From the Only Woman in the Room to CISO of the Year: Monique Hart’s Story

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Monique Hart, Vice President and CISO, for a conversation that was both inspiring and deeply personal. Our day kicked off with a little retail therapy—because what better way to get the conversation flowing than browsing, laughing, and maybe justifying one more purchase? We then made our way to a cozy French café, where we chatted over brunch and coffee, soaking in the warm atmosphere before heading to a quiet library to dive deeper into her incredible journey.

Monique has been more than just an industry leader to me—she’s been a mentor, a guiding force, and a true advocate for my growth. From checking in on me to making sure I had the support and opportunities to succeed, she has always led with intention and care. She doesn’t just talk about lifting others up—she lives it.

This interview is a reflection of everything I’ve learned from her, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the wisdom she shared.

Introduction and Career Journey

Can you share your journey into cybersecurity and how your career evolved to the role of Vice President and CISO?

Well, it wasn't anything that I planned. That's for sure. I got into computers because I was afraid not to. When I entered college, computers started becoming essential, so I took university classes that included them. My journey into what we now call cybersecurity started with a university bulletin board system—basically an early version of texting and chatting.

In my 20s, I was in customer service, but when the dot-com era hit, I applied for a role at MCI. While waiting for that opportunity, a friend introduced me to Microsoft’s MCSE certification. I got certified, which led me into roles as a desktop support analyst and LAN administrator, where I learned network engineering and firewall configuration.

Each of these experiences built the foundation for my cybersecurity leadership. But it wasn’t easy—being the only woman in the room, I often hesitated to ask questions for fear of seeming weak. In the early 2000s, a leader told me I had natural leadership skills. Maybe it was because I’m the oldest of six and always had to be responsible for others. That leadership skillset, combined with my technical knowledge, led to more opportunities.

Back then, CISOs didn’t exist. Security was just a part of IT, usually under networking. If you heard "security," you thought "firewall." Over time, as networks and cybersecurity became more complex, dedicated security teams emerged. When I worked at Turner Broadcasting, the highest security role was a manager reporting to the SVP of networking. There was no CISO. After I left, they hired one. Later, at Coca-Cola and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, I worked for CISOs, but the title was still relatively new—especially in healthcare. The role has only really gained recognition in the last 10–15 years.

Tell us about the 'BADdest' challenge you’ve faced—the boldest, most authentic, and driven moment in your career or personal journey. How did it shape your outlook and leadership style? (Thank you for helping me come up with the BAD acronym for tech she secures!)

Oh, I love the BAD acronym! My boldest, most daring moment was accepting a senior-level role for something I had never done before. I didn’t even know I’d be doing it until I got the job offer! It was a high-level position where I was expected to be the educator from day one. I was terrified. The night I accepted, I stressed so much I could feel it in every pore.

I scrambled to prepare. My spouse got me a new computer, and I dove into textbooks. Fortunately, I knew someone from Georgia Tech University who gave me a simulation disk—she had no idea how valuable that was to me! I studied non-stop for two weeks.

Everybody was under the impression that they wouldn’t just sit me at a desk on day one and tell me to go for it, which—guess what? That’s exactly what they did. My first day, I walked in, and they said, ‘There's your laptop, there's your keyboard. Go for it.’

To make things even crazier, the person who hired me left the company that day, meaning I had to take on some of his responsibilities, too. I walked into a room of 10+ men as the first and only woman. I felt the pressure—not just for myself but for any woman that might apply for the role after me.

I had to figure everything out alone. But my saving grace? I followed best practices by the book, without picking up bad habits. One day, a colleague made a change that took down a major component of the global network. They panicked and asked if I had a backup. Thankfully, I did—because I had no idea what I was doing and had backed up everything "just in case." That backup saved the company weeks of downtime.

Paving the Way for Women

Being named CISO of the Year by the Georgia CISO ORBIE Awards is a testament to the impact you’ve made in cybersecurity. Throughout your career, you’ve broken barriers and paved the way for other women in this field. What motivates you to push forward?

Honestly, I never thought about it that way. I’ve always thought about the women who paved the way for me. When I started working, engineering and cybersecurity were dominated by men. In my programming classes, there were only a handful of women.

One of my professors even told us outright that women didn’t belong in math or programming; they belonged in the kitchen. There were only two women in that class, including me—one never came back. That moment fueled me. I was determined to prove him wrong. I worked hard, broke the class curve, and made sure everyone knew I belonged.

I never set out to be "the first," but in many of my roles, I was. My goal was always to leave the door open for other women, making sure the next generation had better opportunities.

