In a field where just 28 percent of positions are held by women, Dr. Gwen Greene has carved a path for women in the computer sciences. Her journey began 20 years ago, where she saw very few women working in information systems, and today she still sees a lack of women in leadership roles. As the owner of Applied Information Technology (AiTech), she is changing that.

A Notable Beginning

A life-long Marylander and current Howard County resident, Dr. Greene achieved recognition as a student at Bowie State University. During that time, she interned with NASA as an information technology analyst, working for the White House Executive Office of the President. Multiple companies offered her positions even before graduation. She selected Raytheon, a major contractor for the United States Department of Defense, while also pursuing a Management in Information Systems master’s degree.

At Raytheon, she seized every opportunity to learn all aspects of information technology. She ultimately discovered a passion for cybersecurity and information security. That’s when she selected her focus for a Ph.D., where she researched organizational behavior and how it affects the security culture.

A Path to Entrepreneurship

At multiple points during her career, friends and colleagues encouraged her to start her own business. She remembers talking about the possibility with a mentor over lunch in 2011. She told him that if she was going to leave a company she really liked, it needed to be for a life-changing experience. And it was. Transitioning to the role of business owner requires guts, a constant willingness to learn, and persistence. She lives by the motto, “Consistency is what transforms average into excellence.”

She’s still pushing toward excellence. In 2015, she earned the globally recognized distinction of Certified Information Systems Security Professional, held by fewer than 100,000 individuals in the United States. She is also an alumna of the highly respected and competitive Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Program.

The Next Generation

In her 12 years with Raytheon, she had only two women role models. Now she’s in the role model position as a resource and guide for women, people of color, and anyone coming up through the IT world.

“Representation is empowerment,” she says. “It’s my job to create industry awareness for all women in tech and cybersecurity. To diversify the field is my personal mission. I want women to thrive. The U.S. has approximately 300,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs right now. If we can get equal representation in this field, a lot of these jobs can be filled. I want to amplify our minority voices.”

Dr. Greene takes action on the Board of Directors for The Cybersecurity Association of Maryland, Inc., and is co-chair of its Diversity Committee. The Diversity Committee evolved from the Women in Cyber Committee, where she also played a vital role.

She also serves on the committee to plan the Howard County Chamber’s Cyber Risk Management Conference, which this year will be introducing a student track of events. https://www.howardchamber.com/cyber-howard-conference/

Her Role as Advisor

“At five years into your career, meet with someone who’s achieved your goals. Learn their story and tell them yours. Don’t be afraid to try new things and set a path to be a subject matter expert,” Dr. Greene says.

“At 10 years, reflect on what you have experienced and its impact on your life and career,” says Dr. Greene. “Find a mentor or a peer advisory group.” She meets monthly with a group of women from the executive suite.

“When you see other people like you who are achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself, you can think, Why not me?”