Seminar Course Listing
Upcoming events.
Important Notice – Non-Program Educational Offerings
Mary N. Chaney Cybersecurity Training Center LLC (MNC-CTC) is an Approved and Regulated career school by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Career Schools and Colleges Division, Austin, Texas.
Seminars, workshops, and subscription-based offerings are non-program educational activities that are open to the public. Participation in these offerings does not constitute enrollment in the Cybersecurity Residency Program or any other regulated program of instruction, does not award contact hours or academic credit, and does not establish student or resident status.
Enrollment in the Cybersecurity Residency Program requires a separate application, admissions approval, and execution of an official Enrollment Agreement in accordance with Texas Workforce Commission regulations.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 1: Career Progression
Course Abstract:
Every cybersecurity professional moves through three career stages, whether they recognize it or not. The Learn Stage is about building real capability, not just collecting credentials, stay hungry, ask questions, and don't rush the foundational knowledge. The Lead Stage is where technical competence stops being enough and influence becomes the currency of advancement, step into rooms you don't feel ready for. The Leverage Stage is where your impact stops being tied to a single title and starts multiplying, your expertise should serve more people than just your current employer. Central to all three stages is your personal cyber brand, the reputation that travels ahead of you, opens doors before you walk in, and survives every job change, layoff, and industry shift. Attendees will leave knowing what stage they're in, what it requires, and what bold move to make next.
romeo gardner
Bio:
Romeo Gardner III is the President and CEO of Nehlos a Cybersecurity firm headquartered in Stafford Virginia. As a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) he has over 20 years of experience in the IT field including working at the White House Communication Agency supporting President George Bush Jr, President Barack Obama, Vice Presidents, and the White House Staff. Recruited from the White House, Romeo went to Microsoft as an Engineer working in various roles for the organization before founding his own company to work with Microsoft as a partner and reseller. His mantra "to be a conduit over a container" supports his passion in being an Adjunct Professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg Virginia teaching Cybersecurity focusing on the CISSP exam by ISC2.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 2: Zero Trust Architecture and Its Presence in Both Physical and Digital Spaces
Course Abstract:
Zero trust architecture and its presence in both physical and digital spaces. Why you needed it yesterday, it touched you today, and it is waiting for you tomorrow.
A
dom Malcolm Cooper
Bio:
Adom M. Cooper is a national security and foreign policy professional, lawyer, and writer who specializes in risk management, policy development, and emerging technologies. He has work experience with the U.S. government, the United Nations, the American Society of International Law, and private consulting firms. He has a JD from Syracuse University College of Law, a BA from the University of Michigan, and study abroad experience at the University of Western Cape. He is the author of a children's cybersecurity book called RhinoRAM, an avid scuba diver, travel enthusiast who has walked on all seven continents, a member of Black Professionals in International Affairs, a Term Member at Council on Foreign Relations, and a member of the DC Bar.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 3: Beyond the Scan: An Introduction to Vulnerability Management
Course Abstract:
Beyond the Scan introduces the fundamentals of enterprise Vulnerability Management. With growing backlogs and expanding attack surfaces, organizations must prioritize risk strategically — not just scan and react. This course breaks down the vulnerability management lifecycle, from identification and evaluation to prioritization and remediation, and explores how structured programs reduce risk and strengthen cyber resilience. Learners will gain practical insight into vulnerability management processes, tools, and business alignment — and understand how effective programs support organizational security at scale.
MARI GALLOWAY
Bio:
Mari Galloway is a cybersecurity executive, CEO, and award-winning community leader with over 16 years of experience helping organizations reduce risk and strengthen cyber resilience. She began her career at Accenture as a Network Engineer and now leads a cybersecurity consulting firm providing security services to organizations, advising leadership teams on vulnerability management strategy and security program maturity.
Mari is also the CEO and founding board member of Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, a global nonprofit advancing women in cybersecurity. She is the 2019 inaugural ISC2 Diversity Award recipient and a 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.
A best-selling author and national speaker, Mari makes complex cybersecurity practical — and when she’s not building resilient programs, she’s building LEGO masterpieces.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 5: Cybersecurity for a Cause: Protecting Your Mission
Course Abstract:
Join us to explore how nonprofit security leaders can achieve maximum impact with limited resources. This session provides practical strategies for establishing a robust security program and cultivating a culture where everyone contributing to security and privacy is the norm. You will leave knowing how to frame cybersecurity as part of the organization's strategic pillars that actively protects your mission, supports your teams, and strengthens community trust.
Quintana Patterson
Bio:
Quintana Patterson is a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience. She is passionately committed to upholding the highest data security and compliance standards. Quintana's expertise lies in navigating the complexities of ever-evolving cybersecurity regulations, conducting thorough risk assessments, and collaborating across teams to align IT solutions with business objectives. Her journey in the IT industry involved a deep dive into various domains, ultimately leading her to discover her true calling in cybersecurity and GRC.
As a Black woman in a predominantly male field, Quintana has faced and overcome racially motivated biases and stereotypes. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for empowering others by providing them with the knowledge and support to navigate similar challenges. She firmly believes in breaking down barriers and inspiring individuals to envision themselves in spaces where they may feel underrepresented.
Quintana currently serves as the Cybersecurity and Technology Manager for the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) nonprofit organization.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 7: Practical GRC: Foundations
Course Abstract:
This introductory seminar introduces students to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and its role in modern cybersecurity programs. The session emphasizes the mindset needed to navigate ambiguity in GRC work, the role of frameworks and standards as decision-support tools, and the importance of continuous learning. Students will participate in a brief audit simulation to experience how GRC concepts translate into real-world practice.
