Ale’s career journey is anything but linear. From her roots as the granddaughter of Mexican farmworkers to advising high school students, to shaping education policy in Washington DC, and finally landing in the world of technology, her story is one of resilience, mentorship, and serendipity.

In this episode Ale shares how her immigrant background shaped her values, why giving back through education became her first calling, and how an unexpected LinkedIn message opened the door to tech. She also reflects on the importance of mentors, the reality of navigating career pivots, and why being brave enough to “make the ask” can change everything.

Whether you are early in your career, considering a pivot, or simply looking for inspiration, Ale’s story proves that purpose, perseverance, and a little bit of luck can create a path you never imagined.

Key Highlights

• Ale’s immigrant roots and values of community and service
• Transition from college advising to education policy work in DC
• How an unexpected LinkedIn message led to a role in edtech
• Lessons on mentorship and how to “be brave and make the ask”
• Reflections on luck, preparation, and building a career with purpose
• Ale’s thoughts on balance, gardening, and stepping away from tech to recharge

Book Recommendations
That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph (Netflix co-founder) — an inside look at the startup world and building something unexpected

Support the show

Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe!
Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX
Social Media – Follow us on:
TikTok
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/
Audio:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111
Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707
Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

In this inspiring episode of Inclusive Cyber, Lorena Mejia, CEO & Founder of Unleashing the Lion in Us, shares how she went from entry-level roles to becoming a leader in technology, cybersecurity, and AI. Lorena opens up about the importance of curiosity, self-advocacy, and mentorship, and why closing the digital divide is critical to building equitable, responsible AI.

We cover:

• Lorena’s unconventional path to tech and cybersecurity
• How curiosity and mentorship became her superpowers
• Why representation matters in AI and cybersecurity
• Breaking into cyber without a “traditional” degree
• Responsible AI, equity, and security by design
• Entrepreneurship and building a purpose-driven company

Book Recommendations:

• Bringing Your Authentic Self: Tattoos, Pearls, and All to the Boardroom – Miriam Simone
• A Brown Girl’s Epiphany: Reclaim Your Intuition and Step Into Your Power – Aurelia Dávila Pratt
• The Inclusive Organization – Netta Jenkins

Connect with Lorena:

• 🌐 Website: https://unleashingthelioninus.com/
  
• 📅 Free Consultations: Book via Calendly https://calendly.com/mejia-lore-m_unleashingthelioninus/45?month=2025-09
• 📸 Instagram: @unleashingthelioninus
  
• 🎤 Open for keynote speaking, podcasts, and collaborations

Connect with Danny / Inclusive Cyber:

• 🔗 LinkedIn: Daniel Magallanes
  
  
• 🎥 YouTube: Inclusive Cyber Podcast

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to claim your seat at the table and help build a more inclusive future for tech, AI, and cybersecurity.

Support the show

Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe!
Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX
Social Media – Follow us on:
TikTok
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/
Audio:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111
Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707
Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...

Alexis Dieter, working in Offensive Cyber Operations, proves there’s no one “right” way into cyber. After 13 years in bartending, Alexis pivoted careers, went back to school, and is now thriving in penetration testing all while finishing her degree.

Here are her lessons for anyone looking to break in (or breakthrough):

✅ Life Skills More Important than Tech Skills
Bartending taught her resilience, communication, and tough skin — the real keys to thriving in cyber.

✅ Network = Net Worth
Professors, clubs, conferences, and even old colleagues opened doors to her first internship.

✅ Stay Hungry, But Pace Yourself
Cybersecurity is a marathon. Continuous learning is crucial but burnout is real.

✅ Give Back Early
She leads outreach to women and minorities, proving that lifting others lifts the industry.

✅ Future-Proof Your Career
Alexis is already thinking about quantum computing risks and how they’ll change security in the next decade.

And when it comes to AI?

“AI can write scripts and save me time, but it can’t replace intuition. Offensive security is still very human.”

🚀 Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a cyber veteran, Alexis’s story is a reminder: your past doesn’t define your future — your curiosity does.

#CybersecurityCareers #PenTesting #OffensiveSecurity #CareerPivot #LifeSkills #Networking #QuantumComputing #AI #GenerativeAI #CybersecurityCommunity #WomenInCyber #InclusiveCyber #futureofwork

Support the show

Support the Channel - Click the bell to have notifications, like & subscribe!
Buy Me Coffee - https://shorturl.at/jKMSX
Social Media – Follow us on:
TikTok
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554884934328
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inclusivecyberpodcast/
Audio:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6HNQQVKvsCRo2J095Kyc8G
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurity/id1686041111
Website - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2183707
Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...