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Natalie Johnson
Natalie Johnson
00:53

Natalie Johnson

Broward County

Dania Beach, FL USA

"Love what you do and yourself."

Career Roadmap

Natalie's work combines: Technology, Government, and Problem Solving

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Day In The Life

Information Technology Security Administrator

I protect critical airport systems by managing cybersecurity risks, compliance, and governance.

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Day In The Life Of An IT Security Administrator

My Day to Day

No two days are the same but in general, I manage everything from federal audits to airport cybersecurity, oversee teams across systems, servers, GIS, and compliance, and respond fast when threats arise. I spend a lot of time training others and coordinating across departments to keep things running smoothly. It’s a big job, but I love the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure and helping my team grow.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

You don’t need a perfect plan or a four-year degree to start in cybersecurity. What's important is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn. I encourage gaining hands-on experience, even through volunteering. Volunteering gave me real experience early on, and networking opened doors. Keep in mind that skills like follow-through, ethics, and reliability matter just as much as technical knowledge. Don’t wait to meet every requirement—apply anyway, stay open, and keep showing up.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Management Information Systems

    Florida Atlantic University

  • Graduate Degree

    Business Administration and Management

    Florida Atlantic University

  • Doctorate

    Information Security

    St. Thomas University

  • Graduate Degree

    Cybersecurity, Technology, and Risk Management

    Florida State University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    As a little girl, I loved tinkering and playing with computers.

  • 2.

    While I initially thought I’d pursue psychology, I pivoted to cybersecurity when a friend declared I wouldn’t make much money in mental health.

  • 3.

    I earned degrees in management information systems, cybersecurity, and law to expand my impact across tech and policy.

  • 4.

    I started volunteering with my church to build experience in project management and tech before I ever had a formal role.

  • 5.

    I joined Broward County, where I now oversee IT security for airport systems and infrastructure.

  • 6.

    I co-founded Cyber Minds Research Institute to bring privacy and cybersecurity to underserved communities.

  • 7.

    My first cybersecurity badge launch with the Girl Scouts lit a fire in me to get more girls into this field.

  • 8.

    I still meet weekly with fellow cyber professionals—we hold each other accountable, share knowledge, and keep growing.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I've had a lot of experience but I still struggle with imposter syndrome. I'm considered a subject matter expert, which makes me giggle. It helps to remember that we're all just regular people. No one is bigger or more special than you.

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