, But Pace Yourself Cybersecurity is a marathon. Continuous learning is crucial but burnout is real. ✅ Give Back Early She leads outreach to women and minorities, proving that lifting others lifts the industry. ✅ Future-Proof Your Career Alexis is already thinking about quantum computing risks and how they’ll change security in the next decade. And when it comes to AI? “AI can write scripts and save me time, but it can’t replace intuition. Offensive security is still very human.” 🚀 Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a cyber veteran, Alexis’s story is a reminder: your past doesn’t define your future — your curiosity does. #CybersecurityCareers #PenTesting #OffensiveSecurity #CareerPivot #LifeSkills #Networking #QuantumComputing #AI #GenerativeAI #CybersecurityCommunity #WomenInCyber #InclusiveCyber #futureofwork  Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    34 min

  5. SEP 15

    Breaking the Mold: Marivell's Rise in Cybersecurity & Leadership

    Meet Marivell, a proud Latina from NYC who turned curiosity into a career in cybersecurity, governance, risk & compliance (GRC), and leadership. 🔑 Highlights that resonate: Curiosity as a Superpower → Asking the “dumb” questions launched her career in tech. Representation Matters → A Latina voice proving that you don’t need a perfect path: just grit, curiosity, and community. Breaking Silos → Cybersecurity’s biggest challenge isn’t tech, it’s the lack of collaboration. GRC Reframed → Policies aren’t boring; they’re the foundation of cybersecurity programs. Generative AI → Not a threat if you have foundational knowledge but a danger if you don’t. Mentorship with Intention → Don’t just ask. Bring purpose, an agenda, and be ready for the give-and-take. Optimism Always Wins → Inspired by Kimberly S. Reed’s book, Marivell reminds us that resilience + optimism = survival in cyber. 💬 Quote to share: “I am proof you don’t need a perfect path. You need grit, curiosity, and community.” – Marivell ✨ Keywords to drive engagement: #Cybersecurity #LatinaInTech #Mentorship #Curiosity #DiversityInCyber #GRC #AI #Resilience #RepresentationMatters #WomenInCyber Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    36 min

  6. JUL 28

    Fail, Learn, Lead: Robert’s Guide to Authentic Leadership

    We sit down with Robert, CIO of a leading healthcare services company, to explore how non-traditional career paths, life skills, and human-centric leadership can reshape technology teams. Robert shares his journey from political-science graduate to tech executive, his work closing educational gaps with Teach For America Colorado, and candid lessons on mentorship, failure, true role of AI in our work and authentic leadership.  🔑 Top Takeaways Non-Tech Backgrounds Drive Innovation Fresh perspectives, from customer service, education, even music, unlock creative problem solving. Life Skills Are Business Skills Empathy, respect, accountability and strong communication form the bedrock of high-performing teams. Mentors Guide, Not Dictate The best mentors ask probing questions and share stories, helping you surface your own strengths. Fail Fast, Learn Faster Real-world setbacks teach resilience, sharpen listening skills, and foster adaptive leadership. AI Empowers, but Demands Oversight Automation boosts efficiency, but over-reliance leads to complacency and erosion of critical thinking. True Inclusion Requires Action Moving beyond gatekeeping certifications and degrees to open doors for underrepresented talent. Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    57 min

  7. JUN 9

    Soft-Spoken. Self-Taught. Zoom Bots: Bandana Kaur on Confidence, LLMs & Climbing Cringe Mountain

    🔐 She Built a Zoom Bot at 13 to Skip Class… and Ended Up Securing NASA. Meet [@Bandana | Hack With Her], a rising cybersecurity force who’s not waiting for permission to shape the future. At just 17, Bandana is: ✨ A cybersecurity researcher focused on adversarial attacks on LLMs 🌐 A UN Dynamic Team Coalition Cybersecurity Lead 🎓 A National Cybersecurity Education Ambassador 👩‍💻 A bug bounty hunter who’s helped secure NASA, the U.S. Dept. of Education & the Indian government But what makes her story magnetic isn’t just the accomplishments — it’s how she started: ➡️ Taught herself Python through W3Schools ➡️ Built a Zoom bot to skip 7am classes during lockdown ➡️ Climbed “Cringe Mountain” to share her learning in public ➡️ Grew a personal brand on Instagram & LinkedIn from scratch We talked about: ✔️ The fine line between personal branding and bragging ✔️ Why vulnerability is key to networking ✔️ GenAI’s dual role in good and harm — and how she’s defending against jailbreak attacks ✔️ Her mission to make the cyberspace livable for everyone ------------------ SHOW NOTES Instagram - Hackwithher Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackwither/ BOOKS The Web Application Hacker's Handbook – A comprehensive guide to web app security and penetration testing. The Car Hacker's Handbook – Focused on automotive cybersecurity and how to understand and exploit vehicle systems. The 30 Ways to Make Money Hacking Ethically – A bug bounty hunting book that explains 30 vulnerability types with real examples. Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    38 min

  8. MAY 27

    Beyond Burnout: Coming Home to Yourself with Nicole Lilly

    In the latest episode of Inclusive Cyber, I had the honor of speaking with Nicole Lilly, founder of Deeply Devoted Lilly, somatic coach, and former corporate wellness strategist. We didn’t talk tech. We talked about what tech often ignores—how emotional wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and inner safety are critical to sustainable performance in high-pressure fields like cybersecurity. Nicole opens up about: * Growing up in a culture where worth was tied to appearance—and how she reclaimed her health on *her* terms * Her corporate wellness career and the blind spots she noticed in how we treat mental health at work * Why we don’t ask for help, and how self-leadership shifted her relationship with discipline * What it means to "come home to yourself" and build a life rooted in compassion, curiosity, and clarity 🧠 This conversation reminded me that no productivity hack can replace the inner work required to truly show up—at work or at home. One of Nicole’s reflections that stuck with me: “There’s a difference between what you want to be and who you want to be.” 🎧 If you’re in cybersecurity—or any fast-paced field—this episode is for you. It’s not about slowing down. It’s about realigning with your values so you can lead without burning out. \#MentalHealth #CybersecurityLeadership #SomaticCoaching #WomenInTech #InclusiveCyber #BurnoutRecovery #LatinaLeadership #HumanCenteredSecurity #EmotionalWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #podcasthighlights  -------------------------- SHOW NOTES Nicole Lilly - LinkedIn Deeply Devoted Lilly - https://www.instagram.com/deeplydevotedlilly/ Books & Podcasts ---------------------------- 1. What i know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey - https://www.amazon.com/What-Know-Sure-Oprah-Winfrey/dp/1250054052 2. We Can Do Hard Things - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things/id1564530722 3. Build with Leila Hormozi - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-with-leila-hormozi/id1663834553 4. Stay Grounded with Rai Jana - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490 Support the show Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe! Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX Social Media – Follow us on: TikTok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/ Audio: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111 Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

    53 min
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About

Welcome to Inclusive Cyber: Unlocking Innovation in Cybersecurity, your front-row seat to understand how a diverse mix of voices is not just necessary but essential to defend our most sensitive computer networks and personal data. I’m your host Danny Magallanes, and through my podcast, we shine a spotlight on the heroes and the trailblazers from every corner of society who are redefining the Cultural Renaissance frontier. Every episode is a step toward a cyber community that's as varied as it is united, where everyone has the keys to unlock their potential and the power to protect our digital world. Join us on this journey, where every listen, every share, and every dialogue inches us closer to this new reality

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