Upcoming Meetings

April 2026 Event: The Mission-Driven Founder: Moving from Technologist to Entrepreneur

Date:

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - 5:30pm

RSVP:

https://luma.com/3hd90qpm?utm_source=issa_website

Topic:

For technologists, solving complex problems is second nature. We build systems, mitigate risks, and innovate daily. But stepping out of the practitioner’s seat to launch a business requires a fundamentally different mindset—one driven not just by technology, but by mission.

In this powerful session, we explore the critical inflection point where technical expertise meets entrepreneurial ambition. Drawing from decades of leadership in high-stakes environments—from the FBI to global enterprise cybersecurity—this talk goes beyond startup hype to address the real operational demands of building a business from the ground up.

You’ll walk away with a practical framework to evaluate whether you have what it takes to transition from technologist to founder—grounded in passion, capability, and relentless execution.

Special thanks to our host, Netskope, for generously providing complimentary parking for all event guests!

Key Topics Covered

Defining your mission: identifying the problem you’re driven to solve
Translating technical expertise into competitive advantage
Recognizing skill gaps and building a resilient foundation
The realities of entrepreneurship: discipline, sacrifice, and execution
Evaluating readiness for the founder journey

Why Attend

Gain a realistic, no-nonsense view of entrepreneurship in tech
Learn a proven framework to assess your readiness to become a founder
Discover how to align passion with market opportunity
Hear firsthand insights from a leader with FBI and enterprise cybersecurity experience
Connect with like-minded professionals in cybersecurity and technology
Enjoy networking, food, and meaningful conversations

Agenda

5:30 - 6:00 In-person Networking
5:55 - 6:00 Virtual Session Starts
6:00 - 6:15 ISSA Chapter Business
6:15 - 7:00 Presentation
7:00 - 8:00 Food & Refreshments

Speaker:

M.K. Palmore is a seasoned leadership and risk advisor, keynote speaker, and Founder of Apogee Global. With over 30 years of experience across the U.S. Marine Corps, the FBI, and executive roles in global cybersecurity organizations, he brings unmatched expertise in leadership, enterprise risk, and execution.

A CISSP and graduate of the Carnegie Mellon CISO Executive Program, Palmore advises boards and executive teams on cybersecurity risk, AI governance, and crisis leadership. Recognized as a 2025 Visionary Leader in Cybersecurity, he is dedicated to helping organizations—and individuals—turn strategy into action.

Location:

May 2026 Event: Back to Basics - How We Get Cybersecurity Wrong and How to Do It Right

Date:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 5:30pm

RSVP:

https://luma.com/513eeqm3?utm_source=issa_website

Topic:

Cybersecurity is more than tools and tech—it’s strategy, influence, and impact. In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, organizations continue to face breaches despite significant investments. Why? Because true security requires more than reactive defenses.

Join us for an eye-opening session where you’ll discover how to shift from firefighting to foresight. Learn how Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) can become your secret weapon for driving meaningful change, building trust, and aligning cybersecurity with business success. This is your opportunity to step up, think bigger, and chart a path from practitioner to strategic leader.

Key Topics Covered

Why breaches still happen despite large cybersecurity budgets
Transitioning from reactive security to proactive strategy
Leveraging GRC to influence business outcomes
Aligning cybersecurity with enterprise risk and business goals
Building trust and credibility with executive stakeholders
Practical applications of NIST frameworks and Zero Trust principles

Why Attend

Gain strategic insights beyond tools and technical controls
Learn directly from an industry-recognized cybersecurity leader
Elevate your role from practitioner to trusted advisor
Network with peers across cybersecurity and technology sectors
Walk away with actionable frameworks to strengthen your organization

Agenda

5:30 – 6:00 | In-person Networking
5:55 – 6:00 | Virtual Session Starts
6:00 – 6:15 | ISSA Chapter Business
6:15 – 7:00 | Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 | Food & Refreshments

Speaker:

Mea Clift is the Chief Information Security Officer at Cengage, and is a highly respected cybersecurity executive with decades of experience in innovation, leadership, and mission-driven strategy. She specializes in bridging cybersecurity with enterprise risk, guiding organizations on emerging threats, maturity models, and strategic resilience.

A recognized leader in GRC, Mea champions frameworks like NIST, Zero Trust, and supply chain security. She is known for translating complex technical risks into clear, actionable insights for executives. A 2024 Cyversity Educator of the Year, published author, and mentor, she is also an advocate for diversity in cybersecurity through organizations like WiCyS, Cyversity, and ISACA.

Location: