Edition #5: Building While Giving Back

Have you ever thought about who you give your time and advice to?

Giving back is powerful, but so is being intentional with it. This past month reminded me that sharing your journey means more when it’s received by those who value it. Whether it’s a quick tip or a full conversation, every interaction is a chance to leave someone better than you found them, and that’s something I don’t take lightly.

🚀 Milestones & Moments: Full Circle Progress

Grateful. That’s the word that keeps coming to mind lately. I’ve been fortunate to continue growing in my career, but also, I’ve been able to give back to others with my knowledge. 

My mentors have always taught me to pay things forward for the next people in line, and that’s exactly what I try to do.

Recently, I’ve been getting more opportunities to share my story and offer cybersecurity career tips across different platforms.

This past month, I had the chance to be featured on two podcasts: Your World of Creativity by Mark Stinson and Byte Sized Balance by Tavis Mitchell. 

While the episodes haven’t aired yet, I’m grateful for the meaningful conversations and the chance to inspire others through my journey.

Outside of that, I’ve been continuing to build. I decided not to take summer classes since none of the options aligned with my degree, but that’s allowed me to focus more on work and my personal development.

Work has been going well. I was recently asked to join the bulletin writing team, where I’ll help create security bulletins that get distributed to our clients.

I’m also pushing forward with my studies in artificial intelligence. I started Google’s AI Fundamentals course and plan to pursue Securti’s AI & Governance certification next to deepen my understanding of how AI intersects with cybersecurity.

It’s all about taking small steps forward and staying consistent, and I’m thankful for the lord for everything he’s bestowed upon me.

🛡️ Cybersecurity Update: Billions of Passwords Resurface Online

Our personal data continues to be collected and shared online at a concerning rate. A recent report revealed that 16 billion passwords connected to accounts from companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook have been compiled from past leaks. While this wasn’t a new breach, the large number of credentials now gathered in one place raises serious concerns.

It’s a reminder to avoid reusing passwords and to update old ones, especially if they’ve been shared across different accounts.

For more details, read the full article on Forbes.

🔒Breach One, Teach One

This month, I covered how cybersecurity issues can affect our day-to-day lives. From a Whole Foods outage to a leaked database of 16 billion passwords, these short videos break down what happened and what we can learn from it.

🔹NO FOOD! Whole Foods Outage Exposes Cybersecurity Flaws
🔹16 BILLION Passwords Leaked! Apple, Facebook & Google Accounts at Risk

If you want to keep up with my latest videos, Subscribe to My YouTube.

💪Your Health is Your Greatest Asset

Sleep is where we recharge, but many overlook how important the actual bed setup is. Most mattresses today are made with chemicals like polyurethane foam, formaldehyde, and flame retardants, all of which can affect breathing, skin, and overall health. The same goes for sheets and blankets, especially when made from synthetic fabrics.

Choosing natural materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or linen for your bedding and looking for mattresses made from organic wool or latex can make a big difference. These options support better sleep and reduce exposure to harmful materials.

To put it in perspective, the average person spends about 26 years of their life sleeping. With that much time spent in bed, investing in a cleaner, more supportive setup is worth it.

I recently made the switch to a new bed, and even after just a week, the difference has been noticeable. Falling asleep feels more natural, and the added comfort has made my nights more restful. Pairing that with a consistent sleep schedule has made early mornings for work a lot easier to manage.

Here are two bedding options:

• Affordable Option

• More Expensive Option

Bed Sheets & Blanket I Bought:

• Cosy House Collection Luxury Sheets

• Cozy Bliss Cooling Blanket

❓ Question of the Month

As I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to give back, I’ve realized that it’s not just about sharing, it’s about being intentional with what and how we share.

When you give advice or support to others, how do you make sure it’s truly helpful to where they are in their journey and not just based on your own path?

📚What I’m Reading This Month

This month, I decided to re-read Chop Wood Carry Water. It’s a simple yet powerful book that highlights the importance of discipline, patience, and falling in love with the process.

Sometimes going back to a book helps reinforce the lessons and sharpen the habits that matter most

If you have any book or article recommendations, reply to this email and send them my way. I’m always open to new insights!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

One event I’m excited to be part of is Cyber Sistas Chat. Cyber Sistas is a community focused on uplifting and supporting African American women in cybersecurity. They host webinars and other events. I will be speaking on their next webinar about my journey and offering tips on how to navigate a career in cybersecurity.

The webinar is on July 10th, 2025, at 7 PM CST

To stay up to date on how to attend, check the Cyber Sistas LinkedIn Group along with their mailing list.

Thank you to Nicole Elmore-Sparks and Cherisse Lamb for giving me this opportunity.

Also, another upcoming event to check out is GovTechCon, a conference focused on breaking into the government tech space. The conference runs from September 11 to 13 in Washington, DC, at the Gaylord National Convention Center.

Use my discount code DOMINIC15 to secure your ticket at a discounted rate: GovTechCon.

🔹Resource Spotlight: Gamma.app

This is a tool that helps you make clean and simple presentations. Whether it’s for school, work, or a side project, Gamma can help you bring your ideas together without needing design experience. You can generate presentations using prompts, past slide decks, or even documents to make the process faster and easier.

The tool is free to use: Click Here

💭 A Thought to Keep in Mind

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

📩 Let’s Stay Connected

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