Page 15 - Cyber Defense eMagazine RSAC Special Edition 2025

About Angela Apolinar

I am incredibly thrilled and excited to be awarded the Cyber Defense
Magazine Women in Cybersecurity scholarship. This recognition not only
supports my ongoing master’s studies in Cybersecurity and Information
Assurance at Western Governors University, but it also strengthens my
resolve to make meaningful contributions to the cybersecurity field. With this
opportunity, I am more driven than ever to help safeguard digital
infrastructure and inspire more women to enter and excel in this vital
industry. I look forward to using this platform to continue expanding my
knowledge and skills!

Angela Apolinar is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s
degree in psychology from Cal State Fullerton. With a growing fascination
for technology, she transitioned to the study of cybersecurity. Since then, she has earned certifications
in Information Technology, Cyber Defense, Cybersecurity, and Cisco Networking from CompTIA, Cisco,
and Cypress College. She is advancing her expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity and
Information Assurance at Western Governors University.

Angela has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her academic career, notably as her
college’s first female Computer Science and Cybersecurity Club president. In this role, she organized
workshops and events that featured speakers from prominent organizations such as the FBI and AWS.
Her commitment to mentorship and education is further exemplified by her position as a Cyber Mentor
and Professor’s Assistant at Cypress College.

Currently a NASA Aerospace Scholar, she is diving into the world of space exploration and technology.
Through this program, Angela is gaining invaluable insights into NASA’s cutting-edge technologies,
space exploration strategies, and the role of cybersecurity in protecting critical systems that support these
missions.

Her dedication to cybersecurity, leadership, and mentorship roles reflect her commitment to shaping a
more secure and inclusive tech landscape. As she continues to grow in her field, Angela remains
passionate about empowering the next generation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM,
proving that with determination and vision, the sky is truly not the limit—it’s just the beginning!

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