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Welcome to Cyber Pulse Episode 10 (Available 5/15/2025 on Spotify or Apple Podcast.) 

In this episode of Cyber Pulse, we team up with #CyberChats' host Kennedy Taylor to interview Tennisha Martin, Founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack, a nonprofit that's opening pathways into cybersecurity for Black women and girls across the country. With a background in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon and over 15 years of experience in government consulting, Tennisha brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to equity in tech.

She shares what inspired her to create BlackGirlsHack, how the organization is helping to bridge access gaps, and why building diverse cyber talent pipelines is critical to the future of the field. We also explore her work as a mentor, ethical hacking advocate, and educator — and why representation matters from entry-level to the executive suite.

Whether you're breaking into cyber, mentoring others, or rethinking what inclusive leadership looks like, this conversation offers practical insight and powerful inspiration.

Topics discussed: cybersecurity education, cybersecurity, diversity, opportunity, cyber kids, cyber careers

In our news Pulse, Microsoft's Recall app is back, and why this is bad for your privacy and security.

PODCAST LINKS:  Cyber Pulse on Spotify OR Cyber Pulse on Apple

GUEST DETAILS (See bio & photo)

Tennisha Martin is the founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack (BGH Foundation), a national cybersecurity nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and resources to underserved communities and increasing the diversity in cyber. BlackGirlsHack provides black women and girls with resources, mentorship, direction, and training required to enter and excel in the Cybersecurity field. 

Tennisha has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Science in Information Technology, Health Care Policy and Management, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, and Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland. She has worked in a government consulting capacity for over 15 years in Project Management, Risk Management, Audit, Information Assurance, Quality Assurance, Software Development, and Testing roles. 

In her spare time, Tennisha is a cyber instructor, mentor, and red-team learning ethical hacking advocate for diversity in cyber and the executive suites.

Connect with Tennisha online:

tennisha.com
www.linkedin.com/in/tennisha
www.twitter.com/blackgirlshack
www.instagram.com/mrstennisha
www.blackgirlshack.org
www.squadcon.me
www.wegotnextcyber.com