Meet Dakota!
Hey! I’m Dakota. I was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!), where I earned a BS in Management Information Systems with a focus on Information Assurance. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Austin, TX to begin my career in Information Security and Privacy.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself…
I’ve participated in the oldest and longest Fourth of July parade in America as well as the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation - unlimited no-cost travel!
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking the seemingly infinite number of trails around Austin with my dog Charlie, camping, attending music festivals and concerts, watching (and rewatching) movies, and building computers!
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I’ve been a Cybersecurity Analyst at Rhymetec since June 2023. My responsibilities include a broad range of tasks such as analyzing and improving our clients’ cloud security posture, conducting incident response and disaster recovery exercises, and assisting clients throughout their compliance journeys.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
I developed an interest in technology at an early age. Growing up in a family with an extensive history in military and law enforcement drove me towards a blue team / red team mentality and an overall interest in learning about cybercrime, cyberwarfare, and the constantly evolving threat landscape many organizations face.
What is your favorite part about working at Rhymetec, or in the cybersecurity industry?
Working with clients across a myriad of industries has given me insight into unique security challenges as well as hands-on experience with a variety of new technology platforms. On top of that, I’ve met some awesome people along the way!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
You don’t have to go it alone! Security and Compliance are deep and ever-evolving wells of information. It can be difficult to dedicate effort and resources to building out an effective information security management system while also focusing on the day-to-day activities required to support and expand your business. We have an excellent team of Security experts eager and ready to help out.
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Meet Carla!
Hey there! My name is Carla Ribas and I am the Executive Assistant here at Rhymetec. I grew up in—and to this day still live in—Connecticut, and spent my childhood summers in Portugal with my grandparents. I recently started a family of my own, becoming a mother of twins - yes, double the trouble. It doesn't stop there, I also have two loving dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, trying new wineries, and traveling.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself…
I am bilingual and I speak Portuguese fluently.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to manipulate time - I would like to travel to the past or the future, freeze moments, or accelerate the passage of time.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends—hobbies include traveling, yoga, reading, and wine tasting.
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I have been with Rhymetec for two years, and it has been a fantastic journey. I was employee number 4, and now we are a company of 20+. It makes me so proud to be part of this growing company and see how much the team has progressed in such a short period of time.
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I have been with Rhymetec for two years, and it has been a fantastic journey. I was employee number 4, and now we are a company of 20+. It makes me so proud to be part of this growing company and see how much the team has progressed in such a short period of time.
As an Administrative Assistant, I play a crucial role within the organization by providing support to management, employees, and various departments. My day-to-day primarily consists of providing high-level support to help leadership and the CEO stay organized so that things run smoothly. From assisting in time management tasks, to organizing documents, and planning company-wide events and meetings, through internal problem-solving and team support, my role is important to the overall workflows of Rhymetec employees. I pride myself on being readily available to leadership/employees, in order to help with high-priority tasks and manage day-to-day administrative responsibilities.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
Working in cybersecurity wasn’t directly pursued, but I believe my current role was meant to find me, and I feel perfectly at home where I am. In my first interview with Justin (Rhymetec’s CEO) we instantly connected, and I felt like I could make an impact in his life and help him grow the business. I was eager to work for Justin and Rhymetec, and I am glad the feeling was mutual. 2 years later I am still in awe at how far the company has come since my first day!
What is your favorite part about working at Rhymetec, or in the cybersecurity industry?
My favorite part about working with Rhymetec is watching this company grow, as I have stated, I was employee number 4, and now we are a company of 20+. I believe in what Justin (and everyone else who was part of the early phases of Rhymetec) has created in this company and am excited to see how it evolves. I want to thank Justin for all the support and guidance he has provided me in my role, and thank him for being such an incredible boss. Not only have I had the opportunity to see the company grow, but I have had the pleasure of growing myself with guidance and support along the way.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
An old mentor told me always to be my best self and not be afraid to do it because life can seem downright scary.
