About Me 👩🏻‍💻

I’m passionate about AI 🤖, Cybersecurity 🛡️, Traveling ✈️, Food 🍕, Web Development 💻, & Pageants 👑

My Journey 📍

Hover over the timeline below to explore my career & education path

Oct 2024 - Present

Senior Cybersecurity Analyst

Arizona State University

Aug 2023 - Oct 2024

Cybersecurity Analyst

Deloitte

Jan 2022 - July 2023

Rotational IT Analyst

Applications, Networking, Monitoring & Governance rotations

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

M.S. Information Technology

Cybersecurity Specialization

May 2021 - Dec 2021

IT Intern

Arizona Public Service - Enterprise Web Applications

April 2021

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader

Pitchfork Award - Arizona State University

May 2020

Promising Student Award

Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

Jan 2020 - Dec 2021

B.S. Information Technology

Arizona State University

Desert WAVE, Engineering Peer Mentors, Student Government
2017 - 2019

Software Engineering

Chandler Gilbert CC → ASU Transfer

A.A. & A.S. in Software Engineering
2013 - 2017

Chandler Preparatory Academy

High School

World Language Club, Japanese Club, Author's Club
🎮 Scroll Down for Games! ↓

🤖 Desert WAVE AUV Robotics

Pioneering Autonomous Underwater Systems

Programming Team Lead | 3rd Place International

During my Bachelor's, I joined Desert WAVE Robotics in its inaugural year (2019), captivated by the mission to create intelligent, self-navigating robots for challenging underwater environments. After our successful first year, I stepped into the role of Programming Team Lead, guiding software development and coordination for our ambitious projects.

⚙️ Solenoid Test Program: Developed crucial software for testing pneumatic systems controlling AUV manipulators
👁️ Vision Systems: Implemented HSV filtering and machine learning models (MobileNet V2) for object detection
🎮 Simulation Framework: Developed Software-in-the-Loop simulator for virtual testing and code validation

Our Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

AUV Phoenix 3rd Place International, 1st in U.S. AUV Dragon Advanced Iteration
"Proving women belong in robotics—one underwater robot at a time."

As the first all-women team to win the prestigious International RoboSub Competition (2024), Desert WAVE has not only achieved technical excellence but has become a powerful inspiration, challenging traditional gender norms in engineering.

📸 Featured on Desert WAVE Instagram

🏛️ Student Government Leadership

Making a Tangible Difference Through Proactive Service

Director of Finance | Senator At-Large

My journey in student leadership ignited from a singular purpose: to make a tangible difference, even when traditional pathways weren't open. In August 2019, driven by an unwavering desire to contribute, I proactively sought an internship with Student Government, despite no formal positions being available. This immediate immersion and dedication quickly propelled my rise through the ranks:

Aug 2019 - Dec 2019
Student Government Intern Self-initiated position through proactive outreach
Jan 2020 - May 2020
Senator At-Large Elected representative for student body
May 2020 - May 2021
Director of Finance Managed organizational budgets & legislative impacts
💰 Budget Management: Meticulously managed organizational budgets and analyzed legislative impacts on funding
🎉 Event Orchestration: Organized impactful, school-wide events fostering a welcoming environment for students
🏗️ Systemic Advocacy: Championed improvements for better lab facilities and enhanced mental health support

👥 Peer Education & Mentorship

Empowering Others to Unlock Their Full Potential

Certified Peer Educator | Ira A. Fulton Schools

As a Certified Peer Educator for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, I discovered immense fulfillment in empowering my peers and facilitating their academic success. I found that authentic leadership transcends titles—it's about actively listening to your community and taking tangible steps to address their needs.

🎯
Academic Guidance

Guided students through academic challenges and helped them overcome self-doubt

🔗
Resource Connection

Connected peers with vital resources and support systems

🌟
Transition Facilitation

Hosted events and facilitated smooth transitions into ASU

"My greatest joy came from lifting others up and witnessing their success."

🏆 Leadership Recognition

Honors for Dedication to Student Service

🏆
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader Pitchfork Award - Arizona State University (April 2021)
⭐
Promising Student Award Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (May 2020)

These recognitions underscore my commitment to a leadership philosophy centered on empowering others to unlock their full potential.

👑 Pageantry

Embracing Challenges & Building Confidence Through Competition

Top 10 First Year | Top 5 Return Competition

My journey into pageantry began unexpectedly right after high school. I received a series of intriguing letters during all of high school inviting me to compete for Miss Arizona. Skeptical at first, I was genuinely surprised to learn, upon calling, that my school had personally recommended me. This unexpected nudge led me to embrace a challenge that would profoundly shape my confidence and perspective.

🎯
First Competition

Despite initial nerves, competed in public speaking, stage presence, and personal interviews

Top 10 Placement - First Year
🌟
Return Competition

Years later, after completing degrees, returned driven by desire for personal growth

Top 5 Placement
💪
Hidden Aptitude Discovered

Revealed natural ability for commanding a room and articulating thoughts under pressure

👩‍🎓
Breaking Stereotypes

Met ambitious, intelligent women pursuing diverse professional paths

🎤
Professional Skills Enhancement

Refined public speaking, interviewing skills, and strategic thinking abilities

"Pageants became a powerful lesson in embracing discomfort and stepping outside my comfort zone."

The structured environment of pageantry, much like problem-solving in engineering, requires meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. I found such enjoyment in the interview process that I now passionately help others prepare for job interviews and create compelling resumes.

Inspiring Future Growth

I am passionate about encouraging young women to explore opportunities that challenge them and perhaps even scare them a little. You truly never know who you'll meet, the unexpected skills you'll develop, or the profound insights you'll gain about yourself.

🔮 Future Competitions Planned 📈 Continued Growth & Inspiration

🎯 Risk Prioritization Simulation

Interactive Cybersecurity Training Tool

Hands-on Learning Experience

Test your cybersecurity risk assessment skills! Click on a vulnerability report below, then scroll down to the bottom of the simulation to select its priority level. Review the feedback to understand the rationale behind proper risk prioritization.

Spot the Vulnerability Challenge

Review the code/configuration snippet below. Click on the line(s) you believe contain a security vulnerability.

Hands-on Learning Experience

    


    

        
        
        
    


    

        
        
    

  


  
  

    

      

        
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    🎵 Music: Kyana.exe (Generated with Suno.ai)