The Art of Making a Difference
Did You Know?
While women’s participation in the cybersecurity industry is growing, women still only represent about 20-25% of the cybersecurity workforce, according to ISC2.
The Do We Belong documentary is available to watch on the Cyber Florida at USF YouTube channel.
Catch new episodes of the Do We Belong Here? podcast on your favorite platform, our website, or our YouTube channel.
A Young Professional’s Journey to Belonging in Cybersecurity
When Sarina Gandy first received the request to produce a new podcast about women in cybersecurity, she didn’t feel ready. In fact, she burst into tears! A self-described non-technical person, the 2020 USF grad had been working for about three years at Cyber Florida at USF in the marketing department and had been co-producing the No Password Required podcast for a season. While she had become adept at preparing interview questions, writing promotional copy, editing audio, and then editing video when that format was introduced, the idea of leading a new project centered on women in cybersecurity felt overwhelming.
But as her father, her greatest ally, always told her, “The world is your oyster.” She knew she had to give it her all.
A New Podcast – A New Challenge
Rex Wilson, a trusted colleague and mentor, was the one who encouraged Sarina to take on the challenge. “It’s got to be you,” he declared. And so, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Sarina accepted the role. There were no guidelines—just the freedom to create something meaningful. The pressure felt immense, but so was the potential impact. As Sarina recalls, “I didn’t want to fail or not make an impact.”
Despite her initial hesitation, Sarina recognized that this podcast was a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of women and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. However, she struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning her place in an industry she didn’t feel entirely comfortable in. She turned to USF adjunct professor and fellow alumna, Michelle Angelo Dantas Rocha, a colleague with cybersecurity research expertise, for guidance. After hearing her thoughts, Sarina decided to focus on the human side of cybersecurity—the struggles, trials, and tribulations that many, including Sarina, have faced.
Building a Team
One of the first steps in bringing the podcast to life was assembling the right team. Rex suggested Tashya Denose, who had previously been involved with Cyber Florida at USF, as a co-host. It was at this point that the podcast found its name. During a brainstorming session, Tashya mentioned the word “belonging,” and it was a lightbulb moment. The podcast’s name, Do We Belong Here? perfectly captured the essence of the stories they wanted to tell. Later, Pam Lindemoen was recommended as the second host. The trio met and quickly clicked.
The podcast launched on October 25, 2022, with three episodes dropping simultaneously. The day was hectic, surreal, and filled with excitement. “It felt like I gave birth that day!” Sarina recalls with a laugh. The overwhelming response made all the hard work worth it.
“We should do something big together.”
From Podcast to Documentary
The podcast’s success led to an unexpected opportunity: a documentary. It all began with a live Do We Belong Here? podcast recording at the WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) annual conference in Denver in March 2023. Though the recording had its technical hiccups, the experience sparked something much bigger. At the end of the session, Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS founder, suggested, “We should do something big together.”
Rex took the suggestion to heart and began envisioning a documentary. Though Sarina was initially resistant, feeling out of her depth, she quickly embraced the challenge. The documentary project took on a life of its own, evolving from a focus on Cyber Florida to a broader story about women in cybersecurity. “It’s not about us; but we can really amplify,” Sarina realized. The documentary became a platform to tell the stories that needed to be told.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
The almost 18-month journey was not easy. Sarina faced new challenges, from interviewing high profile individuals to navigating the logistics of documentary production. At each step of the way, she found herself growing more confident. A turning point came in November 2023 at the Black Girls in Cyber Summit in Atlanta. The intimate event allowed Sarina to connect with the women she interviewed. Hearing their stories of overcoming adversity and building confidence was transformative.
“Everything I needed to learn I learned through this process of interviewing women for this documentary,” Sarina says. “They all helped me believe in myself more.”
The irony of the documentary’s title is not lost on Sarina. Initially, she didn’t feel like she belonged in the cybersecurity space. But through this journey, she discovered that while she may not be technical, her strengths—empathy, sensitivity, and the ability to turn interviews into conversations as a marketing and communications professional—gave her a unique place in the industry.
A Lasting Impact
In the end, the biggest difference Sarina made was in her own life. She learned to embrace her strengths and recognize her value in the cybersecurity community. The documentary, which started as a daunting challenge, became a testament to her personal growth and the power of storytelling.
Sarina’s journey is a reminder that making a difference often starts with believing in yourself, even when you don’t feel ready. Sarina has proven to herself that she belongs here, too.