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
Cybersecurity and compliance can be daunting, but prioritizing it sooner rather than later can pay off more than you think. If you pay attention to it when your company is mature, there is a lot of back-tracking you have to do. If you do it from early on, you can build an information security program that scales with your business, which is beneficial at new phases of growth with any stakeholders.
Connect with Carla
Meet Endri!
Hey there! My name is Endri Domi and I am a Cloud Compliance Analyst here at Rhymetec. I have been at Rhymetec for the last 4.5 years where I wore many hats from leading client engagements to helping clients achieve and maintain their required compliances. I have a dual degree in Electrical and Computer engineering and my hobbies include a lot of outdoor activities, such as soccer, hiking, and swimming.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself…
I was a Police Officer with the NYPD for over 7 years.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be to build a genie that grants me unlimited wishes. Having three wishes is great. Having unlimited wishes is greater.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love outdoor activities. Hiking is definitely on the top of my list. I recently visited Banff and hiked 13 different mountains, including the Athabasca Glacier.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love outdoor activities. Hiking is definitely on the top of my list. I recently visited Banff and hiked 13 different mountains, including the Athabasca Glacier.
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I have been with Rhymetec for over 4.5 years. Since I joined Rhymetec, I have had a unique opportunity to wear many different hats and be in the forefront of implementing cybersecurity strategies to hundreds of clients. My day-to-day consists of fully managing the compliance for clients from start to finish, engaging in weekly meetings with c-suite executives to discuss company bespoke short-term and long-term plans as well as assess risks involved business-wide. The best part of working at Rhymetec is the client-facing engagement, where each team member creates a personalized partnership with our clients to achieve a mutual goal.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
My dual background in engineering has served as a solid foundation for my professional journey. As a dedicated police officer, my responsibilities were around safeguarding the community on a physical level. However, I wanted to explore this at a digital level, thus leading me to Rhymetec.
What is your favorite part about working at Rhymetec, or in the cybersecurity industry?
Having worked at Rhymetec since the early stages, it has offered me the front seat to see the amazing transformation of what Rhymetec has accomplished.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Take one step in the right direction, and you're halfway there to making your dream come true.”
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
There are never too many controls in place to prevent a potential breach or a future incident. Depending on your geographical location as well as the type of data you handle, there are different types of compliances that may be required. Here at Rhymetec we offer a wide array of frameworks that we not only implement for you but manage as well, ranging from SOC 2 to FedRAMP. It's not about if it will happen, but when it will happen.
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Meet Alex!
Hey there! I am Alex Ricciardelli, an Account Executive at Rhymetec. I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. I went to the University of San Francisco where I played College golf and majored/minored in Psychology/Neuroscience. I have 7+ years of sales experience selling SaaS and Services in different industries.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself...
A hidden talent of mine is that I love to paint and draw, and have sold my pieces to different collectors around the country.
f you could have a superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be the ability to time travel.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to play golf, paint, and hang out with friends.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
I recognized the increasing necessity for businesses to enhance their security measures in the face of rapid technological advancements. I firmly believe that cyber threats will escalate over time. Consequently, I felt compelled to immerse myself in this vital and expanding industry.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
I recognized the increasing necessity for businesses to enhance their security measures in the face of rapid technological advancements. I firmly believe that cyber threats will escalate over time. Consequently, I felt compelled to immerse myself in this vital and expanding industry.
What is your favorite part about working at Rhymetec or in the cybersecurity industry?
The aspect I value most is the autonomy to cultivate my own book of business. It's both empowering and humbling to have the trust of leadership believing in my unique talents and skills to propel the company forward.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Be a good person and everything will fall into place.”
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
It is crucial for businesses to strategize and begin developing their information security and data privacy programs as early as possible. This will help establish a solid security foundation and save money in the long run.
Connect with Alex
Meet Leena!