I’ll never forget a job interview where the hiring manager said, "You’ll be the only woman here. Can you handle that?" I laughed and said, "I was raised with five boy cousins, went to school with mostly boys, and even married one. I think I’ll be just fine." He laughed and said, "You’re spicy. You’ll be okay." And he gave me the opportunity, which I appreciate even more today.

A lot of women might hear that question and think, I can’t believe he’s asking this. But looking back, I think that if he hadn’t felt like he could ask it, I probably wouldn’t have gotten the position. It wasn’t just about whether I could handle working with all men—it was about whether I was confident enough to own my space in that room. That moment reinforced something I’ve carried with me throughout my career: sometimes, the door won’t just open—you have to step forward and walk through it yourself.

Building Security Programs

You’ve successfully built security programs from the ground up at multiple organizations even before the actual CISO role existed. What lessons have you learned about creating impactful, sustainable security frameworks, and what advice would you give to organizations just starting their security programs?

First, an organization must commit to investing in security—not just in tools but in understanding how security supports the business. In healthcare, cybersecurity is part of patient safety.

When building a security program, start with a strong foundation. It’s like building a house—without a solid base, everything else collapses. Identify core technologies first, then build upon them strategically.

That foundation starts with strong policies aligned with security frameworks and industry standards that the organization has accepted. Without clear guidelines, even the best tools won’t be effective. Organizations need to establish governance, define risk tolerance, and ensure that security practices align with business goals.

Teams should be diverse in knowledge. Everyone shouldn’t be an expert in the same thing—they need to complement each other. For example, when it comes to looking for a security training & awareness analyst, I’d rather hire someone with a marketing background than a technical person. I can teach IT skills, but a trained communicator can translate security concepts into plain English, helping people actually understand how to protect themselves.

Beyond assembling the right team, organizations need to build a security culture. That means embedding security into daily operations, encouraging collaboration between security architects and infrastructure teams, and making cybersecurity a shared responsibility rather than an isolated function.

A critical component of that culture is a strong vulnerability management program. Organizations need to know what assets they have, continuously scan for weaknesses, and implement a structured plan to remediate risks before they can be exploited. It’s not just about patching systems—it’s about having visibility into your environment, understanding risk exposure, and prioritizing fixes based on impact.

Equally important is continuous monitoring—security isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. Invest in robust monitoring solutions, conduct regular assessments, and test your environment for weaknesses.

At the end of the day, cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about protecting people. Whether it’s securing patient information in healthcare or safeguarding business operations, security is about trust. And trust is built on strong foundations.

Industry Insights and Future Vision

You’ve been in information security for over 20 years, yet you don’t look a day over 30! With all that experience, what major shifts have you observed in cybersecurity, and where do you see the field heading in the next decade? What are some major security and tech trends to watch for in the near future?

Oh my goodness. Okay. Oh, you’re really taking me back there! I was there when Yahoo first came out, and I saw eight-track tapes turn into cassette tapes, then CDs, then DVDs. I remember telling my youngest this, and she looked at me and said, "Mom, were you around when refrigerators were invented?" I was like, "Kid, I’m not that old!"

The biggest shift I’ve seen is how security went from being an afterthought—just another expense—to a business necessity. Back then, companies didn’t take security seriously. Now, businesses understand that without security, they may not even be able to operate tomorrow. 

And then of course the biggest trend right now? AI, AI, AI. AI today is what the transition from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95 was back in the day—a complete game-changer. AI has been in healthcare for years—I even had a surgical procedure where a robot assisted the physician! That’s AI. But generative AI? That’s a whole new level.

It’s exciting because everyone is using it, but that’s also what makes it scary. We haven’t had enough time to fully grasp the risks to privacy and security. I’m getting calls from people who aren’t even in tech saying, "I just found all this personal information about myself online—how did this happen?" Well, 20 years ago, we were all excited about the internet and freely put our data out there. Now, generative AI is making that data even more accessible. 

We’re going to have to rethink privacy, security, and the way we architect organizations. The future of security isn’t just about technology—it’s about how we control the information that technology has access to.

Diversity Advocacy

You’ve been a big advocate for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity. What strategies have you found most effective, and how have they contributed to building stronger, more innovative teams?

Well, I’ve been part of groups like Women in Technology (WIT), and I’ve also gone back to school myself to stay relevant. But for me, the biggest impact comes from recognizing people’s potential—even when they don’t see it themselves.

I focus on what excites individuals, their skill sets, and what they’re willing to work for. When someone enjoys what they do, they naturally work harder. I’ve had conversations where I’ve pointed out a talent someone didn’t even realize they had, and it changed the trajectory of their career. I’ve met people who weren’t in security but had the right mindset, and after some encouragement and training, they are now security leaders. I’m incredibly proud of them for trusting that process.

