The Center for Cyber Safety and Education Julie Peeler Franz "Do It for The Children" Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the betterment of internet safety. This year's distinction is awarded to Roela Santos of BAE Systems, Inc. for her long-time support of Center programs and leadership in developing the Raytheon, Engility, and SAIC cybersecurity scholarships, which have awarded $424,000 to 56 students over the past six years.
Santos is the Vice President of Communications at BAE Systems, a global leader in defense technology and systems integration for the U.S. government and one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies. She is responsible for the Intelligence and Security sector’s strategy and execution of marketing communications, advertising, employee engagement, executive communications, digital and social media, community relations and tradeshows/events initiatives. Santos brings over 27 years of experience in integrated communications and marketing strategies for the technology, aerospace, defense and IT industries. Previously, Santos was the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for SAIC. She has also held communications and marketing leadership roles at Engility Corporation and Raytheon. We had the opportunity to ask Roela about her accomplishments, interest in cybersecurity and today’s challenges within the industry.
What does this award mean to you?
Frankly, being recognized for this award is not just an honor, but a huge surprise. Unlike most (ISC)² members, I’m not a technical practioner, but it just talks to how inclusive the organization is in not just welcoming me, but recognizing that we all can make a difference in the cybersecurity community. I’m a marketing and communications leader by profession but have had the privilege of working in the cybersecurity market. I’ve worked side-by-side with extremely smart and very passionate cybersecurity experts, and I know there are millions of these professionals around the world who are bringing their expertise to protect their organizations, their communities, and the world, so being singled out for this prestigious award was a pleasant surprise. Also, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with Julie Peeler Franz at the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. It’s such a humbling experience to be part of Julie’s legacy and the story of (ISC)² and know that I made a difference in my own little way.
What prompted your interest in cybersecurity?
I had the opportunity to lead the cybersecurity marketing efforts for a global aerospace and defense company and I was hooked! First, the cybersecurity problems we tackle are broadly relevant and relatable. Protecting data, privacy and computer systems are things everyone is concerned about—whether it’s our personal smartphones, work computers, our financial transactions all the way to global defense. The bottom line, we’re talking about protecting everyone’s safety and livelihood. Second, cybersecurity is high stakes. Our ability to protect everything from our personal information to corporate IP, has implications for what we can do financially and operationally today and could affect generations to come. From an industry perspective, it could mean the difference between failing or staying competitive and successful. Third and lastly, I love working with smart people and cybersecurity experts are beyond impressive; they are very knowledgeable, agile, passionate and creative.
It’s really been an honor to be part of the cybersecurity market, and witness how cybersecurity has advanced from an IT must-do to a strategic differentiator for a lot of companies across all industries. I feel lucky to have a front row seat to the evolving cybersecurity landscape and work with the best minds in our market in my current role at BAE Systems.
What do you think the biggest challenge is for cybersecurity right now?
I still think the cyber talent gap is the biggest challenge we have in the industry. Inclusion and diversity is one of the important components we need to use to solve this challenge. And, I consciously put “inclusion” before “diversity” because if the cybersecurity industry is not inclusive, diversity will walk out the door! Making cybersecurity a “cool” profession would also attract more people into roles. If we have celebrity chefs and celebrity CEOs, why not celebrity cybersecurity professionals or celebrity CISOs?! But seriously, we need to put a spotlight on the rock stars who work in cybersecurity and demystify their jobs.
The (ISC)² Global Achievement Awards celebrate individuals whose excellence, leadership and volunteer efforts have significantly advanced the cybersecurity industry and contributed to our vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. All honorees were recognized during (ISC)² Security Congress.