Profile
How does one start an entirely new career in cybersecurity, particularly as a woman in her 30s with zero technical background? Mack Wartenberger has done just that as she navigated a mid-career transition from NCAA collegiate athletics coach to cybersecurity operator. Starting over doesn't necessarily mean starting from scratch; Mack believes it's crucial to bring authentic talents, strengths, and skills to every new challenge. Getting her start as a cybersecurity apprentice, Mack transitioned to GRC and Federal Compliance Framework delivery for both commercial and government clients, before making the jump to Zero Trust Security Architecture and Security/Incident Response. Mack is currently honing her skills in monitoring and responding to security incidents, along with the development of security protocols informed by gap analyses aimed at enforcing least-privilege and Zero Trust best practice. Outside of technical work, Mack is an advocate for cultivating core support communities, emphasizing the power of networking, and owning the significance of soft skills to advance people-management, service-oriented leadership, and transformative problem-solving. In her commitment to personal growth, Mack champions gratitude, a willingness to learn, and a service-oriented mindset. With humility and determination, Mack exemplifies that it's never too late to pursue a new passion, overcome barriers, and thrive in a fresh career.