At the same time, I help people reflect—is this really what you love? If not, let’s find the right fit within security.

I also make it a point to speak at events for young girls because there’s still a perception that you have to be a gamer or programmer to be in cybersecurity. Even in my own home, my youngest once said, "I don’t know, Mom, I like science." And I told her, "Well, guess what? Security is science." Sometimes, it’s just about showing people the possibilities they hadn’t considered.

Why do you believe diversity is essential for building stronger, more innovative teams?

You know, there are places where everyone thinking the same way makes sense—like on a battlefield. You want everyone on the same page, following the same plan. But in cybersecurity? That’s the last thing you want. If everyone thinks the same, how do you innovate? How do you solve complex problems or develop something new like generative AI?

You need different skill sets, interests, and backgrounds because men and women, for example, approach problems differently. People from different backgrounds see challenges through a different lens. The best teams are like kindergarteners playing a game—everyone brings their unique approach, learns from mistakes, and isn’t afraid to ask, What if we tried it this way? That’s when real breakthroughs happen.

I grew up in a big city, and that shaped how I see the world. It made me mindful of my surroundings, quick on my feet, and adaptable. And that’s the power of diversity—your environment, your experiences, your perspective brings something no one else can.

Standing Up for Yourself and Challenging Norms

Women often hesitate to ask for what they want or deserve. How have you approached advocating for yourself in your career? Would love if you could share an example.

It’s tough, you know? That first time you’re offered a big salary, you almost feel grateful—like it’s an honor rather than something you earned. But here’s the truth: if you don’t ask, you won’t get it.

Men have been negotiating for titles and pay forever. Women, on the other hand, often assume hard work alone will be recognized and compensated fairly. That’s the biggest misconception. I can’t tell you how many women I’ve spoken to who said, "I thought they would just give me a fair amount." Yeah—fair for the business. Not necessarily for you. If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else is going to do it for you. Hard work is great, but hard work without negotiation leaves money and opportunities on the table.

The first step is knowing your worth. Are you truly doing the work? Can you back it up with evidence? If so, then it’s about having the courage to ask. And here’s the key—are you asking the person who has the power to make the change? Not every leader can (or will) advocate for you, so you need to be strategic.

I had to learn this the hard way. Even in my 30s and 40s, I struggled with it. But at some point, I stopped asking, “Do I deserve this?” and started asking, "Why shouldn’t I get it?" That shift in mindset makes all the difference.

What advice would you give to people who feel hesitant to speak up or demand their worth in the workplace? What specific strategies can they use to advocate for promotions, higher pay, or opportunities to lead in their organizations?

Advocating for yourself can be challenging, especially with your current employer. There’s a delicate balance, but the key is doing your research. Talk to mentors, champions, and even your alumni network if you went to university—find out what compensation should look like for your role. There are websites now that show salary ranges, so use them to see what’s fair.

And here’s something important—don’t ask for a raise or promotion just because you had one success. Doing your job well? That’s what you’re already being paid for. If you’re asking for a raise, a promotion, or a title change, you need your work to consistently show you’re deserving of it.

Lately, I’ve had young professionals come to me saying, "They told me I’d get a raise in six months." And my first question is, "For what? What’s changing?" If you’re on a probationary period, that’s one thing. But if there’s no clear reason for the raise, you better find out what’s tied to it. Salaries, raises and promotions shouldn’t be based on vague promises—they should be based on results, value, and worth.

Health and Wellness

You’ve been very intentional about staying healthy and making self-care a priority. How do you maintain your well-being while managing the demands of a high-pressure role like CISO, and how has prioritizing your wellness influenced your leadership style and decision-making? 

Honestly, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t last in these high-pressure roles. I’ve lost friends over the years—not just during COVID, but before. You hear about people in leadership positions having heart attacks or strokes at 40 or 50, and it’s heartbreaking. 

One of my mentors from Coca-Cola passed away, leaving behind teenage children. He had stepped away for a couple of years, came back into a high-stress CIO role, and soon after, he was gone. I had a friend at Time Warner—only a few years older than me—who also passed. Seeing this made me realize: I have to do everything I can to stay physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy.

It’s not just for me—it’s for my family, for the people who depend on me as a leader. Because let’s be honest, it’s hard to be a good leader if you’re running on empty.

That’s why I’m intentional about self-care. Every morning before I even get out of bed, I reflect on what I’m grateful for. I pray, I meditate, and I make time to exercise regularly. On my days off, I unplug—whether it’s reading, hiking, driving, or just spending time with family. I reset so I can bring my best self to my work.

