Thank you to Alvaka, this month’s sponsor.
24/7 IT Support & Ransomware Recovery
3:45–4:00 PM – Networking & industry updates
4:00–5:00 PM – Expert-led discussion & audience conversation
Post-event – Stay on for continued discussion if you’d like
November Discussion Leader: Lessie Skiba, Deputy Managing Director at the Cyber Readiness Institute (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lessie-skiba-2b7460bb/)
November Discussion Topic: Why companies say “no” to cybersecurity programs
About the discussion: Many organizations, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, hesitate to engage in cybersecurity programs not out of neglect, but because of limited resources, especially time. Leaders often view cybersecurity as complex, expensive, or something only large companies need. With competing priorities and a lack of internal expertise, it’s easy to postpone action until an incident occurs. Most cyber threats exploit basic oversights, not advanced technical flaws. Simple, practical steps, strong passwords, regular updates, and employee awareness can make a major difference. The key challenge isn’t technology; it’s helping organizations understand that cybersecurity readiness is achievable, affordable, and essential for long-term resilience.
About Lessie: Lessie is the Global Director of Outreach and Partner Engagement at the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), leading initiatives to educate small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) on cybersecurity best practices. She forges strategic partnerships with industry leaders to strengthen SMB cybersecurity, secure global supply chains, and collaborate with the U.S. government to enhance cybersecurity in developing nations.
With a career dedicated to cybersecurity and technology, Lessie has held key roles at Nisos, a cybersecurity startup, and an early-stage venture capital firm. Now, as Chief of Staff at NetRise, a software supply chain security company, she focuses on internal strategy and driving cultural change to improve organizational effectiveness.
What to Expect:
The SecureTheVillage Cybersecurity Connect Discussion Forum is NOT a webinar. It is an interactive gathering, and a place to connect, challenge assumptions, and gain fresh perspectives in a trusted, no-pressure environment, where cybersecurity professionals, IT leaders, attorneys, risk managers, educators, investors, and law enforcement come together to discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and strengthen our collective defenses.
Engaged Discussions – No lectures, no passive listening. This is a place for real conversations.
Valuable Connections – Meet professionals who are driving cybersecurity initiatives in Southern California and across the country.
Actionable Insights – Hear real-world experiences, discuss strategies, and walk away with ideas you can apply.
Chatham House Rule:
Open discussion, candid insights, and trust in the room.
Who Should Attend?
Cybersecurity is bigger than any single industry.
If you work in or care about cybersecurity, this space is for you.
We welcome:
Cybersecurity & IT Professionals, CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, vCISOs, others
Security & Privacy Attorneys
Accountants & Auditors
Cyber-Risk & Insurance Professionals
Victim Support Professionals
Business Professionals & Financial Institution Leaders
Investors
Cyber Educators & Students
Law Enforcement & Government Cybersecurity Professionals
Nonprofit & Philanthropy Cybersecurity Leaders
Invite your peers to apply to attend at this link.