Erica Shoemate: From Breaking In to Breaking Barriers – A Memphis Trailblazer Reshaping AI & Cybersecurity on Her Own Terms

In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Erica Shoemate shares her exceptional journey into national security, cybersecurity, and AI. From serving vulnerable communities in Memphis to working at the FBI, Erica discusses her multifaceted career, her pioneering work in technology policy, and the importance of human-centered approaches in AI and cybersecurity. As a first-generation college graduate, Erica emphasizes the value of passion, critical thinking, and leadership in breaking into the industry, offering invaluable insights to those looking to pivot their careers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:59 Erica's Nontraditional Path to Cybersecurity03:53 Impact of Early Career in Vulnerable Communities07:28 Educational Background and Career Evolution15:18 Transition to Big Tech and Policy Leadership18:34 Current Work and Consulting27:54 Challenges and Future of AI in Cybersecurity40:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comBreaking into Cybersecurity: A conversation about their previous experiences, the reasons behind their pivot into cyber, the process they went through, how they stay up-to-date, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.#cybersecurity #breakingintocybersecurity #informationsecurity #AdvanceYourCyberCareer Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level: https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/dp/1801816638/---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/