In the SecureWorld Spotlight Series, we learn about the speakers and Advisory Council members that make our events a success. In Q&A format, they share about their professional journeys, unique experiences, and hopes for the future of cybersecurity—along with some personal anecdotes.
Reanna Schulz is Team Leader of Information Security at Garmin, directly reporting out of their Security Operations Center (SOC). She serves on the Advisory Council for SecureWorld Kansas City and has presented at a few of our conferences this year.
She graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Secure Software Development, and in 2020 with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance.
She volunteers her time by speaking about her journey and with local Girl Scout groups, high schools, middle schools, and universities in her area. Additionally, she is involved as a coach in the National Cyber League through the University of Central Missouri.
Get to know Reanna Schultz
Q: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
A: When I first started my educational journey, I attended college as a Criminal Justice major with the goal of becoming a Missouri State Highway Patrolwoman. However, during my studies, I realized that law classes did not excite me, and I found it hard to concentrate because I didn't feel challenged. At that time, I was heavily involved in bodybuilding and weightlifting, which was my passion. This led me to switch my major to Physical Therapy. Unfortunately, I encountered the same problem as with my Criminal Justice studies—I couldn't find my classes interesting or challenging. During that period, I took a technology elective course in Python programming. I had no prior knowledge of STEM and knew nothing about computers, but this was the first time in college that I enjoyed a class. I loved the problem-solving aspect and the multiple ways to arrive at a solution rather than just having a right or wrong answer. The challenges of programming intrigued me, so I switched my major to Computer Science. While I was a student, my university introduced a Cybersecurity degree. I knew nothing about cybersecurity, but my advisor encouraged me to take an introductory course as an elective. Despite my skepticism, I enrolled in the course. The Introduction to Cybersecurity course provided me with so much insight. I had been familiar with the development side of computers, but learning about ways to make code do unintended things fascinated me. This course excited me so much that I changed my major to Cybersecurity for the final time and eventually graduated with both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in the field. Shortly after college, I made some networking connections and secured my first job as a Cyber Security Analyst.
Q: When and why did you join your current organization (employer)?
A: I joined my current company in December of 2021. Garmin is well known in the community for promoting innovative thinking and fostering a great work culture. After working here for almost three years, I can say I have never been happier with an employer.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one sentence?
A: An industry where its community provides support, networking, and collaborative opportunities.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: Networking with others at events and conferences like SecureWorld provides amazing opportunities to hear passionate people speak about what they enjoy in the field and to connect with others who share the same interests.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: Cybersecurity should not be a roadblock for the business. Cyber should be integrated into current processes and procedures so that the business can excel in a secure fashion.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the cybersecurity profession?
A: How cybersecurity is branded in an organization is crucial. It's common to hear how cybersecurity is perceived as a roadblock or expense for the business. Developing positive relationships and metrics to capture added value, along with identifying risks, can be challenging to sell to a business whose culture is not security-minded.
Q: What are the biggest opportunities facing the profession?
A: We are working in an age when technology is evolving. This allows professionals to be exposed to new security tools or threat research to help us defend our company.
Q: When you tell people what you do for a living, what do you say?
A: I work in a Security Operations Center. I tell others that I work in cyber and my primary role is essentially to be the first responder for the company. My team and I are the first eyes and ears for any cyber threats affecting the business.
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering cybersecurity as a career and/or someone new to the field who is looking to move up the career ladder?
A: Do not be afraid to take chances or seize opportunities. You can never learn without acting. It can be daunting to face new challenges at work or to network at conferences; however, embracing these opportunities can lead to making connections or mastering a skill.
Q: In honor of our 2024 conference theme, Legacies Untold: Revealing Cybersecurity's Hidden Figures, who is someone that you consider to be a Cyber Hero?
A: Being a Kansas City native, I grew up knowing local historical figures. Dorothy Vaughan is one that I have always idolized and catered my voice as a leader towards. She is one that I will always remember learning about and how she was never afraid to take challenges and find innovated ways to get solutions.
Q: Lastly, what are you most looking forward to at your regional SecureWorld conference this year?
A: I am excited to meet new connections through these conferences. The cyber community is strong because we learn and grow from one another. Being a speaker with SecureWorld, it has allowed me to collaborate and meet talented and passionate people from all over the world.
To connect with Reanna Schultz and cybersecurity leaders in the Greater Detroit region, attend the 22nd annual SecureWorld Detroit conference on September 18, 2024. She will be presenting a session entitled Social Engineering: Training the Human Firewall.
More from Reanna on the personal side:
"I grew up in a small town in Missouri where we had no turn lanes or stoplights. In fact, I would have to travel two towns over to go to a decent grocery store. It was interesting when I got into cybersecurity because I did not grow up in an area where STEM was a popular field. People often went to trade school or pursued agriculture. When I went to college, this is where I learned more about STEM and eventually pursued Computer Science and Cybersecurity. My journey has allowed me to give back to the community I grew up in and to other schools across the Midwest where I talk about my challenges and more about the STEM field.
One question I often get asked is what hobbies and activities I enjoy. I am a thrill-seeker; I enjoy riding roller coasters and traveling to new places I've never been. I am also trained in shooting sports such as trap and archery.
I am a big animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs. I have a Beagle named Remington at home, who I take everywhere with me. Besides my passion for cybersecurity, I enjoy traveling and discovering second-hand bookstores. I spend most of my free time reading 1980s science fiction books and trying new restaurants. I am very active on Yelp and enjoy finding local hidden gems when I do travel."
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