PERSPECTIVES FROM THE FIELD 

The strength of Indiana is that we bring together a variety of perspectives from the plethora of areas that touch the field of cyber, especially through the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC). Hence the name "Perspectives From the Field Series" in which we invite experts to discuss the real and challenging issues we are facing in the field and the proposed solutions from the experts to better the lives and businesses of all Hoosiers.

In the latest installment of our series, Raymond Kirk shares his perspective on the importance of diversity in the world of cybersecurity. Today’s blog is the second in a three-part blog series in celebration of Black History Month – featuring a series of questions by The State of Security -- and focuses on the significance of becoming a better ally.

By Raymond Kirk

Question 2: The importance of Black History Month should be driven by everyone. For those potential allies that want to do more, but might not know where to start, what advice would you share? How can they help improve awareness, inclusion, and opportunities?

Raymond Kirk, Raymond_The_PM

Being an ally means truly understanding that Black Lives Matter, being brave enough to articulate that and look for ways to be a part of the solution against racism and inequality. African Americans have been oppressed for hundreds of years. I think it’s important to understand that not all Americans get the same starting line on their path to success; decision makers will need to reach earlier in the pipeline to groom and attract diverse talent in the infosec community.

Emanuel Ghebreyesus, etg71

The advice is very simple but complex. It is also impossible for anyone to say they can’t find information about this elsewhere. Anyone who has the wish and states they can’t find information on this is in denial and purposefully avoiding this internally.

Without the below, nothing can start.

• Care enough to make a difference as well as take action to follow what history has wrongly taught and how you may have been raised.
• Don’t look at anyone based on color, gender, race, or age.
• Everyone is unique, so don’t try to put them into a category you have created in your mind.
• Practice respect, humanity, generosity, understanding and pure desire to treat everyone as a human being first.
• Google “Black Lives Matter” and look at: https://www.livescience.com/difference-between-race-ethnicity.html, Cultural Diversity, Difference Between Culture and Society, 10 Ways to Be a Better Human Being, and Diversity and inclusion strategy 2019 to 2023, to name a few.

Fareedah Shaheed, @CyberFareedah

I would say to find a way to make a positive impact in the life of someone who doesn’t look like you. This positive impact can come in many forms:

• Recommending them as speakers.
• Sharing job opportunities.
• Mentoring.
• Sharing resources.
• Endorsing them.
• Giving them a testimonial.
• Introducing them to your network.
• Supporting their work and/or initiatives.
• Asking them what support they need and then following through.

And one of the best things allies can do is working on themselves internally by reading books, watching documentaries, and having meaningful conversations with themselves and friends on self-awareness and change.

Gabriel Gumbs, @GabrielGumbs

Black History Month is larger than the community which it derives its name from. Civil rights are human rights. The reflection of the contributions made by African Americans throughout history in every aspect of daily life in the face of inequality should be driven by all because it is a universal story of struggle.

For those that may not know where to start, but desire championing Black History Month, I would suggest they begin by exploring the lived experiences of others and looking for opportunities to understand those experiences when compared to their own lived experiences. That happens through conversation; it happens through genuine interactions fueled by curiosity.

Ambler T. Jackson, LinkedIn

For allies who want to do more to improve awareness, inclusion, and opportunities in the infosec community, I suggest being comfortable with providing feedback to those who may need a gentle push in the right direction and to share information and opportunities broadly! Post it on social media, share it at work, share it with your local public library and share it with your book club members. You never know how sharing information and opportunities both inside and outside of your network could change the trajectory of an individual’s career.

In part three of our special three-part blog series celebrating Black History Month on Friday, Feb. 25^th,  Raymond Kirk discusses the topic of receiving “Advice for Getting Involved” and joining the Cybersecurity Industry.