Omowunmi Akinyoade
Bio:
Omowunmi Akinyoade is a cyber assurance leader with over 25 years of experience spanning multiple industries and technology environments. She currently serves as Senior Director of Cybersecurity Compliance at Pegasystems, where she leads third-party risk management and compliance certification programs. Omowunmi brings a human-centered, systems-oriented perspective to cybersecurity, with a focus on how people, process, and technology interact to shape risk outcomes amid evolving threats, business pressures, and competing requirements. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and maintains CISA, CISSP, and CISM certifications. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 8: Study Like a Cyber Pro: Evidence-Based Learning & Test-Taking Strategies for Cyber Certification
Course Abstract:
Cybersecurity exams require more than memorization — they demand critical thinking, judgment, and the ability to apply concepts under pressure. This seminar introduces evidence-based learning strategies proven to improve retention and exam performance, including retrieval practice, elaboration, and effective use of practice exams. Attendees will leave with practical techniques they can immediately apply to certifications such as Security+, CISSP, cloud security exams, and beyond.
eunice roberts
Bio:
Eunice Roberts is an Information Security Consultant with nearly two decades of experience in technology and over ten years focused on cybersecurity. She specializes in cloud and network security and holds the CISSP certification, along with multiple other industry-recognized security certifications earned over her career. Eunice is an experienced cybersecurity instructor who is passionate about helping learners succeed through practical, evidence-based study strategies. She is an alumna of the Minorities in Cybersecurity Lead Communicators program (Class of 2022) committed to supporting and mentoring underrepresented professionals as they prepare for and advance in cybersecurity careers.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 9: Explaining Hard Concepts Simply for YOUR Talents and Gifts
Course Abstract:
Think of evolution like a thousand people trying random keys on a locked door. Most keys fail and those people leave, but anyone whose key fits even slightly gets to make copies with small changes. Over time, you end up with keys that open the door perfectly—even though no one designed them. The goal of this seminar is to utilize the genuine gifts you have, and how to maximize them in career, personal and learning.
Yeshua Hannah
Bio:
Yeshua Hannah has 15 years of experience in the intersection of technology and business; he specializes in leveraging technology to drive growth and operational excellence. His expertise lies in developing business strategies that align with organizational objectives and deliver measurable results.
He partners with stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost optimization, and innovation, ensuring technology investments support business goals. Building relationships is central to his approach—he bridges technical and non-technical teams through communication and active listening, fostering collaborative environments where diverse perspectives drive breakthrough solutions.
His passion is empowering organizations to harness technology strategically, creating sustainable value through the harmonious integration of people, processes, and innovation.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 10: Cybersecurity as a Sales Accelerator
Course Abstract:
In today’s market, security compliance is no longer a roadblock but a primary differentiator in closing deals. This course empowers sales professionals to confidently navigate security questionnaires and leverage GRC frameworks like NIST to build instant credibility with technical buyers. Participants will learn to articulate the value of risk management, turning security protocols into a powerful tool for accelerating the sales cycle and winning trust.
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demola Olanrewaju
Bio:
Ademola Olanrewaju is a results-driven Project Manager and GRC specialist with over 15 years of experience leading strategic projects across diverse industries. A certified PMP and CompTIA Security+ professional currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Cybersecurity, he is also a committed student of the Minorities in Cybersecurity (MiC) program. A strong believer in the "win or learn" mentality, Ademola combines expertise in frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001 with a robust background in sales and territory management. His career spans from driving multimillion-dollar sales growth to implementing critical security controls as a Cybersecurity Analyst. He is dedicated to leveraging data analytics and risk management to align business growth with rigorous security compliance.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 11: Wealth Strategies of the Elite: Making Financial Literacy Work for You
Course Abstract:
Driven by a passion for empowerment, this session focuses on equipping individuals and communities with practical financial knowledge and proven wealth-building strategies. Attendees will gain insight into asset protection and legacy planning approaches traditionally leveraged by high-net-worth individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions that secure their financial future and that of generations to come.
Mabe Atone
Bio:
Born and raised in Cameroon, West Africa, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a graduate degree in Forestry Science before building a career in cybersecurity. For almost ten years, she have worked to safeguard systems, uphold regulatory compliance, and protect the trust organizations place in us. Beyond cybersecurity, she is also a licensed financial professional driven by a passion for financial education—empowering communities with the same wealth-building and asset-protection strategies used by the elite to secure their families, businesses, and legacies.
MNC-CTC Seminar Series - Session 12: A.I. Literacy for Emerging Cybersecurity Professionals
Course Abstract:
This two-hour, hands-on seminar introduces the core concepts of AI literacy. Participants will learn what AI tools can and cannot do, how to recognize common use cases in cybersecurity, and how to use them responsibly without overrelying on them. The session emphasizes applied understanding over theory, with focused exercises that help attendees evaluate AI outputs, identify errors or bias, and consider security and privacy implications in real-world workflows.
Tia Hopkins
Bio:
Tia Hopkins has spent more than two decades in the IT and IT Security industry and is currently the Chief Cyber Resilience Officer & Field CTO at eSentire. Additionally, Tia is an adjunct professor of Cybersecurity, a women’s tackle football team owner and head coach, published author, and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. Tia holds a number of industry certifications and four degrees, including an Executive MBA, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity leadership. She is the founder of Empow(H)er Cybersecurity and sits on the board of Cyversity where she is committed to building the cybersecurity talent pipeline by promoting diversity through empowerment, education, and mentorship.