How Bernadette’s career transition to cybersecurity led to her dream role at her dream company

Bernadette’s path to cybersecurity was a natural progression, shaped by over a decade of experience in HR, business operations, and governance. After years of navigating risk management and data security, she came to the realization that cybersecurity was a natural fit for her skillset. Now, as a Cybersecurity Awareness Analyst at lululemon, Bernadette blends her perspective and experience, combining technical expertise with a mission to empower others. As a key player in cybersecurity awareness, she advocates for a more inclusive and accessible future in tech.

A natural evolution: How cybersecurity found Bernadette

Before officially stepping into cybersecurity, Bernadette spent over a decade in HR and business operations, focusing on governance, risk management & compliance (GRC), and data security. “I worked closely with executives, legal teams, and global stakeholders to develop policies, protect sensitive company data, and ensure regulatory compliance,” she shares. Bernadette’s role spanned multiple industries, including tech, luxury hospitality, mining, and wellness.

But what stands out is the realization that cybersecurity had always been a part of her work. “I was enforcing access controls, managing system updates, and embedding security-first policies—not because I saw it as cybersecurity, but because it was the right thing to do,” Bernadette explains. This aha moment led her to realize that cybersecurity was the natural next step in her career.

Why Lighthouse Labs?

After building her initial foundation with self-study for the CompTIA Security+ exam, Bernadette turned to Lighthouse Labs for the practical experience and career support she needed. What differentiated Lighthouse Labs from other bootcamps? Aside from the strong industry reputation, job-ready curriculum, and dedicated career support, Bernadette elaborates: “I wanted an environment where I could simulate real-world security incidents, analyze threats, and apply cybersecurity frameworks immediately—and that’s exactly what the program delivered.”

Mentorship and representation: Support from allies and advocates

Bernadette’s path has been formed by both male and female mentors, with one notable role model being Laura Franks, an instructor at Lighthouse Labs. She credits Laura with providing practical, honest guidance. “[She] kept it real whenever I asked about being a woman in this field,” Bernadette reflects. “She didn’t sugarcoat the challenges but gave honest advice on navigating them, standing firm in your expertise, and owning your space in cybersecurity.”

“Representation matters, but so do allies. Women in cybersecurity have inspired me, but my journey was also shaped by male mentors and industry allies who shared their knowledge and advocated for me,” Bernadette shares. For her, representation is important, but so are the roles of allies and advocates. “Cybersecurity is still a male-dominated field, and real change means empowering women while ensuring male allies advocate for leadership opportunities,” she adds. Her experience at Lighthouse Labs reinforced the idea that meaningful progress happens when everyone works together to create equal opportunities in tech.

The bootcamp experience: Wins, challenges, and transformation

Bernadette describes her time at Lighthouse Labs as “fast-paced, immersive, and completely transformative.” It wasn’t just about learning cybersecurity but learning to think like a cybersecurity professional under pressure. “One of my biggest wins was mastering security assessments, risk analysis, and threat investigation in a hands-on environment,” she recalls. “I remember the thrill of dissecting my first real-world attack scenario and realizing, ‘I can actually do this.’”

Her biggest challenge? Imposter syndrome. “Coming from a non-traditional background, I sometimes questioned if I belonged,” she admits. “What the program really taught me, though, is that cybersecurity isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing how to think.”

Making her mark in cybersecurity: lululemon and CyberBea

Lighthouse Labs gave Bernadette more than just technical training; it became a launchpad for her new career, reshaping how she thinks, learns, and contributes to the cybersecurity space. The bootcamp equipped her with the resources to secure her dream job at her dream company. “Lighthouse Labs gave me the tools and confidence to land my role as a Cybersecurity Awareness Analyst at lululemon, where I help shape security culture and educate teams on cyber threats,” she shares.

The impact of the bootcamp went far beyond a job title. The training at Lighthouse Labs helped Bernadette develop key skills—problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication of security concepts—that mold her professional approach and inform her daily work.

She views her career as an opportunity to not only build personal success but to create a space for others to find success as well. “Lighthouse Labs wasn’t just about learning—it was about building the foundation for my career, my personal brand, and my long-term impact in this industry.”

Inspired to pay it forward, Bernadette launched CyberBea, a YouTube channel dedicated to making cybersecurity more accessible, especially for groups who don’t typically see themselves represented in the industry.

CyberBea played a pivotal role in landing her job at lululemon. “The recruiter found me on LinkedIn but reached out because of CyberBea,” she explains, highlighting the impact of visibility and initiative. “Sharing what I learn in cybersecurity on YouTube opened doors I never expected.”

Her connection to lululemon goes back further than her role as an Analyst and represents a full-circle moment. “When I was 19 years old, I worked at a yoga studio, where I bought my first pair of lululemon yoga pants—a small moment that sparked a lasting connection,” Bernadette explains. “Now, I get to bring my passion for education, risk management, and security culture to a company I trust as a customer, admire as a brand, and personally connect with through its mission of unleashing full potential.”

What's next for Bernadette?

Looking ahead, Bernadette sees her journey in cybersecurity as just beginning. With the aim to expand her knowledge in security awareness, risk management, and incident response while strengthening her leadership skills, Bernadette acknowledges “the best is yet to come.”

Her excitement stemming from its constant evolution and the endless learning opportunities, she shares: “What I love most about cybersecurity is that it’s always evolving—there’s always more to learn, new threats to analyze, and innovative ways to strengthen security culture.” For Bernadette, security is about people more than it is about technology. “My long-term vision is to become a key voice in cybersecurity awareness, human risk management, and diversity advocacy—because security is about more than just technology; it’s about people,” she emphasizes.

An advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, she continues to create content to support newcomers in the field. "Through CyberBea, I’ll continue creating practical, hands-on security content, helping others break into the field, and amplifying the voices of women and visible minorities in STEM." In addition, Bernadette is committed to increasing her visibility on LinkedIn to inspire others with her career insights and industry perspectives.

Championing women in cybersecurity

In Bernadette’s view, being a woman in cybersecurity is a statement about the need for diverse perspectives in tech. It’s not enough just to show up; she’s focused on proving that diversity powers innovation and enhances security practices across the industry.

“I feel incredibly proud to be a woman in cybersecurity. It means showing up with presence, unapologetically taking up space, and proving that diverse perspectives aren’t just valuable—they’re essential. This industry thrives on innovation, and innovation happens when different voices are heard.”

However, she’s quick to acknowledge that no change happens in isolation. The tech industry has long been male-dominated, but real progress happens when everyone, regardless of gender, plays a role in fostering inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of working together to champion inclusion as a priority at every level, ensuring that the whole industry moves forward: “I also know that real change doesn’t happen in silos. We need strong female communities AND male allies who actively champion inclusion—not just in words, but in action. The more we amplify underrepresented voices, the stronger and more resilient this industry becomes.”

Ultimately, Bernadette views her role in tech as part of a larger mission to break down barriers and create space for others to follow, ensuring that the path she’s on is one others can walk too.

“Being a woman in tech isn’t just about representation—it’s about making an impact, breaking barriers, and paving the way for those who come next. And that’s something I take pride in every single day.”

As an ISACA member, Bernadette is actively involved in their Mentorship Program, connecting with industry professionals to grow her skills and support others on their journeys. Looking ahead, she hopes to take her impact even further by stepping into a volunteer leadership role with their SheLeadsTech initiative, allowing her to expand her network, deepen her expertise, and advocate for more women in cybersecurity leadership. She also participates in Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and other community events focused on mentorship and advocacy. “Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, I believe in actively fostering a more inclusive cybersecurity industry,” she says.

Recipe for real change: Visibility and sponsorship

Bernadette believes that visibility is a crucial first step in inspiring more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. “Visibility is everything. If people don’t see themselves in cybersecurity, they won’t believe they belong,” she emphasizes. Social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, which showcase real and relatable career journeys, help break down misconceptions about who can succeed in tech.

But visibility alone isn’t enough. “We need not just mentorship but sponsorship at every level,” she stresses. “Breaking into tech shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle—diversity groups need structured support, from their first job applications to leadership opportunities.” Bernadette calls on companies to move beyond performative diversity efforts and create genuine pathways for underrepresented talent. After all, “diversity in cybersecurity isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage. The more perspectives we bring in, the better we can anticipate threats, solve complex problems, and build a safer digital world for everyone.” Cultivating an inclusive industry means moving beyond rhetoric and surface-level commitments, and driving action through systems, sponsorship, and intentional investments.

The value of diversity in cybersecurity

Reaffirming a human-centric approach to cybersecurity, Bernadette emphasizes that success isn’t defined by the technical skills you have. Instead, it hinges on universal soft skills and the ability to work collaboratively. “It shouldn’t matter that I’m a woman in cybersecurity. What matters is having the right mindset, soft skills, and work ethic,” she says. To learn more about the technical and soft skills needed for cybersecurity roles, check out the 20 Cybersecurity Skills You Need to Land a Job.

She underscores that cybersecurity is fundamentally a team effort. “Cybersecurity is a team sport. Teammates who communicate proactively, collaborate effectively, and bring empathy to security challenges are far more valuable than someone who can configure a firewall but struggles to work with others.” During her time at Lighthouse Labs, she saw firsthand how some classmates overlooked the importance of teamwork, communication, and professionalism, decisions that ultimately impacted their careers post-bootcamp. “Now, six months later, they are still on the job hunt. Meanwhile, those who built strong relationships, asked thoughtful questions, and showed they could collaborate are the ones getting hired.”

Beyond representation, diversity in cybersecurity strengthens the industry as a whole. “The more perspectives we bring in, the better we can anticipate threats, solve complex problems, and build a safer digital world for everyone.” At the end of the day, the industry doesn’t just need more women; it needs more professionals who understand that cybersecurity is about protecting people, not just systems. “The best cybersecurity professionals? They’re the ones who know how to work as a team.”

Advice for anyone considering a career in tech

“If you’re thinking about making a transition into tech, this isn’t advice just for women—it applies to everyone: you don’t need to have it all figured out before you start,” Bernadette advises. She encourages others to take the leap, stay curious, and network. “The best way to succeed is to keep learning. Put yourself out there—networking, sharing your journey, and building a portfolio can open doors you never expected.”

She believes that technical skills can be learned, but what really sets someone apart is the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and work well with others. “The people who excel in cybersecurity aren’t just the best at hacking or scripting—they’re the ones who can adapt, collaborate, and problem-solve with a team. Those are the skills that will take you the farthest in your career,” Bernadette concludes.

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If you’re inspired by how Bernadette is reshaping her career, just know that you can do the same. Our Cybersecurity Bootcamp will give you the skills and support you need to make that transition and secure your future.

Want to see where Bernadette’s journey takes her next? Follow CyberBea and stay updated on her progress in the cybersecurity world.