Hey there! I am Leena Niazi, a Cloud Compliance Analyst at Rhymetec. I have been in Cyber security for a few years. I have a Masters degree in Management Information Systems.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself...
I run a small business of chocolate-covered strawberries and treats. During quarantine, I discovered a newfound love for dipping strawberries and creating breakable chocolate hearts along with many other sweets.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If I could choose any superpower, I would pick flying because I could have the ability to go almost anywhere. It would be exciting to see the world from a new perspective.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am always on a hunt to find caves and trails to hike surrounding lakes. For me, it is a wonderful way to connect with nature, challenge myself, and experience the world in a unique and meaningful way.
Fun fact is that I always find solutions to any problem during a hike!
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I have been a cloud compliance Analyst for over six months at Rhymetec. I am constantly learning and adapting to assist clients endeavor their compliance security goals.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
I am a tech enthusiast and have always been intrigued by technology. One of my professors inspired me to get into cybersecurity as I have a detail-oriented analytical mindset. I think it is an exciting and dynamic field that offers numerous opportunities for growth and development.
What is your favorite part about working at Rhymetec, or in the cybersecurity industry?
My favorite part about working at Rhymetec is our awesome, dedicated team and high-performance work culture.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run, walk, if you can't walk crawl, but by all means keep moving.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
Consistency is important. Staying on top of digital tools can help in staying efficient and avoid missing links and flaws. Use tools and software to help simplify compliance.
Connect with Leena
Meet Devon!
I'm a true Pittsburgh native, born and raised amidst the Steel City's fervor. If you catch me on a game day, you'll quickly figure out that I bleed black and gold – a die-hard Steelers fan through and through.
Growing up, I was all about staying active and trying my hand at various sports and activities. From gymnastics and dance to volleyball and basketball, I dabbled in it all. But my focus was always soccer.
After high school, I packed my bags and headed to the city of Boston to study at Fisher College. I played soccer as a center midfielder. It was a dynamic time of learning both in and out of the classroom.
But as life often leads us on unexpected journeys, my path took me to Chicago to pursue my initial passion: the restaurant industry. I embraced the fast-paced world, learning the ropes from the ground up.
After enduring my fair share of notorious northern winters, I made a decision to change my latitude: I relocated to the sunny paradise of Scottsdale, Arizona in 2015. For the first time since leaving Pittsburgh, I found a place that felt like home.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself...
Red hair, blue eyes, one dimple, and guess what? I'm a lefty! But here's the kicker – all my cousins on my mom's side are lefties too. It's like a little family club of its own!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If I could pick a superpower, it would definitely be teleportation. Why, you ask? Well, I'm a huge travel enthusiast, but let's be honest – who wants to spend precious time dealing with airport security and long flights? With teleportation, I could enjoy breakfast in France, squeeze in a coffee break in Italy, go for an evening hike in Hawaii, and have dinner in Greece. The possibilities would be absolutely endless!
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Being the extrovert that I am, you'll often find me hanging out with friends and family during my downtime. Alongside them, my two rescue pups, Poppy and Enzo, steal my heart. Exploring the wonders of Arizona is right up my alley, and I'm always up for an adventure!
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I've been a part of the Rhymetec team since May 2022, and it's been quite the journey. Initially, I stepped in as an Account Executive, eager to dive into the world of client management. As time passed, I recognized my knack for nurturing customer relationships and creating meaningful connections. It just felt right to transition into the role of the first Account Manager at Rhymetec.
The shift was organic, and I was fortunate to have the support and trust of the leadership team. My mission? To establish a department that adds value across the board. Each day I log on brings a fresh adventure, and that's what keeps things exciting. No two days are alike, and I revel in the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities that come my way.
