Dr. Cheryl Cooper
Speaker. Author. Cybersecurity Leader. www.drcherylcooper.com
Dr. Cheryl Cooper is a trailblazing United States Navy Veteran, Speaker, and Doctor of Computer Science, renowned for her transformative leadership in cybersecurity. With nearly three decades of experience, she has most recently served as a Business Information Security Office with a fortune 100 company. As the host of the podcast "Ctrl+Alt+Em-Power," Dr. Cooper unlocks the critical intersections of cyber resilience, technology, and inclusion.
An accomplished author, Dr. Cooper most recent "Breaking the Code: Winning Strategies for Women in Cybersecurity & Tech, launched in 2025, " along with impactful works such as “Hood to Hooded, " and “Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals.” Through her writings, she shares her personal journey of empowerment and resilience, inspiring audiences to break free from limitations and embrace their potential.
Dr. Cooper is the only two-time awardee of the Midwest Central Exchange STEMMy Awards for "Groundbreaking Leadership" and "Women's Champion in STEM." The winners of the STEMMy Awards are recognized for making changes that contribute to a better today and a brighter tomorrow, influencing both local and global communities and shaping the next generation of STEM leaders.
Driven by her passion for mentorship, Dr. Cooper founded the non-profit organization Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) of the greater Kansas City Metroplex. Through her tireless efforts, she has championed countless underserved high school students, providing them with visibility and opportunities in the tech industry.
As President of WiCyS KC Metroplex, Dr. Cooper is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black and Brown girls, ensuring they are seen and heard in spaces where they have historically been marginalized. Her commitment to community service has earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious ABWA Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for "Keeping the Dream Alive."
Dr. Cheryl Cooper continues to break barriers and inspire change in the field of cybersecurity and beyond, making her a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion.
