Nick Gicinto

vCISO and Professor of Cybersecurity at William Jewell College, Founder of Cyber 429, and Interim CISO at USA Rare Earth, Inc.

Nick Gicinto is a cybersecurity operator and former CIA operations officer who has held senior security roles at Uber, Tesla, RiskIQ (Microsoft), and Chainlink Labs. He is the founder and managing partner of Cyber 429, a Kansas City firm that provides virtual CISO leadership, insider-threat investigations, and threat intelligence to clients ranging from startups to regulated enterprises. He also serves as Chief Information Security Officer at multiple universities and as Interim CISO at USA Rare Earth, Inc. Nick specializes in building intelligence, insider threat, and security programs from the ground up, with an emphasis on execution and governance. That same focus extends to developing people: Cyber 429 mentors college interns and runs CIPHER, its cybersecurity program for high school students, as part of its commitment to preparing the next generation of practitioners.

Amanda Taylor

Senior Vice President of Security & Risk, Data Center, Inc

Amanda Taylor serves as Senior Vice President of Security & Risk at Data Center, Inc. (DCI), where she directs comprehensive programs across cybersecurity, enterprise risk management, compliance, fraud prevention, internal audit, and operational resiliency. With over 15 years of experience in the banking and financial technology sectors, Amanda has a proven track record of strengthening security and governance in highly regulated environments. Recognized for her ability to align complex security requirements with overarching business objectives, Amanda is a strategic leader dedicated to enabling innovation while maintaining rigorous security standards.

Christine Gordon

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Cboe Global Markets

Christine Gordon is a cybersecurity executive with over 15 years of expertise in governance, enterprise risk, and security strategy. As the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the Global Cyber Governance Center at Cboe Global Markets, she oversees critical cybersecurity operations that protect billions of dollars in global financial activity. Since the 2024 launch of WiCyS Kansas City Metroplex, Christine has served as a member, advisor, and board member, where her leadership has been instrumental in defining the chapter's strategic direction and fostering a thriving community for women in the region.

Sherry Callahan

Chief Information Security Officer, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc

Sherry Callahan serves as Chief Information Security Officer for Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., a $28B national cooperative. With a career dedicated to building transformative cybersecurity and compliance programs, Sherry has led initiatives across highly regulated sectors, including healthcare, legal, federal government, energy, and Fortune 100 finance. An MBA graduate from James Madison University, she also holds key industry certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CISA, and CRISC. Her leadership style emphasizes partnership, transparency, and the cultivation of high-performing, scalable teams that grow alongside organizational needs.

Dr. Cheryl Cooper, PhD

Former Business Information Security Officer, T-Mobile

Dr. Cooper is a distinguished cybersecurity expert, U.S. Navy Veteran, author, and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology. With over 20 years of experience in the technology and cybersecurity industries, Dr. Cooper has dedicated her career to empowering women and underrepresented groups to excel in these fields. At Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Kansas City Metroplex, our community commitment is sculpting a cybersecurity realm rich in diversity and inclusivity. We thrive on mentorship, education, and networking, empowering women and minorities to ascend in the cybersecurity field. The cultivation of this inclusive environment is evident through our hands-on workshops, meetups, and summits, all aimed at supporting individuals in their journey toward certification and career advancement. Within my tenure as President, our focus has been to harness analytical skills and organizational leadership to foster a resilient cybersecurity landscape. Collaborating closely with peers in the industry, our team has been pivotal in nurturing talent and driving innovation. Leveraging my expertise as a Podcast Host at Ctrl+Alt+Em-POWER, I amplify voices on cyber resilience strategies, thereby enriching the community with knowledge and connections that pave the way for a more robust and equitable tech ecosystem.

Tracey "the Safety Lady" Hawkins

CEO, Safety and Security Source

Tracey, the Safety Lady" Hawkins is an international Gen AI cybersecurity keynote speaker, strategist, and educator for end users. She has 31 years of experience teaching people and organizations how to recognize risk, prevent cybercrime, and protect what matters. She specializes in the human side of Gen AI and cybersecurity, including safe AI use, data protection, safety policies, preventing AI-powered scams and fraud, deep fakes, voice cloning, social engineering, and AI-powered fraud. She has been featured as a safety expert on The Today Show, AAA, CNET, House Beautiful, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, CNNnews.com, Essence Magazine, abcnews.com, REALTOR(R) Magazine, FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC news. Hawkins serves as Cybersecurity Chair and Board Member for the Kansas City AI Club and is a member of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). Her Gen AI cybersecurity certification and certificate of completion program teach organizations how to protect their people, profits, and reputations in an increasingly AI-powered world.