Amy Schumann’s Post

In our first few years as an independent Company, one of the things I am most proud of has been the establishment of the Kyndryl Foundation, and the promise that it holds for advancing its mission: investing in people, ideas and organizations to build a brighter future for all communities!   In our first year, we collaborated with 11 innovative and impactful nonprofit organizations who share our passion and commitment to driving positive social change with #innovation and building technical skillsets.   The inaugural Foundation grants are expected to enable its nonprofit grantees to impact nearly 20,000 people including over 15,000 women, 3,000 secondary and college students, and over 600 professionals.   This year, we are continuing to grow our grant program. We are adding #AI skills to our existing focus on #cybersecurity skills, are expanding the countries from which prospective grantees may apply, and are considering applications for multi-year grants from our first-year grantees.    Help us spread the word to interested organizations – the last day to apply is October 11! Learn more about the Kyndryl Foundation and access the application form here: https://lnkd.in/dei49r58     #TheHeartOfProgress #PeoplePoweringProgress #SocialImpact

The Google Cloud Cybersecurity Forecast 2024 report emphasizes the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity, with advancing technology prompting evolving threats and adaptable tactics from attackers. Forecasted trends include the continued use of zero-day vulnerabilities and edge devices, the standardization of wipers in nation-state cyber arsenals, exploitation of space-based infrastructure vulnerabilities, attacks on hybrid and multi-cloud environments, increased utilization of serverless services, ongoing extortion operations, espionage operations employing "sleeper botnets" and ancient techniques, migration to modern programming languages by malware authors, supply chain attacks targeting developers, and a growing prevalence of mobile cybercrime. These forecasts underscore the crucial demand for cybersecurity professionals armed with the latest tools and knowledge to combat emerging threats, emphasizing the necessity for professionals to cultivate a diverse skill set to effectively address evolving challenges. Therefore, I extend a warm invitation to women professionals in Greece to join the Google Cybersecurity Career Certificate. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional considering a transition into cybersecurity, or exploring a career shift, this program is tailored to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. If you are passionate about safeguarding digital landscapes and ensuring online safety, this program is designed for you. It's not just about acquiring cybersecurity skills. It's about empowering you to become a leader in fortifying our digital future. This unique self-paced opportunity, available on Coursera, is dedicated to empowering women to "Work In Tech", Cybersec edition. Powered by INCO Academy and Women4Cyber Foundation, with the support of Google.org, a program designed to equip 1000 women with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. 💫 Additional perks include tailored mentoring, valuable insights drawn from my journey, and steadfast assistance throughout your progression for candidates eligible for this scholarship and chosen to be part of my cohort. Also, anticipate engaging in live sessions conducted by other industry experts, as well as assistance with job placement and acquiring the skills necessary to confidently enter the workforce. 💡Applications for Greece are closing on May 10, 2024. Training is scheduled to commence in the second week of May. 📲 To learn more and apply, visit the program website through these links: https://lnkd.in/dy39jERH https://lnkd.in/dwG6hyF2

Kyndryl Makes a Difference in Our Global Society Kyndryl's IT services extend beyond technical solutions; we play a crucial role in fostering an empowered, knowledgeable, and secure digital society. Through the Kyndryl Foundation's initiatives, our effective IT services catalyze transformation within organizations, preparing them for a future where technology acts as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and societal advancement. Moreover, Kyndryl is deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), focusing on driving progress in future-forward education, fostering an inclusive economy, and taking action against climate change. This commitment to making a positive impact is evident through initiatives like the one that has trained over 20,000 rural women in cybersecurity, with a goal to empower more than 100,000 women within three years. These efforts underscore Kyndryl's role not only in technological innovation but also in making significant contributions to societal progress. Pam Hacker #kyndryl #theheartofprogress #CSR https://lnkd.in/dbeqeUsN

