KCWiT TechTalks | Cybersecurity

Join us for a timely and critical discussion on the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the technology industry. Our panel of experts will delve into the latest threats, emerging trends, and best practices to safeguard your data and systems.

We expect all participants to be kind, considerate, and respectful within our community. Read our code of conduct at kansascitywomenintechnology.github.io/CodeOfConduct/. This code of conduct applies to participants of all ages, all KCWiT events and spaces, online and off, public and private.

PANELISTS

Tracey Hawkins, International Safety and Security Expert

Tracey Hawkins, known as "Tracey, the Safety Lady," is a leading safety and security expert with over two decades of experience. She hosts the award-winning podcast "The Drive with NAR: The Safety Series," the top-rated real estate safety podcast in the country. A prolific writer, Tracey contributes to major publications like the National Association of REALTORS® Magazine and Inman. As a sought-after speaker, she has presented at national conferences and for organizations such as American Airlines and the National Guard. Tracey also develops specialized safety certifications and programs that empower individuals and businesses to create safer environments.

Reanna Schultz, Team Lead of Information Security

Garmin

Reanna Schultz works as a Team Lead of Information Security at the Security Operations Center (SOC) at Garmin and is a part-time cybersecurity instructor at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). She graduated from UCM with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development in 2018 and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity: Information Assurance in 2020. Reanna has a background in endpoint security and network security engineering and has participated in numerous SANS-hosted classes. She also volunteers as a coach for the National Cyber League and frequently guest speaks at colleges and high schools across the Midwest, sharing her industry experience with cyber and computer science students.

Alexandra Owoeye, Lead Security Analyst
H&R Block

Alexandra Owoeye is a Lead Security Analyst at H&R Block, where she specializes in managing third-party vendors and implementing risk frameworks. With a strong background in IT infrastructure, operations, and compliance, she effectively enhances security measures to align with business objectives. Alexandra's expertise is backed by certifications as a Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) and Information Systems Auditor (CISA), along with a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University. Her career began in IT support and auditing roles, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on cybersecurity. Alexandra is dedicated to advancing security practices and protecting critical assets in the evolving digital landscape.

Josh Brown, VP and Global Chief Information Security Officer
H&R Block

Joshua Brown is vice president and global Chief Information Security Officer of H&R Block. In this role, he leads the teams responsible for identifying, tracking, and mitigating security risk, ultimately ensuring the company can move quickly and safely to innovate and fulfill its ambitious Block Horizons growth strategy. His team is also responsible for detecting, monitoring, and mitigating fraud in the DIY tax space.

Before H&R Block, Joshua worked for several entities within the Omnicom Group. His love of teaching and lifelong learning led him to become a mentor for the SANS Institute, the leading authority for information security education. He has been a frequent author and speaker on myriad information security topics, including speaking at the InfoSec World conference and the ISC2 World Congress and being published in Security Current magazine and Enterprise Security magazine. Joshua holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s from Georgetown University.

Joshua was named a Top Global CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2023; a Top 10 CISO by Enterprise Security Magazine in 2023; and a Top 100 CISO by Security Currents in 2024.

SPONSORS

Sponsor for this event

ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Step 1: If your GPS cannot locate the panel location, please use the following address: 1301 Main St., KC, MO 64105.
• Step 2: H&R block is on the south side of 13th street between Main and Walnut. You can enter the parking garage on either side of Main or Walnut St.
• Step 3: When you come into the garage, pull up to the entry gate, and push the call button, our front desk staff will answer. Tell the desk attendant you are here for the Tech Talk hosted by Women in Tech KC, and they will open the gate to let you into the garage.
• Step 4: After you come through the gate and make the first right turn, visitor parking begins. You may park on either the right or left side (signage on wall and flood denote Visitor Parking) (Level P1).
• Step 5: Then on the right-side wall, you will see that you can walk across into the next row-walk through and look to your right for a “lighted/glass-enclosed” elevator bank (you have now moved to Level P2). Security is aware that you are visiting, so if you’d like, drive around to Level P2 closer to the glass-enclosed elevators and park anywhere EXCEPT for the reserved spots on either side of the elevator bank.
• Step 6: Take the elevator UP to L Level (Lobby Level). If the elevator bank is locked, please buzz security for access. See the Lobby Security desk to check-in and you will be escorted to the Knowledge Center training rooms where the Tech Talk will be hosted.

This event is sponsored by H&R Block! Their purpose is simple: To provide help and inspire confidence in their clients and communities. They’ve been true to that purpose since brothers Henry and Richard Bloch founded our company in 1955. Since then, they’ve prepared approximately 800 million tax returns and grown to have approximately 12,000 offices throughout the United States and around the world.

Sponsors for TechTalks Series

Host or Publisher Kansas City Women in Technology