Melanie Thomas is a passionate cybersecurity practitioner and advocate. Currently holding the leadership position of Vice President of Cyber Security at Bridgepointe Technologies, the nation’s leading technology advisory firm, Melanie leverages her expertise in cybersecurity and emerging technologies to have a tangible impact on the security posture of countless customers.
In addition, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego for the Master’s in Cybersecurity Operations and Leadership (CSOL) program, where she imparts her knowledge to the current and next generation of cyber professionals. Melanie is dedicated to ensuring that students grasp the practical applications of the course materials in their daily lives, regardless of their prior experience. Melanie authored the program’s Fundamentals of Blue Team Operations course and teaches additional courses in Cyber Law and Policy, Enterprise Security Architecture, and Secure Software Design.
Community involvement is not just an aspect but a core value of Melanie’s life. She firmly believes in the power of collective action, understanding that we can achieve more together. Melanie serves in volunteer and leadership roles with multiple non-profits, leveraging her skills and passion to make a difference. Her efforts focus on increasing cyber and technology access and education for the residents of San Diego, particularly those in underserved populations. As a key member of the Board of Directors for BSides San Diego, Melanie plays a significant role in shaping the direction and impact of this influential organization.
How have you created or supported a corporate vision for cloud and next-gen technologies in their organization?
During my time as a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer with AT&T Cybersecurity, I was fortunate to have management that allowed me to get my hands into many areas of the services. In doing so, I not only maintained a leading role in onboarding customers into the primary managed cyber solution, but I also was able to help create and lead the foundations of three other managed security services, influence the backend SIEM product development and marketing initiatives, and drive backend technology advancements as an advocate for the operations teams. Serving as a Tier 3 engineer and subject matter expert (SME), I also initiated and led weekly training sessions for our Security Engineers, Threat Hunters, and Support teams, assisting and educating on multiple technologies, customer advocacy, and growth mindsets.
Since starting at Bridgepointe mid-year last year, I have been progressively developing significant training structures, including the development of what will be our internal ‘certifications’ in security technology fundamentals and foundational solutions. I am also structuring Bridgepointe’s security ‘ecosystem’ of partners and suppliers into a referenceable and maintainable framework, working it into a program that will allow Bridgepointe teams to self-serve information and scoring systems for customer’s needs. As I help influence the future of our practice, it is important to me that we emphasize a holistic approach to enterprise technology and security strategy, assisting customers not with a single view of a technology need, but a greater understanding and roadmap to increased maturity.
How have you mentored or inspired up-and-coming female technologists to pursue leadership tracks in their careers?
Having fought hard for the opportunities I’ve had and being the only female engineer and voice on various teams, I feel a great responsibility to support those still on their journey. Mentoring others is a meaningful duty that I gladly accept whenever I can. While I am not currently mentoring anyone directly, those I have mentored in the past have helped shape my perspective on our industry. Learning from others with fresh eyes and perspectives is an enriching experience.
I have mentored formally and informally in my roles at AT&T, USD, BSides San Diego, and as I establish myself at Bridgepointe. Additionally, I have volunteered for events through the San Diego chapter of WiCys and participated in various programs with organizations such as the San Diego Futures Foundation, San Diego Pride, and San Diego Refugee Tutoring. I also served on both the local and national boards for the AT&T League.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Anais Nin
Who do you admire most and why?
Notorious RBG. Ginsberg was not only a ceiling crasher but someone who dedicated her life to progress and equity. She served for decades, until almost the end of her life. She showed generations of women that we can dissent, especially when what’s going on is wrong. And in the end, it matters that we care about what we do now for the advancement of opportunities for those who come after us.