Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Simon
Hi Kimberly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, into a large extended family where space and resources were often shared. Growing up, privacy was unfamiliar, and utilities like water and electricity were limited, yet this was the life we knew. My first real spark of interest in technology came when my aunt visited from England with a mobile phone—a simple device by today’s standards but revolutionary to me. Holding that phone was like holding a piece of the future in my hands, and it sparked a curiosity that would shape my life.
I moved to England at 11 years old to live with that same aunt. This was an entirely new environment, one where I had to navigate my future without a clear roadmap. It was during those uncertain years that I learned the importance of recognizing “clues” around me—small moments of inspiration or opportunity that, when followed, could shape my path forward. Every mentorship, every challenge, and every opportunity became a guiding clue toward an uncharted future.
Today, as a Black woman in cybersecurity—a field where women, particularly women of color, are vastly underrepresented—I have carved out a unique space for myself. My journey led me to become the CEO of Secure Network Administration, a company founded in North Carolina 19 years ago. This achievement is significant as only 4.4% of Black women are recorded to work in tech management and only 1.4% are in C-suite positions. Along the way, I authored books and became a speaker, driven by a deep passion to inspire others to pursue their paths, find significance in small moments, and break through barriers that might seem insurmountable.
My faith has become a cornerstone of my life; I believe that God’s hand has guided and protected me every step of the way. His blessings and guidance are woven into each part of my journey, helping me turn challenges into meaningful milestones.
I see success as a treasure hunt filled with twists, unexpected insights, and the occasional setback. It’s not always a straightforward path, but each step has been worth it. Through my work and my story, I aim to encourage others to embrace their journeys, to seek out the clues that guide them, and to act on those insights. This journey has allowed me to make an impact in tech and inspire others to recognize the extraordinary possibilities within their own lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, with each step shaped by obstacles that required resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to my vision. When I first started in cybersecurity, I quickly realized how scarce female representation was, let alone for Black women. There were few people to look up to who shared my background or experiences, so I often felt like I was flying blind. This lack of representation meant that I had to carve my path without many role models to guide me through the unique challenges I faced.
As I moved into leadership roles, I also saw how few Black women occupied C-level positions in tech. Most mentors available to me were men who, while accomplished, did not fully grasp the nuances of being a woman in tech. Navigating these waters required me to advocate for myself, and it became essential to develop my own style of leadership—one that acknowledged my perspective and the challenges women face, particularly in a male-dominated industry. I had to bridge that understanding gap and adapt while pushing for visibility and respect on my terms.
Then there was the reality of the “boys’ club,” where business discussions frequently happened outside the office, often on golf courses. I realized that if I wanted to stay in the rooms where important conversations were happening, I needed to adapt. Rather than feeling left out, I took up golf, a decision that allowed me to participate and sometimes lead in these informal but crucial discussions. Over time, I learned to love the game, and it became a tool that kept me connected and relevant in spaces where people like me were rarely seen.
These struggles reinforced my belief in the importance of representation and resilience. They taught me the value of speaking up, learning new skills, and finding allies where I could. Today, as CEO of Secure Network Administration, I strive to break down these barriers for others, knowing firsthand how isolating it can feel to be the only one in the room.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Secure Network Administration (SecureNA) is a leading IT and cybersecurity firm based in North Carolina, specializing in helping companies across industries—like manufacturing, architecture, biotech, and more—design and implement robust cybersecurity and IT programs. We understand that many organizations face a significant knowledge gap in cybersecurity. They’re aware of the need for strong digital defenses, but they often don’t know where to start or lack the resources to build and sustain a resilient cybersecurity framework. Our mission is to change that by empowering businesses to take that critical first step toward long-term digital security.
At SecureNA, we do more than just provide IT and cybersecurity solutions; we equip companies to answer key strategic questions that shape their digital future: How will you design a cybersecurity program tailored to your organization’s unique needs? How will you measure its success? Are you meeting industry standards and fulfilling cybersecurity insurance requirements?
Our team is already planning for 2025, anticipating industry trends and regulatory shifts so our clients can build resilient, forward-thinking programs that go beyond mere compliance. This commitment to looking ahead and adapting to emerging challenges is part of what sets us apart in the industry.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of SecureNA’s focus on creating cybersecurity solutions that are not just functional but strategic. We help clients create strong digital foundations that support their growth and protect their futures, rather than implementing short-term fixes. Our holistic approach, rooted in both expertise and proactive planning, has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in IT and cybersecurity.
For any organization ready to bridge the gap in IT support and cybersecurity, SecureNA is here to guide you in asking the right questions and starting the right conversations today.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis was a powerful reminder of the need for adaptability. In those early months, it felt like survival of the fittest—businesses that could pivot quickly stood a better chance of weathering the storm, while those resistant to change struggled to keep up. This period taught me just how essential it is to move fast and be open to evolving your approach, especially in cybersecurity and IT.
As companies faced unprecedented challenges, we learned that being nimble and resilient was as important as any technical skill. Suddenly, there was a heightened demand for secure remote work solutions, rapid tech implementations, and diversified services to support a workforce that was more spread out than ever. In our work, this meant not only expanding our services but also reshaping how we delivered them. These are lessons we carry forward in our mission today to help companies prepare for an uncertain future, building the agility to thrive no matter what the next challenge may be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://securena.com/
- Other: https://www.meetkimberlysimon.com/