The reason I truly cherish my time at Rhymetec? It's not just a job; it's a platform for growth, innovation, and collaboration. Being part of a company that trusts its employees to drive positive change and evolve roles based on strengths is incredibly motivating. This dynamic environment fuels my passion for what I do and keeps me excited to see where we'll go next.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
The world of cybersecurity always held a certain allure for me right from the start in the tech industry. But you could say that cybersecurity actually found me. A friend introduced me to Rhymetec, and upon meeting our CEO, I had an immediate sense of belonging. It was clear that Rhymetec was the perfect fit.
What drew me in is the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity and compliance. It's a field where learning and growth never stop, and I find that incredibly exciting. Every day, there's something new to discover, which is, yes, a bit of a cliché, but in my case, it's absolutely true!
What is your favorite part about working at Rhymetec, or in the cybersecurity industry?
What I love most about being part of the Rhymetec team is the strong connections I've formed with our clients.
Every day, I have the privilege of engaging with brilliant and forward-thinking individuals from diverse corners of the tech landscape. It's these connections that truly make my role rewarding and exciting.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is from my dad a mantra he's been sharing since my childhood:- “Follow what makes you happy in life. When you find happiness in the simple aspects of everyday life, everything else will easily fall into place.” And he would end it by saying,
“If it doesn’t make you happy… run”
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
Entering the world of security and compliance might appear daunting, especially for potential clients or SaaS businesses. Imagine this as an adventurous journey. While it's natural to feel overwhelmed, Rhymetec acts as your knowledgeable guide.
Connect with Devon
Meet Pamela!
Pamela is a Junior Cloud Compliance Analyst at Rhymetec. She joins the team as a graduate of the University of North Florida's Cybersecurity Program! Something unique about Pamela is that she enjoys learning everything about coffee—from seed to cup!☕ More specifically, she enjoys tasting coffees from all over the world, and her favorites include Colombia (Genova) and African Coffees (Kenya, Ethiopia). In addition to her admiration for coffee, Pamela enjoys photography, fishing, and kayaking in her spare time.☀️ Get to know Pamela a little more...
Tell us more about yourself...
Hi! My name is Pamela and I am a Jr. Cloud Compliance Analyst at Rhymetec. My background is in International business and in 2021 I decided to venture into cybersecurity. Since joining Rhymetec, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about cloud compliance and the different client environments.
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
I’ve been a Jr. Cloud Compliance analyst for about 8 months and enjoy that every day is different - from performing daily tasks to taking part in tabletop exercises and assisting clients in their compliance journey.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
I enjoy the analytical aspect of cybersecurity. The attention to detail and the intricacies of the industry are extremely interesting to me.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Always teach others what you know to help them succeed.
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
Compliance may seem like an impossible feat, however, know it is possible, and Rhymetec can help you get there.
Connect with Pamela
Meet Jeremy!
Hi there! I’m Jeremy Castellanos, a Senior Cloud Compliance Analyst at Rhymetec. I have worked in the technology industry for over eleven and a half years in many different sectors, such as security, education, healthcare, and general managed services. Building my skills and experience over a broad spectrum has allowed me to work in a lot of different environments, and I am always up to the challenge of learning something new. In my free time, I enjoy PC gaming, working around the house, exploring my home state of Oregon, and spending time with my lovely wife DeeJay.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself…
Before entering the tech industry, I worked as an automotive repair technician for a large brand.
Tell us about your role at Rhymetec…
Working as a Senior Cloud Compliance Analyst allows me to interact with a large number of diverse and unique clients on their paths to compliance. I enjoy the exposure to different industries and styles of business which has enabled me to grow my acumen.
Why did you pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry?
After a decade in IT support, I found myself ready to take on a new challenge and cybersecurity was the next logical step.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
If you’re going to do something in life, go hard, put in the maximum effort you can, and always end your day being proud of what you accomplished, even if it didn’t go exactly as you planned.
From a security or compliance perspective, what advice would you give to a potential client or SaaS business?
Remember to approach any new compliance project with commitment, engagement, and an open mind.
Connect with Jeremy