Hacking the Glass Ceiling: How Women Can Win in Cybersecurity with Stacey Champagne

Voices of the Vigilant

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The battle for representation in the cybersecurity field takes center stage in this podcast episode featuring Stacey Champagne, founder of Hacker Heels.

Stacey Champagne is the Founder & CEO of Hacker in Heels, a pioneering organization dedicated to elevating women into positions of power within the cybersecurity industry. As an active cybersecurity practitioner and transformational coach, she continues leading from the front lines while guiding others to success. Drawing over a decade of experience securing Fortune 500 companies and startups, Stacey combines her technical expertise in insider risk, security investigations, and program management with professional coaching skills to transform women's careers.
Through carefully crafted content, specialized courses, personalized coaching, and strategic events, Hacker in Heels equips women to get paid their worth, secure promotions, and gain recognition for their contributions to the field. Stacey's innovative approach and proven track record of helping women navigate and thrive in traditionally male-dominated environments has earned industry-wide recognition, including the 2023 Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year Award from the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu.

In this episode, Stacey emphasizes the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and unique journeys, particularly how professionals from non-traditional backgrounds can add significant value to the industry. Hear her inspiring narrative of transitioning from a graphic design career to a meaningful role within cybersecurity, proving that diverse paths lead to innovative solutions.
Join us as we explore the mission of Hacker Heels, which aims to empower women to secure prominent roles across all levels of cybersecurity—not just within executive positions but as changemakers within their organizations. Discover the unique programs offered by Hacker Heels, including career transition support, community events, and resources tailored to foster personal and professional growth.
Moving beyond certification, Stacey shares impactful success stories from women who have transformed their careers through Hacker Heels. This episode encourages everyone to reflect on their own intrinsic value and how their diverse experiences shape the future of cybersecurity.
With meaningful conversations about equity and access, Stacey and Jess dive deep into the systemic challenges facing women in tech, advocating for a fairer and more inclusive industry. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and empowered. Whether you're just starting in your career or looking to make a change, this episode underscores the essential role of community support and the value of resilience in achieving success.
You won't want to miss the insights and motivation shared in this vibrant discussion. Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us amplify these important conversations!

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https://www.vigilantviolet.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Chapters

1. Introduction to Voices of the Vigilant (00:00:00)

2. Meet Stacey Champagne, Founder of Hacker Heels (00:02:30)

3. Stacey’s Unconventional Journey to Cybersecurity (00:06:15)

4. Intrinsic Value in Career Transitions (00:12:45)

5. Programs Offered by Hacker Heels (00:18:30)

6. Success Stories from Participants (00:27:00)

7. Overcoming Challenges in Cybersecurity Careers (00:33:30)

8. The Importance of Community (00:40:00)

9. Future Initiatives and Closing Thoughts (00:47:30)