Meet Talya Parker | Cybersecurity Architect & Cyber Diversity Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Talya Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talya, what do you attribute your success to?
My professional success is attributed to my need to satisfy my curiosity. I am always eager to learn more and I’m absolutely okay with not being the smartest person in the room. That feeling can be intimidating to some and it usually brings on the imposter syndrome. However, for me, that translates into an area where there is room for growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I recently launched my new business, Black Girls in Cyber, LLC. My mission is to help minority women transition into the field of Cybersecurity. I realized that most minorities don’t know anything about Cybersecurity or they don’t pursue it, because it appears too intimidating. After seven years of working for large corporations like Deloitte and Nike, the challenge remains the same. The lack of representation is consistent across the board, especially in leadership. So, I’m most proud of doing my small part to create awareness, training, and mentorship to the most underrepresented group in the field. A career in Cybersecurity for minority professionals can change the socioeconomic status of minority families for generations to come. It is a lucrative career path that is worth the investment. I received coaching and mentorship from different people throughout each stage of my career. Each decision has only brought a greater return, not just financially, but in relationships, in experience and the list truly goes on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to Atlanta, pre-COVID during perfect weather? Firstly, brunch is life! Negril Village, West Egg, Another Broken Egg, Buttermilk Kitchen, Highland Bakery are all at the top of the list. I also love the outdoors so Shoot-the-Hooch, the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Arabia Mountain, and one of the many seasonal festivals are certainly on the list. But I would be remiss if I didn’t feed into my introverted side. I would most enjoy firing up the grill, setting up the back yard with some mild fun and music, invite a few friends over with drinks and just a chill vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people I would like to shoutout! My Husband – For being a man who loves without conditions and is secure enough in his role as a husband to support my drive and curiosity in this space. My Parents – Being Jamaican born, we migrated to this country when I was eight years old. My parents are hard-working, persevering, faith walking, and the bravest people I know. I’ve accomplished everything I have because of the decisions and the sacrifices they made. My friend, Racquel Valbrun – In 2014, she encouraged me to pursue a new career path. She saw the market need, she recognized my drive and helped me land an internship with her consulting firm… and six years later, all my success in the field of cybersecurity is attributed to that one career-defining moment.

Website: https://linktr.ee/taypark_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taypark_/ ; instagram.com/blackgirlsincyber
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackgirlsincyb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackGirlsInCyber/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1-jOl9VINEnJyCPowG23g/videos?view_as=subscriber