Special Edition: BEYA 2026 | Three Years of Growth

Welcome to this special edition of my newsletter!

It was truly a pleasure getting to meet a lot of you at the BEYA conference last Thursday.

Whether we connected over food, at the career fair, in the hallways between sessions, or at my workshop, I appreciate you all for taking the time to have real, meaningful conversations with me.

In this special edition, I want to share my overall takeaways, insights, and experience from this year’s BEYA conference, along with what I’m building next.

Key Highlights and Takeaways

Over the three days, I learned a lot through networking, reconnecting with others, and attending panels.

The panels I was able to attend included HBCUs: AI & Quantum Research and An Evening with BEYA’s Leading Voices. The two panels focused on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and national security. Learning about the initiatives HBCUs are leading, not just in security but in advancing AI research for the next generation, stood out to me. It was a reminder that these institutions continue to play an important role in shaping the direction of technology.

The broader conversations around national security added another level for me personally. Being in cybersecurity and having a long-term goal of working at the national level, learning how national security comes together through scientific research, policy decisions, and strategic planning gave me a better perspective.

Seeing how AI and quantum computing are at the forefront of strengthening those initiatives showed me how serious and high-impact that work truly is.

I did not get the chance to attend as many workshops as I would have liked, as I spent most of my time in the career fair and preparing for my own workshop. That being said, being present on the floor allowed me to connect with more people and visit a lot of booths to share my information.

At the career fair, it was great seeing companies that have been at BEYA in previous years. Some of the booths even had the same recruiters, and I got the chance to reconnect with them and update them on the progress I’ve made over the past year.

One thing I enjoyed was reconnecting with mentors I’ve met from past BEYAs. I had the chance to catch up with them and even have lunch with others. Being able to share updates about my career, ask questions about my development, and have real conversations is something I truly value. I try not to take those moments for granted and enjoy them as much as I can.

Another highlight was being able to connect with students on a deeper level. Whether it was pre-college students or those already in college, I was able to have more thoughtful conversations and better understand where they are in their journey. Those conversations are a big reason I continue to come back.

What I took away from this year’s conference is that growth is not loud; it is consistent. The conversations around AI and national security made it clear that the future belongs to those who stay prepared. For me, that means continuing to learn, following up with purpose, and making sure that when I walk into rooms like this, I am bringing more than I did the year before.

Workshop Spotlight

I had the opportunity to lead a workshop for pre-college students where I walked them through how to start a career in cybersecurity.

Being able to come back and speak to students who are in that same stage of life meant a lot to me. It was not long ago that I was sitting in their position, trying to figure out where to start my journey. While I was blessed with mentors and coaches who constantly pushed me, I never had someone close to my age that I could look to for inspiration.

Being able to be that voice and representation for them truly warmed my heart.

During the workshop, I tried my best to make it as interactive and hands-on as possible. I shared many of the tips, tools, and resources I used when starting my career in cybersecurity, along with activities to help them grasp not just what cybersecurity is, but the actual steps to enter the field and build themselves over time.

I want to give a huge thank you to Ty Oliver, Sarah Blum, Rayondon Kennedy, and the entire BEYA team for giving me this opportunity.

Reflection: Three Years at BEYA

I have been coming to BEYA for the past three years. I started attending when I was 19 years old, and I’m 21 now. Every time I come to this conference, I’m grateful for the opportunity. I get the chance to connect with so many like-minded students, along with some of the top professionals in the STEM field.

It’s honestly been a full circle moment when I think about it. I came to BEYA at 19 while still working in IT, just trying to learn and figure things out. Last year, I had the opportunity to be a student ambassador and the youngest panelist speaking. And this year, I was able to lead a workshop for pre-college students.

Being able to grow each year is something I take seriously, and I always look forward to coming back. I’m grateful for the mentors and leaders who have created space for me to contribute and continue building.

What stands out to me the most is how much BEYA truly cares about the next generation. They give students of all ages real access to the STEM industry, from companies and professionals to new skills, tools, and what it truly takes to become a professional and level up in the tech field.

They’ve created an environment that not only inspires you but also challenges you to raise your standard and the level at which you operate. And I love it.

I can honestly say BEYA has changed my life. The connections I’ve built and the opportunities that have come from it have shaped my journey and ways I never thought it could. Thank you, BEYA.

What I’m Working On Next

As this year continues to unfold, I have several projects in motion. The biggest one right now is the release of my Youngest in Charge Playbook. It’s a step-by-step blueprint focused on building a career in cybersecurity, becoming financially free, and improving your overall health and wellness. 

This playbook is something I’ve put a lot of time and energy into over the past few months, and I’m looking forward to finally sharing it. I plan to drop it by the end of the month.

On the technical side, I also plan to obtain a few more certifications this year, starting with the Blue Team Level 1 certification and the SecurityX certification from CompTIA. 

I believe these will not only sharpen my skills as a SOC analyst but also strengthen my chances of landing a government tech role, which has been a long-term goal of mine.

Beyond that, be on the lookout for continued growth, new projects, and more value as I keep building in this space.

Let’s Stay Connected

I appreciate you being part of my journey and taking the time to read this special edition of my newsletter.

I’ll continue sharing updates through my monthly newsletter as I grow in cybersecurity, build new projects, and reflect on experiences like this one.

This special edition was a focused recap, but my regular monthly updates will continue as usual.

If there’s ever anything I can help with, whether that’s advice, collaboration, or simply staying in touch, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to continuing the conversation.

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Thank you kindly.