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Faces of Cyber

Celebrating Canada's protectors

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What is Faces of Cyber?

Faces of Cyber is a national journey to meet the people who make cybersecurity run in Canada, from Prince George to St. John’s, from Sudbury to Alma to Steinbach.

It’s not about “the most” or “the best.” There are no awards, no rankings, no popularity contests. This is about people, not machines. It’s about the voices on big stages and the quiet guardians in the background. It’s the innovators you’ve heard of and the unsung experts you haven’t, all working to keep our digital world safe.

Cybersecurity doesn’t run on code alone. It runs on people, it’s a network of people, from coast to coast, whose ideas, actions, and commitment keep our digital world running.

* CCN Publishes these articles on the Financial Post as well as simultaneously on our website. you can can find them here as well.

Michelle Balderson

Off the Rails - Why Cybersecurity Needs a Rethink

Cybersecurity veteran Michelle Balderson argues the industry has gone “off the rails,” buried under 3,700 vendors and fear-driven sales tactics, and must urgently shift from selling tools to helping leaders understand real business risk. Her story—from early tech sales to becoming one of Canada’s leading OT security voices—underscores why the future depends on business-centric, resilient, and human-focused cybersecurity.

 

 

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James Cairns

From Code to CISO

James Cairns, CISO at Bow Valley College, believes Canada’s strongest cyber defense starts with its people, not its tools. His journey from coder to CISO underscores the power of education, mentorship, and real-world experience in closing the nation’s cybersecurity talent gap.

 

 

Farzia Khan

Cyber Risk, Community Impact: Farzia Khan’s Journey

From self-taught technologist to senior leader at TD Bank Group, Farzia Khan bridges cybersecurity and community by building inclusive pathways into the industry while relentlessly focusing on preparedness, culture and opportunity

 

 

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William Mailhot

From Console Hacker to Cyber Pioneer

William Mailhot’s journey defies convention — from tinkering with game consoles to building a security innovation business.
His story shows that passion, grit, and curiosity can be just as powerful as formal credentials in the cybersecurity world.

 

 

Mary Carmichael

From Finance to the Front Lines of Cybersecurity

Mary Carmichael parlayed a CPA foundation into a cybersecurity leadership career that bridges boardroom risk and technical resilience—from securing the 2010 Vancouver Olympics to founding Momentum Technology and shaping global ISACA guidance. A tireless community builder, she advances inclusive talent, AI governance, and digital trust through chapter leadership, mentorship, and national research.

 

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Jennifer Quaid

Collaborative Power

Jennifer Quaid, Executive Director of the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX), argues that cybersecurity in Canada must evolve through greater collaboration across government, private sector, and regulators — sharing threat intelligence openly and building trust is essential to strengthening resilience and protecting privacy.

Rafael Arturo Ramirez

Made for Canada - Denied by the system

On paper, Rafael Arturo Ramirez is the kind of immigrant Canada says it needs.

He is a trilingual cybersecurity expert with nearly two decades of global experience. He’s raising two Canadian children. His wife has built a beauty business from nothing. They pay taxes, contribute to the community, and he actively strengthens Canada’s cybersecurity landscape. And yet, Rafael is on the brink of being forced to leave the country.

Made for Canada
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Darryl MacLeod

Focus on Cybersecurity, Community, and the Next Evolution of GRC

Darryl Macleod shares how an unconventional path, deep community ties, and innovative GRC engineering are shaping Canada’s cyber resilience. From mentorship to modernizing compliance, his story reflects the grit and collaboration driving the industry forward."