Burnout is real, and if you don’t take the time to care for yourself, you’ll start resenting the job you once loved. I want to be able to walk, think clearly, and still have meaningful conversations 20, 30 years from now. That’s why I set personal goals—whether it’s fitness, learning a new language, or simply staying sharp. Prioritizing my well-being isn’t optional; it’s necessary.

Also, what’s your favorite self-care ritual or habit?

Oh, yoga and Pilates—those are my favorites. But about two years ago, I started taking Krav Maga, and I love it. I thought I was already pretty aware of my surroundings as a big city girl, but self-defense training makes you hyper-aware in a whole new way. It’s empowering to know how to protect myself if I ever need to.

Then, of course, there’s the mental side—meditation and prayer. Taking that time for myself every day keeps me grounded. It’s just as important as the physical self-care.

Celebrations and Personal Style

You have an amazing and inspiring way of celebrating important events, like coloring your hair pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What inspires you to express yourself in such a unique and meaningful way, and how do you encourage others to find and embrace their own forms of self-expression?

Oh my goodness. It’s interesting because this all started when I lost a family member to breast cancer. My pink streak is what I call a "peekaboo"—you don’t always see it unless I wear my hair a certain way. But during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I make sure it’s visible.

Most of the time, though, my peekaboo is purple. That’s for my youngest sister, who passed away from lupus a couple of years ago. She had been fighting it since she was a small child. Pauses, voice growing soft and emotional) Losing her was incredibly hard, but keeping that purple in my hair—it’s my way of carrying her with me.

To me, the most important thing is to be your authentic self. You don’t have to shout your passions from the rooftops, but you also don’t have to hide them. When people ask about my hair, I tell them—it’s for lupus, it’s for breast cancer. It’s part of me now. I don’t think I’d feel the same without it.

Some people might be surprised reading this interview—"Wait, she has color in her hair?"—because I don’t always show it. You’re one of the few who’ve seen it when I wear my hair a certain way. In the corporate world, it might not always be considered professional, but in tech, we embrace individuality. And honestly? I’m grateful to be in a field where I don’t have to fit into a conventional corporate mold.

Leadership

As a leader and a great mentor, how do you create a culture that encourages your team members to challenge norms and innovate? What are some of your leadership strategies people can learn from and apply?

One of the first things I do when onboarding someone is set the expectation that I want them to think outside the box. I look for people who take ownership, who aren’t afraid to find new ways to solve problems. That’s what excites me—people who push boundaries.

But here’s the thing—innovation comes with mistakes. A lot of people avoid change because they’re afraid of failing. So I make it clear from day one: mistakes are okay, as long as you own them and communicate them. If we work through them together, we grow stronger as a team.

I truly believe failure is a gift. Some of my biggest learning moments came from taking a step back—sometimes two—just so I could move forward. The mistakes I’ve made? They’ve taught me new skills, new approaches, and even opened doors to opportunities I never expected. If you’re too afraid to fail, you’ll never take the risks that lead to real growth.

A Message for Tech She Secures

If you could leave our Tech She Secures readers with one mantra or life motto that embodies your journey and approach to challenging norms, celebrating life, and leading with impact, what would it be?

I’ll start with this: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. My mother always told me, "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again—nothing beats a failure but a try."

For young readers especially—don’t lock yourself into just one path. In your teens and early 20s, try everything. You might think you know exactly what you want to do in life, but along the way, you could discover something you love even more. 

I never set out to be in cybersecurity—it didn’t even exist as a field when I started. But because I kept my options open and embraced change, I found my way here. If I hadn’t been willing to pivot, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

So, take risks. Explore. And don’t let fear of failure hold you back—it just might lead you to something incredible.

Closing Reflections

As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how much Monique embodies resilience, authenticity, and bold leadership. Her journey from breaking barriers in a male-dominated field to being named CISO of the Year by the Georgia CISO ORBIE Awards is nothing short of inspiring.

Monique’s words serve as a reminder that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about owning your space, speaking up, and embracing change. Whether it’s pushing past imposter syndrome, advocating for yourself, or seizing unexpected opportunities, her insights resonate far beyond cybersecurity.

Walking out of the library that day, I carried with me a renewed sense of confidence—not just in my own journey, but in the power of mentorship, the importance of lifting others up, and the impact of fearless leadership. Monique has paved the way for so many, and I am beyond lucky to have learned from her.

To all the women in tech, cybersecurity, and beyond—step forward, take up space, and don’t be afraid to go for what you deserve. Monique wouldn’t have it any other way.

Maliha

Disclaimer: The content on this blog and website reflects a combination of my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights, as well as interviews and contributions from other individuals. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.