Girls in Tech is shutting its doors. That's two #womenintech-supporting nonprofits in a matter of months. This devastating news follows their June announcement that closure was imminent if they did not raise the requisite $100,000. Girls in Tech had 130,000 members across 38 countries and 50 states. I'm just doing the maths here. ❓ The question may be - what can WE do about it? The answers are - 🗣 Don't just talk about caring about diversity in technology 💵 Fund it 📈 If you benefited from a nonprofit ➡ Pay it forward - volunteer, coach others, give your time (and fund it) 🌈 If you REALLY want to build diverse teams and showcase your dedication to the future of technology 🤝 Collaborate with them 🔥 Working alongside tech and cybersecurity nonprofits is such a missed opportunity for quality talent pipelining. 🔥 And the time for performative 'allyship' is over. If you want to know more about the struggles non-profits, especially Black-led non-profits are facing, listen to this episode of 'Talent First' - The Podcast with Tennisha Virginia Martin,. Part One - https://lnkd.in/eMuS7bxw Part Two - https://lnkd.in/eEajtaCe --------------------------------------- 👋🏼 Have we met? 📨 Contact me to discuss your company’s growth, your hiring needs or your next career move. 🎙️ EdTech innovator? Why not join me as my guest on Talent First? ➡ [email protected] 🌐 https://lnkd.in/dWzbi6wC

OK 'security community'. Have you ever stopped to wonder why such a tiny percentage of you are able to conduct a proper conversation with me about security and risk without embarrassing yourselves? Did you wonder why so many of you covered yourself in shit week in, week out on The Bitter Pill? Has it occurred to you what would happen if I ever had a serious conversation about what you do with your CEO? Of course it hasn't. You have the intellectual curiosity of a second-hand buttplug, and the same level of career survival instinct. You might point at my autism. Nope, not it. It's my level of education. I didn't swan about, jerking myself off publicly about my 'enthusiasm' or 'passion'. I shut up, spent the time and money and did the fucking work to learn. That is why I know more about this subject than most people on the planet, and why I am positioned as an industry sage who can provide new ideas on the problems we face. I didn't allow my ego to assume that I was clever enough to teach myself, ignoring everything that had ever been learned about the subject by others. I didn't try to learn from people as clueless and ignorant as me, either, for free. I didn't screw about with irrelevant technology and assume that my hobby was the same as a career. Yesterday, yet another thread from some cyber clown(without an MSc) telling everyone why they didn't need one. Cue the rest of the idiot community showing up to agree. The OP even suggested that certs were the way to go. Yeah, these people all think the CIA triad is the basis of everything they do. As security practitioners, they aren't worth the chunks in a pile of puke. If you don't have an education, you won't ever understand the value of one. It's NOT about what you 'get' from the process. That's the manchild in you, holding you back. It's about what you get to BECOME through the process. If you don't have an education and don't understand how it works, your opinion on whether one is needed is worthless. You might disagree. You might bullshit on about your 'X years of experience' and how that is somehow equal to the known universe of everyone else's experience and critical reflection. Fine. Sign a release form and get on a recorded Zoom call with me. I will ask you basic questions about what you ought to know, and I'll publish it. You can illuminate us all with your wisdom. I'll even tag in your employer. No? Because we all know how that would go down, don't we? Apparently, an education DOES make the difference. Yes, there are problems with what is being taught across the board. You need to know the bullshit before you can move beyond it. For the younger generation of security practitioners, the best free advice I can give you is this. Learn, but do NOT believe. Think for yourself. I help the serious people.

Reflecting on Growth It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since I penned down my first heartfelt post, expressing gratitude to Confidence Staveley and the CyberSafe Foundation for unlocking my potential in #cybersecurity. The #pursuit, marked by ups and downs, has been nothing short of transformative. "This journey has been incredibly tough, pushing me to new limits I never thought possible. It has shown me the strength and resilience within myself." These words, written a year ago, resonate even more deeply today. Back then, I thought the #challenges would ease with #time, but I've come to realize that #growth doesn't mean things get easier—it means we get stronger. As I reflect on the International Girls in ICT Day, I'm reminded of the incredible journey of growth over the past year. Every obstacle, every setback, has only fueled my #determination to climb higher. And looking back, I'm proud to see how far I've come. This girl has grown, learned, and evolved in ways she never imagined possible. Here's to many more years of growth, maturity, and prosperity in this beautiful space. #girlsinICT #womenInTech #empowerment #growthMindset #technology #pcidss #cloudsecurity

