CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson, also known as Dr. Resiliency, is a national cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen cyber resilience. She serves as Executive Director of the CyberMINDS Research Institute, the creator of The Resilience Lab comic-based education initiative, and Information Technology Security Administrator for a major U.S. airport operator. Dr. Johnson holds an Executive Doctorate in Information Security, a Juris Master in Cybersecurity Law, and certifications including PMP, CISM, CDPSE, GSTRT, A/CCRF, and A/AISP. A frequent community speaker, she champions culturally responsive training, intergenerational cyber education, and the practical application of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Her work empowers agencies, schools, and all communities to understand cyber threats and build resilience from the ground up with the intention of not bouncing back, but bouncing forward.

CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Frederick L. Hicks is a highly accomplished Certified Information Systems VP and Certified Data Privacy and Security Engineer with 27 years of experience, bringing excellent business and analytical skills, expertise in business planning, information system disaster recovery, risk assessments, change management, and documentation. His experience includes the implementation and management of traditional information security tools, protective enterprise systems, and NIST frameworks, as well as GDPR compliance. He has executive and C-level operational knowledge of NIST frameworks, including NIST 800-53x, FERPA, NSF Cybersecurity Framework, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA, and is also a Certified Tableau Desktop Specialist and ISACA Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE). He is a founding member of CyberMINDS Research Institute, a 501(c)(3), and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, where he teaches networking and information security. Recently, he was recognized as a South Florida OrbieCIO finalist for the 2022 award season.

CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Lisa J. Knowles has taught undergraduate and graduate students since 2003. She teaches MBA students organizational behavior, organization design and theory, and qualitative research methods for doctoral students. She is the Advisor for the STU Caribbean Student Association and participates on various university committees. Her research interests include organizational behavior and human resource management, the recreation marine industry, women's studies, entrepreneurship, and international business. Dr. Knowles is a founding member of CyberMINDS Research Institute, a 501(c)(3). Dr. Knowles earned her Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Lynn University, an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, and an M.Ed. and B.A. from Northeastern University. Post-Doctoral Studies: Harvard Business Publishing: Teaching in the Hybrid Classroom. Dr. Knowles is a member of several academic associations, including the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD).

CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Johnny Guimaraes received his Executive Doctorate in Business Administration in Information Security from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Guimaraes also holds an M.S. in Management Information Systems and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Guimaraes holds several professional certifications, including CFE, CISA, CISM, and CDPSE. He is a senior leader and IT Leadership Team member with over 30 years of executive and management-level work with experience spanning eight financial and information technology industries with a specialized focus in information security, privacy, and data analytics. Well-versed in current and emerging threats and mitigating technologies, Dr. Guimaraes applies extensive knowledge of technology standards and best practices, governance processes, and relevant metrics to ensure that IT is operating at optimum levels of effectiveness and appropriately managing risk. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College.

CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Tina Honey, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner of CyberMINDS Research Institute, is a distinguished expert in Information Security with over two decades of experience. Specializing in risk mitigation and compliance, she has effectively implemented strategies to secure complex digital ecosystems for businesses globally. Dr. Honey is renowned for her transformational leadership style, emphasizing accountability, open communication, and collective learning. Beyond her core duties, Dr. Honey is an adjunct professor of Cybersecurity Ethics at Miami Dade College and has taught at several other institutions. Committed to diversifying the cybersecurity field, she volunteers with Blacks in Cybersecurity (BIC). She has held leadership roles in organizations like the ISACA South Florida Chapter and the South Florida Tech Association's Women’s Council. Dr. Honey holds an Executive DBA focused on Information Security Management from St. Thomas University and several prestigious certifications, including CISM, CDPSE, and CISA. She is pursuing a Juris Master in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Technical Risk Management at Florida State University. Her mission is to bridge understanding gaps and foster genuine partnerships in cybersecurity.

CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Edvard Joseph is a passionate advocate for data privacy and healthcare rights. With over 20 years of experience as a senior risk management leader in healthcare and biomedical engineering, he believes individuals should control how their protected health data is used. Guided by a "Theory of Reciprocity," Dr. Joseph regularly gives back by mentoring others and speaking about data privacy, compliance, and responsible data governance. His expertise encompasses developing practical solutions for complex regulatory frameworks like HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA. Dr. Joseph holds advanced degrees in biomedical engineering and information security, and his research addresses topics such as HIPAA compliance, global data privacy regulations, biometric data, and responsible policies for healthcare data disclosure.