IST Identity Talks: Women in Cyber

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online

Meet College of IST alumnae in this panel discussion about the experiences of women in cybersecurity careers. They will share their journey into cybersecurity, discuss their positions, and talk about their experiences as diverse alumni in tech.

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About the Panelists

Photo of Nicole Buitrago

Nicole Buitrago ’18
Cybersecurity Consultant, PwC

Nicole Buitrago is a Cybersecurity Consultant with PwC. She earned bachelor's degrees in security and risk analysis and information sciences and technology from the College of IST in 2018. When she's not working, she spends time with her Pomeranian and two cats.

Photo of Victoria Gibilterra

Victoria Gibilterra ’16
Cyber Defense Manager, Avanade

Victoria Gibilterra is a Cyber Defense Manager at Avanade. Her work focuses on advising and transforming clients’ cyber defense strategies and operations through the design and implementation of predominantly Microsoft Threat Protection technologies. She consults with teams ranging from medium to large global enterprise clients. Her daily responsibilities involve leading a team of consultants to assist and grow Avanade’s cyber defense practice. Victoria earned her bachelor’s degree in security and risk analysis from the College of IST in 2016.

Himanshi Patel ’17 '19g
Senior Information Security Analyst, Erie Insurance Group

Himanshi Patel has been working in the cybersecurity industry since 2016 and got involved in the field because of its dynamic nature. She uses skills and education gained at Penn State in real life to protect her organization's infrastructure from both internal and external threats. Himanshi has been involved with various organizations to promote STEM education and provide mentoring to those in need. Outside of Erie, she has been involved in various intelligence and threat sharing organizations local to the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo areas.

Photo of Annie Schoen

Annie Schoen ’19
Head of Cyber Administration and Management Office, GEICO

Annie Schoen is the Head of Cyber Administration and Management Office at GEICO. As a passionate people leader, Annie was ready to establish new cybersecurity management functions focused on talent management, security awareness, and associate experience at GEICO. While she helps centralize cross-team functions and mentor team members at work, she also enjoys spending time with friends and family. Outside of work, Annie spends time exercising, playing video games, and trying new things. She earned her bachelor’s degree in security and risk analysis from the College of IST in 2019.

Nandita Suresh '21
Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Nandita Suresh is an associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers's Data Risk and Privacy advisory practice. She brings an organized, detail-oriented approach to building and maintaining technology-enabled privacy programs, functions, and operations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity analytics and operations from the College of IST in 2021. While at the College of IST, she greatly enjoyed being a part of the Women in IST (WIST) community and had the privilege of acting as VP and co-founder of the WIST Mentorship Committee. Outside of work, you can often find Nandita binging Netflix, playing barista in her kitchen, or exploring places with her camera.