#ObsessivelyEnthusiasticInvestor #UnreasonablyEnthusiasticInvestor #IrrationallyEnthusiasticInvestor at REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund. We look for the people we believe are doing the best work in Industrial Transformation & Supply Chain Technology; Attempting the impossible. Then we go all-in on them. With obsessive and unreasonable enthusiasm. Join us. #IndustrialTransformation #SupplyChain #Innovation #Technology #Startups #VentureCapital #DemandTheImpossible #UnreasonableEnthusiasm #ObsessiveEnthusiasm #IrrationalEnthusiasm

At Hacking the Workforce, we are committed to improving health and well-being through intergenerational income mobility. We are creating sustainability and security for historically excluded communities, by amplifying the narratives and lived experiences of black, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ people of color. 🌈 2023 was our most impactful year thus far! ✨ Obtained our non-profit 501(c)(3) status, making all of your support and donations tax deductible. This signifies our continued adherence to rigorous reporting standards, ensuring transparency and ethical stewardship. By no longer needing a fiscal sponsor, we can allocate all resources directly towards fulfilling our mission, benefiting the communities we serve. ✨ Our “Tech for Us” program has provided essential technology resources and training to disadvantaged young adults. With your generous contributions, we were able to distribute computers and hardware accessories, enabling our fellows to succeed in remote work environments. Additionally, we partnered with security training organizations to provide free cybersecurity training and vouchers to over 500 students. As a result, 85% of program participants obtained security certifications, while 70% increased proficiency in new technologies like automation and artificial intelligence. 🖥️ ✨ We launched our Small Business Security incubator to support entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds safeguard their businesses from cybercrime. Through security awareness training and cybersecurity services, we have empowered more than 50 entrepreneurs. As a result, 60% of these entrepreneurs report feeling more equipped to protect their sensitive business data and their customers. 💼 ✨ Our “Community Cyber Resilience Clinic” started holding monthly clinics to deliver digital literacy and cyber safety training to over 700 BIPOC, LGBTQ+, aging individuals, as well as small business owners living below the cybersecurity poverty line. From password security to privacy settings on their devices, we share the fundamental skills needed to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. By reinforcing these sustainable security practices, we empower individuals to safeguard their personal information, ensuring the protection of themselves and their communities. 👥 Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference! #adastra #gratitude #nonprofit #communityimpact #cybersecurity #inclusion

Forever grateful to #Tech4Dev At this time last year, if someone had told me I'd be part of the 2024 Cybersecurity class of the Women Techsters Fellowship I wouldn't have believed them. My journey through the Women Techsters Fellowship has been adventurous. I got to do better, push myself beyond my comfort zone, and connect with women from different parts of Africa. From the application process to our capstone projects, I can say I have #evolved. Even though our classes were virtual, meeting, listening, and collaborating to these women made me feel like I was already in their countries, especially Kenya a country I've been longing to visit. "Subira Sybil. You will visit Kenya."😊 Subira is a Kenyan word which means patience. I have made friends who have now become sisters. ... My journey into Cybersecurity began from a link for #Tech4Dev #Openday a friend shared with me. As I listened to the guests speak, the passion was ignited and I knew it was POSSIBLE. Prior to that, I had no interest in being a "Tech sis" because I had no idea Cybersecurity existed.😊 You never know, you might just be that person to help a woman find her dream Tech niche and excel in it. OR You might just be that woman who needs to register and attend this webinar. Another Open day comes up this month of April. Please share the #registration link with your family, friends, and connections (it's in the comment section 👇). Don't snooze, please. Type DONE in the comments when you share the link. Thank you. #networking #cybersecurity #Tech4Dev #WomeninTech #growth #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #knowledge

#ObsessivelyEnthusiasticInvestor #UnreasonablyEnthusiasticInvestor #IrrationallyEnthusiasticInvestor at REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund We look for the people we believe are doing the best work in Industrial Transformation & Supply Chain Technology; Attempting the impossible. Then we go all-in on them. With obsessive and unreasonable enthusiasm. Join us. #IndustrialTransformation #SupplyChain #Innovation #Technology #Startups #VentureCapital #DemandTheImpossible #UnreasonableEnthusiasm #ObsessiveEnthusiasm #IrrationalEnthusiasm