From Cybercrime Victim to Cybersecurity Leader

What does it take to reinvent your career, overcome adversity, and build a meaningful future in one of the world's fastest-growing industries?

In this inspiring episode of EmpowerTech, Iyari Cevallos speaks with cybersecurity advisor Gabriella Casta about her remarkable journey into cyber security, the importance of diversity in technology, and how resilience can become a powerful catalyst for growth.

After becoming the victim of a cybercrime that drained her life savings, Gabriella found herself navigating a complex recovery process that ultimately sparked her curiosity about cyber security. Years later, following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of her career in the cruise industry, she made the bold decision to retrain and enter the cybersecurity profession.

Today, Gabriella combines her cybersecurity expertise with a passion for mentoring emerging professionals and supporting greater diversity across STEM and cyber security through her community initiative, Cyber Security Champions of Tomorrow.

This conversation explores career transitions, overcoming self-doubt, breaking into cyber security, the value of community and mentorship, and why the industry needs a broader range of skills and perspectives to solve tomorrow's challenges.

Episode Highlights

01:40 – Gabriella's unconventional path into cyber security and her experience working across more than 90 countries in the cruise industry.

02:51 – The cybercrime incident that emptied her bank account and changed the direction of her life.

04:50 – Conducting her own digital investigation to prove fraud and recover her stolen savings.

06:24 – How a personal crisis became the motivation to learn about cyber hygiene, online fraud and cyber security.

06:46 – Losing her career during COVID and making the decision to completely reskill into a new industry.

07:50 – Choosing cyber security over other study options and securing a scholarship to begin her journey.

10:30 – What cyber security education looked like as a mature-age student and the challenges of entering a heavily male-dominated field.

13:38 – Discovering the importance of diversity, inclusion and support networks within technology and cyber security.

16:10 – A practical overview of cyber security careers, including analyst, governance, risk and compliance (GRC), engineering, architecture and penetration testing pathways.

18:44 – What employers are really looking for and why cyber security needs more than just technical skills.

23:26 – The biggest barriers facing newcomers trying to enter the cyber security industry.

25:43 – Why networking, mentorship and community support are critical for building experience and confidence.

27:58 – The role of visibility, role models and professional networks in helping people see what's possible.

28:42 – Understanding job descriptions, transferable skills and navigating career transitions with confidence.

32:16 – Gabriella's personal story of applying for hundreds of jobs before finding the right opportunity.

33:42 – How persistence, preparation and continuous learning led to multiple career opportunities within a short period of time.

36:49 – The story behind Cyber Security Champions of Tomorrow and the need to support the next generation of cyber professionals.

41:43 – What the Cyber Security Champions of Tomorrow community offers, from mentorship and career guidance to practical learning experiences.

43:00 – Gabriella's advice for anyone considering a career change or exploring opportunities in cyber security.

Key Takeaway

Cyber security isn't just for technical experts. It's a diverse industry that needs problem-solvers, communicators, leaders, analysts, strategists and curious learners from all backgrounds.

As Gabriella's story demonstrates, careers don't always follow a straight path. Adversity, setbacks and unexpected changes can often become the catalyst for meaningful growth. With the right mindset, community support and willingness to step outside your comfort zone, it's possible to build a rewarding career in an industry that continues to evolve and create new opportunities.

One of Gabriella's most powerful messages throughout the conversation is:

"Confidence is a decision. Fear is a reaction."

A reminder that growth often begins on the other side of uncertainty.