CyberWire Daily Summary: Ell Marquez on Embracing New Beginnings in Cybersecurity

Podcast Information

• Title: CyberWire Daily
• Host/Author: N2K Networks
• Description: The daily cybersecurity news and analysis industry leaders depend on. Published each weekday, the program also includes interviews with a wide spectrum of experts from industry, academia, and research organizations all over the world.
• Episode: Ell Marquez: It's Okay to Be New. [Linux] [Career Notes]
• Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, host A introduces the program before transitioning to the main content featuring Elle Marquez, the Linux and security advocate at Intezur. Elle shares her inspiring journey from a humble upbringing to establishing herself in the cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the importance of embracing new beginnings and continuous learning.

Early Life and Background

Elle begins by recounting her unexpected career path. Growing up on a family ranch in a small town in Texas, Elle’s parents had migrated from a family farm in Mexico. Reflecting on her childhood, she shares:

“I always thought that I was either going to go into the church or take over the family farm. I really felt like I had a very narrow path growing up.” [01:05]

Her early life was marked by simplicity and hard work, running fields and living closely with family, which she contrasts sharply with her eventual pivot to technology.

Discovering Linux and Entering Tech

A turning point in Elle’s life came when unforeseen circumstances almost left her homeless. Seeking a new direction, she discovered a six-week Linux boot camp, despite not owning a computer at the time:

“I was having to boot off of a USB at the library. This day and age, I'm really lucky they let me do that.” [01:30]

Elle fell in love with the versatility and customization possibilities of Linux, sparking her curiosity and determination to master the technology. Her passion was further ignited by managing her first Linux box, where she experienced a kernel panic, teaching her the importance of careful management and problem-solving.

Challenges and Growth

Elle's early career as a Linux administrator at a major managed service provider was both daunting and enlightening. She describes being "thrown into the deep end," managing strategic accounts for major enterprises. The high-stakes environment forced her to deepen her knowledge and skills:

“It was terrifying, but it was one of those, you can't mess up or you're going to cost a company a lot of money.” [03:15]

Despite the challenges, Elle's relentless pursuit of excellence led her to explore OpenStack, achieving certification in just 60 days. Her dedication caught the attention of a CEO who offered her a position, reinforcing her belief in trying new things:

“If you don't try something new, then why not do it?” [05:10]

Transition to Security

After a few years in various roles, including podcasting and education, Elle attended a BSIDES conference, where her passion for security was ignited. This pivotal moment led her to secure her first security position six months prior to the interview. Reflecting on her journey, Elle shares the emotional impact of overcoming self-doubt:

“It still almost makes me tear up a little bit because I'm six months in, I'm learning, I am trying everything that I can.” [07:45]

When faced with criticism from a colleague suggesting she could be automated, Elle chose to persevere, inspired by a teammate who encouraged her to believe in herself:

“Do it because you enjoy it and because you want to be better and you want to grow for yourself.” [08:30]

Advice and Campaign: "It's Okay to Be New"

Elle has initiated a campaign titled "It's Okay to Be New," promoting the idea that continuous learning and embracing one's novice status are essential in the ever-evolving tech landscape. She emphasizes that no matter one's tenure in the industry, maintaining a mindset of being new fosters growth and adaptability:

“Technology changes so quickly, so if you're not new at something, you're stagnant and why bother?” [08:55]

Elle discourages the pursuit of becoming a "subject matter expert" in the traditional sense, advocating instead for perpetual learning and self-improvement.

Views on Diversity and Socioeconomic Background

Addressing diversity, Elle challenges the perception that coming from a lower socioeconomic status is a hindrance. Instead, she views it as an advantage, highlighting how her imaginative upbringing and resourcefulness contributed to her success in tech:

“I think it's an advantage. I grew up playing with sticks and pretending that they were dolls and always just having imagination.” [09:15]

Elle advocates for moving beyond superficial diversity initiatives, urging the industry to focus on providing opportunities and education:

“Don't talk to me about being Hispanic. Sit down and teach me something. That's how we're going to change this industry.” [09:45]

Future Goals and Conclusion

Looking forward, Elle is eager to gain more hands-on experience, particularly in Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR). She is set to transition into the research team at her current company, though she remains open to new directions as opportunities arise:

“I don't know what the end goal is because I think it's going to change every time I see something new that I want to chase.” [10:00]

Elle concludes her narrative by reiterating the importance of being unapologetically oneself and the value of community support in personal and professional growth:

“Be unapologetically yourself. That's how you're going to stand out and that's how you're going to enjoy this journey.” [10:20]

Key Takeaways

• Embrace New Beginnings: Continuously adopt a beginner’s mindset to foster growth and adaptability in the tech industry.
• Overcoming Adversity: Personal challenges can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career paths.
• Importance of Mentorship: Support from peers and mentors is crucial in overcoming self-doubt and achieving professional goals.
• Redefining Diversity: True diversity involves providing equal opportunities and focusing on individual skills and potential rather than superficial attributes.

Notable Quotes

• “I never want to be a subject matter expert because that means that I've reached the point that I don't feel that I need to grow more.” [08:50]
• “Do it because you enjoy it and because you want to be better and you want to grow for yourself.” [08:30]
• “Be unapologetically yourself. That's how you're going to stand out and that's how you're going to enjoy this journey.” [10:20]

Conclusion

Elle Marquez's story is a testament to the power of resilience, continuous learning, and authentic self-expression in navigating and thriving within the cybersecurity landscape. Her campaign, "It's Okay to Be New," serves as an inspiring reminder that embracing one's journey, regardless of background or experience level, is key to personal and professional fulfillment.