In this season, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers in the tech industry, both established veterans and emerging talents, who are pushing the boundaries of innovation. I'm your host, Ceci Fischer-Benitez, and together, we'll explore their successes, understand the challenges they've faced, and dive into the unique experiences that have guided their tech careers. 

Join us as we welcome Mariana Padilla, the trailblazing CEO and co-founder of Kicker KIKRR, we're given a front-row seat to the resilience and vision it takes to climb to the top of the cybersecurity world. Mariana doesn't just share her story,  she brings us into a world where adversity breeds innovation.

In the heart of our conversation, Mariana recounts the pivotal transitions that defined her career—from her formative years working at non-profits to pioneering her own marketing agency, and ultimately venturing into the cybersecurity industry during the tumultuous times of a global pandemic. As she narrates, you'll learn how the art of storytelling can bridge the gap between diverse pursuits, knitting together the fabric of fundraising, business development, and advocacy. 

Tune in to hear how Mariana leverages her unique perspective as an outsider to demystify cybersecurity, making it more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses that are frequent targets of cybercrime. Mariana's personal stories of networking and mentorship reveal a community eager for industry transformation. Plus, she offers invaluable advice to folks interested in a career in cybersecurity, pointing to alternative education resources and emphasizing the importance of platforms and organizations that foster diversity and nurture talent in this field. 

Connect with Mariana:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heretoshakeshitup/ 

KIKrr: https://kikrr.co/ 

Resources Mentioned:

 Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS):  https://www.wicys.org/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez