DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (Jan. 30, 2023) — Two executives with vast experience in a range of disciplines and markets, from IT talent acquisition to cyber defense, have joined the CompTIA Spark Board of Advisors, the social innovation and impact arm of CompTIA that aims to deliver high-quality tech education for middle school students of all backgrounds.
Masha Sedova is the co-founder and president of Elevate Security, an all-in-one insider risk management solution to help companies identify risky employees and prevent security incidents. Sedova is an award-winning cybersecurity expert, speaker, and trainer focused on helping companies transform their workforce from a security risk into a key element of cyber defense. In 2021, Fast Company named her one of the most creative people in business. Before Elevate, Masha was a security executive at Salesforce where she built and led the human risk team. She has been a member of the board of directors for the National Cyber Security Alliance and a regular presenter at conferences such as Blackhat, RSA, OWASP and SANS.
“I’m excited about the CompTIA Spark mission to empower young people and help them see themselves as digitally fluent,” Sedova said. “This program can change the trajectory of future careers and unlock new opportunities for a new generation. It is such a privilege to be able to work on such an incredible initiative and with such a great team.”
Terry West is a proven business leader with more than 20 years’ experience in the world of inclusion and diversity, management, talent acquisition, and business development. He is currently an Inclusion & Diversity manager with TEKsystems, a leading provider of IT staffing, talent management, and services. West is passionate about developing technology professionals, and he is active in the Columbus tech community through his affiliation with the African American Senior IT Leadership Organization and a local board member for Per Scholas. As a proud graduate of Kenyon College, West donates his time to the Alumni of Color Initiative and is a member of the Kenyon Fund Executive Committee.
“I live by the Winston Churchill quote, ‘You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give,’” West said. “Growing up as the son of a pastor, I will always be passionate about giving back to my community. Serving on this board continues to allow me to lean into what fills my cup.”
CompTIA Spark aims to unlock young people’s potential through technology. Through a wide range of dynamic CompTIA Spark content and curriculum, students can gain the tech fluency needed to thrive in today’s digital world. CompTIA Spark’s work is supported by CompTIA as well as a host of other leading companies and technology brands through direct funding, program support, community outreach and volunteerism. The CompTIA Spark Board of Advisors contribute input to the strategic direction of the organization and help further its mission by raising funding.
“We’re thrilled to have Masha and Terry join our board,” said Charles Eaton, CEO, CompTIA Spark. “They join a group of leaders who share a passion for helping young people to unlock their potential. The unique experiences, skills and viewpoints of our advisors help guide CompTIA Spark as we strive to attain our goals and fulfill our mission.”
“Masha has unparalleled insight into the world of cybersecurity and the many career opportunities it offers as well as years of experience volunteering for impactful youth organizations. Terry’s experience in talent acquisition and management, especially related to DEI efforts, aligns perfectly with our mission to open doors to tech careers for all,” Eaton continued.
The CompTIA Spark Board of Advisors includes:
John Malonson, board chair, senior cybersecurity manager, Raytheon Technologies
Neelan Choksi, advisor and board member
Paul Cronin, CEO, Apogee IT Services
Guy Fruda, chief technology support leader, Deloitte
Masha Sedova, co-Founder and president, Elevate Security
Tracey Welson-Rossman, chief marketing officer; Chariot Solutions; founder and CEO, Journal My Health; and founder, TechGirlz
Terry West, diversity, equity and inclusion manager, TEKsystems
About CompTIA Spark
CompTIA Spark, a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is a social impact organization that works to unlock people's potential though technology. It aims to bringing high quality tech education to youth — whatever their background — making tech exciting, accessible and inclusive while building skills and confidence for life. CompTIA Spark is the first U.S. nonprofit to receive a multi-year grant from The Spectris Foundation, the UK-based registered charity that champions access to a high-quality STEM education around the world. CompTIA Spark was founded in 1998 by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce. Learn more at comptiaspark.org.
