Erika H.

About Erika H.

Most organizations don’t fail at cybersecurity because of technology. They fail because people don’t understand it, adopt it, or act on it.I focus on fixing that.I’m an IT and cybersecurity professional who works at the intersection of technology, communication, and behavior change. Helping organizations turn security from a checklist into something people actually understand and follow.My experience spans IT leadership, cybersecurity operations, project and program management, and instructional development across healthcare and higher education environments. I’ve led infrastructure initiatives, supported compliance efforts, and built training programs designed to improve how teams think about and apply security in real-world scenarios.What makes my approach different is simple:I don’t just focus on systems-I focus on people.I take complex security concepts and translate them into clear, practical, and actionable strategies that teams can adopt. Whether I’m working with leadership, IT teams, or end users, my goal is always the same: improve understanding reduce risk drive real behavior change Where I add the most value:Cybersecurity Training & Awareness ProgramsIT & Security Program Management (Agile, cross-functional teams)Risk, Compliance, and Governance (NIST, CIS, SOX, HIPAA)Stakeholder Communication and Change ManagementWorkforce Development and Technical EducationIT Operations and Security Strategy🧠 Current Focus:I’m actively exploring how AI and automation can enhance cybersecurity awareness, improve IT support workflows, and help organizations scale security practices more effectively. This includes hands-on work with tools, home lab environments, and real-world use cases focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and stronger security outcomes.At my core, I’m a builder and a problem solver.I look for gaps in systems, processes, or communication and design solutions that actually work in practice, not just on paper. I’m particularly interested in roles focused on Cybersecurity Training & Awareness, IT Program Management, and IT or/and Security Leadership where I can help organizations strengthen security through clarity, strategy, and execution.If that’s what you’re working on, let’s connect. Erika#ProjectManagement #ITLeadership #Cybersecurity #AIinIT #EdTech #DigitalTransformation #Start_Securing #ITManagement #WomenInTech #Ai

Experience

1. Instructor- School of Computing

   Weber State University

   Jan 2025 — Present · Layton, UT, US

   Design and deliver cybersecurity, networking, and systems administration courses to 120+ students per semester, aligned with CompTIA A+, Security+ Network+ standards to prepare students for entry-level IT roles. Maintain a 95% student pass rate by using hands-on labs, real-world simulations, and applied learning strategies that improve comprehension and retention. Develop and teach 4+ courses focused on practical application, including system configuration, virtualization, networking, and troubleshooting in Windows/Linux environments. Implement project-based learning models, replacing traditional exams with final projects in multiple courses to strengthen real-world problem-solving and technical skills. Integrate cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS) into coursework, helping students understand risk management, system hardening, and secure configuration practices. Utilize platforms like TryHackMe and certification practice tools to reinforce cybersecurity and networking concepts through hands-on learning. Contribute to Weber State’s Building Puentes program, developing bilingual (English/Spanish) cybersecurity course content to expand access and support diverse student populations. Selected to lead an international study abroad program with Metropolia University (Helsinki, Finland) for Summer 2026, more than doubling student participation through program promotion, mentorship, and student engagement efforts. Leading the Cybersecurity Club, developing resume-building workshops, coordinating guest talks with industry professionals, and facilitating hands-on labs focused on real-world cybersecurity skills and career readiness. Mentor and guide students toward early career opportunities, encouraging workforce readiness and confidence in pursuing IT roles. Focus: Preparing students for real-world roles in IT Support, System Administration, Networking, and Cybersecurity through hands-on, workforce-aligned training.

Education

• Salt Lake Community College

  Associate of Science - AS, Cybersecurity, Network & System Admin

• Weber State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Network Management Technology / Cybersecurity

• Utah Valley University

  Master's degree, Cybersecurity