About Us
We are the Alberta chapter of the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium Inc (ISC2). ISC2 is the global, not-for-profit leader in educating, certifying and connecting information security professionals.
Our goal is to advance information security in business throughout the province of Alberta by providing our members with the opportunity to share knowledge, grow professionally, collaborate and educate others.
President - Hyma Pandyaram, CISSP
Hyma is a security leader with expertise for identity management and a passion for cyber safety. She serves as President of the ISC2 Alberta Chapter and Vice President of WiCyS Western Canada, where she champions diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity. Hyma actively educates seniors, children, and businesses on secure internet practices and organizes events that connect students with industry professionals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and was honored with the ISC2 Global Achievement Award in 2020 for her contributions to cybersecurity awareness and community engagement across Canada.
Corey is a business-focused technology leader with deep expertise in cloud security and enterprise IT infrastructure. Corey has built a reputation for aligning cybersecurity strategies with business objectives, ensuring robust protection without compromising agility. He is an active contributor to the cybersecurity community, sharing insights on cloud security trends and best practices through platforms like the Cloud Security Alliance. Corey’s professional journey includes extensive experience in IT engineering and a commitment to continuous learning. He is passionate about mentoring and advancing secure digital transformation initiatives.
Past President - Corey Kaye, CCSP, CISSP
Secretary - Gloria Ake-Johnson, MISSM, CISSP
Gloria is a cybersecurity and IT leader that serves as Manager of Product Optimization and Support where she drives innovation and operational excellence in enterprise systems. Gloria holds a CISSP certification and a Master’s in Information Systems Security Management from Concordia University of Edmonton. Gloria serves as the Secretary on ISC2 Alberta contributing to professional development and community engagement. With a background in project and portfolio management, Gloria blends technical expertise with strategic leadership to advance secure and efficient IT solutions.
Treasurer - Beloved Smart, SSCP
Beloved Smart, SSCP, is a strategic leader in AI and cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), based in Edmonton, Alberta. With over 8 years of experience, Beloved specializes in designing and implementing IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity programs, and regulatory compliance strategies across highly regulated industries. She currently serves as Senior GRC Specialist at PCL Construction. Beloved holds multiple certifications including SSCP, CISM, CISA, and ISO 42001 Lead Implementer. Her expertise spans AI risk, ethical AI, data privacy, and ISO/NIST standards, driving innovation while ensuring compliance and security
Communications Director - Stefan Myroniuk, MSc., CISSP
Stefan Myroniuk is a security leader and researcher with over 20 years of industry experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Security and Risk Management (Criminology) and specializes in leading information security operations, integrating secure practices into software development lifecycles, and aligning cybersecurity strategies with enterprise risk frameworks. Stefan’s leadership is defined by a strategic, people-centric approach that emphasizes innovation and business value. His research into emerging technologies and security practices are evident in the ISC2 Alberta newsletters and publications, endorsing forward-thinking security solutions to empower the community.
Education Director - Dr. Vincent Chiew, CISSP, CSSLP, ISC2 Certified Instructor and Official Training Partner, and P.Eng. (Security Engineering), Ph.D
Vincent is the co-founder of the ISC2 Alberta Chapter, past president, and director of education. He is a educator, engineer, and consultant specializing in enterprise, industrial, and military security. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a specialization in Software Engineering from the University of Calgary, where he also earned his M.Sc. in Computer Science. Vincent is an ISC2 certified trainer and CompTIA official training partner.
Events Director - Kieran Westergard, CISSP, CISM
Kieran is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience in information security, IT consulting, and digital forensics. He holds multiple certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CEH, and OSCP, and specializes in security architecture, incident response, and threat mitigation. A graduate of NAIT, he actively contributes to the cybersecurity community as Director of Events for ISC2 Alberta and supports local initiatives like BSides Edmonton. His background also includes a decade of service with Edmonton Regional Search and Rescue.
Membership Director - Dr. Cherry Mangla, Ph.D
Cherry is an Assistant Professor in the MISSM/MISAM programs at Concordia University of Edmonton, specializing in quantum cryptography and cybersecurity. With a robust research portfolio, she has published extensively on quantum security, 5G network protection, and intelligent transport systems. Her work bridges academia and industry, focusing on innovative solutions for secure data transmission and smart city applications. She is a recognized thought leader in emerging technologies and their ethical implications.
Director-at-Large - Akinola Odelola, CISSP
Akinola is a cybersecurity leader and IT infrastructure professional based in Edmonton, Alberta. With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, he currently serves in cybersecurity infrastructure operations in the utilities sector and as a Security Analyst with the Government of Alberta. Akinola holds multiple certifications including CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITIL, and CTIA, and earned his Master’s in Information Security and Assurance from Western Governors University. His work focuses on securing critical systems and advancing cybersecurity resilience across organizations.
Director-at-Large - Angelica Hizsa, CISSP
Angelica Hizsa, CISSP, is an accomplished cybersecurity professional, currently serving as an Information Security Advisor specializing in Incident Response. With a strong foundation in information security and privacy, she brings a challenge-driven mindset to protecting digital assets and managing cyber risks. Angelica holds a CISSP certification and is a Director at (ISC)² Alberta, where she supports community engagement and professional development. Her diverse background includes roles in the public and private sectors, and she is passionate about fostering inclusive, resilient cybersecurity practices that empower organizations and communities alike.
Director-at-Large - Damian Noga, CC, CZTP, CAISP v2.0, NIST CSF v2.0
Senior IT Security, Risk & Compliance Analyst with 23 years at Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Damian leads Zero Trust and AI security initiatives, oversees security awareness programs, and advises on enterprise risk. In addition to his work in cybersecurity, Damian is a passionate musician and songwriter with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian music scene. Damian’s unique blend of technical expertise and creative expression makes him a dynamic contributor to both the cybersecurity and arts communities
Director-at-Large - Michael John Jacobson, Dr. rer. nat.
Michael is a Professor and co-Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, a member of the Institute for Security, Privacy and Information Assurance. He is a leading researcher in computational number theory and public-key cryptography, with a focus on cryptographic protocols based on number-theoretic structures such as algebraic curves and class groups. Dr. Jacobson holds a Dr. rer. nat. in Computer Science from Technische Universität Darmstadt and has published extensively on cryptographic algorithm efficiency and security. He also serves as Deputy Director of ISPIA and is a key contributor to cybersecurity education and community engagement.