UMGC alumnae build companies, programs, and future leaders
Entrepreneurs and cybersecurity experts excel in seeing the bigger picture. At University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), that wide-angle view has helped alumnae turn expertise into leadership and service.
Doing what others haven’t
Tiffany Tremont ’18, who earned a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy from UMGC, founded Silotech Group in 2008.
“I started my business because I saw a problem that wasn't being solved,” Tremont said.
Silotech Group is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. A defense contractor working with both government and commercial operations, the company specializes in digital transformation and mission-critical cybersecurity capabilities, and has developed its own artificial intelligence (AI) product.
Another UMGC alumna, Loyce Pailen ’05 DM, began her journey in information technology (IT) before cybersecurity was considered a separate discipline.
“It was a natural progression from being in IT, understanding the concerns, actually living through system downtimes that might have been caused by cybersecurity attacks, which we weren't even aware of,” she said, reflecting on time early in her career as a project manager at The Washington Post.
Today Pailen is senior director of the UMGC Center for Security Studies and a professor of cybersecurity management and policy. In addition to her work at UMGC, Pailen focuses on bringing cybersecurity awareness to K–12 students and teachers through her consultancy Jastin Enterprises, LLC.
Getting started
Tremont’s career began in the United States Air Force. As a tactical UNIX system administrator, she managed computer networks involving air support and superiority.
“My time in the Air Force fundamentally shaped how I think about problems, specifically leadership and mission execution,” she said.
After her time in the service, Tremont wanted to earn a degree, but she was also a working professional with a full-time job.
“UMGC was really a great fit for me because it truly understands non-traditional students,” Tremont said. “I can honestly say that due to my demanding career, UMGC's flexibility really assisted me.”
Pailen shared her own story of juggling life’s challenges while seeking to advance in her profession.
“In my younger days I was a single working parent,” she said. “UMGC was the perfect place to take courses at my pace and continue to work.”
Building for the future
These days, when Pailen isn’t focused on running UMGC’s Center for Security Studies, she is doing important work with her consultancy.
In the spring, Pailen participated in a STEM festival event for Girl Scouts of the USA, part of a relationship cultivated over the space of years helping instill tech know-how in some of the youngest learners.
“I supported the Girl Scouts with getting cybersecurity badges,” she said.
Pailen noted that there are ways to make complex subjects understandable, using relatable thoughts such as keeping toys, friends, and family safe.
Tremont—who went on to earn a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University—is also dedicated to enabling those on their own journeys.
“Encouraging and helping others along the way is the right thing to do,” she said. “I've had mentors and wonderful leaders, including from UMGC. People opened doors and gave me guidance when they didn't have to, so I try to give back.”
Life-long learning
Cybersecurity and entrepreneurship both demand continual learning, a forte of UMGC, its students, alumni, and staff.
“The entrepreneurial side takes a lot,” Pailen said. “There's much to learn and I respect the people who have done it well.”
Pailen bridges the gap between entrepreneurship, and the potential of those that go through the cybersecurity program at UMGC, while also expanding her own knowledge.
“I stay around UMGC because there are always opportunities to learn,” she said, “I learned a lot with cybersecurity, developing the programs, and now I'm in the mode of learning a lot about AI.”
Tremont rejoined the Air Force as a reserve officer and recently served at the Pentagon. She is also persistently refining and developing her skills.
“Even in the military, I'm still in school and they're teaching me leadership. Leadership and education are skills that should be ever growing,” she said. “You should be a lifelong learner.”
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense information or visuals does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Tiffany Tremont ’18 MS, Cybersecurity Management and Policy, DSc and CEO & Founder, Silotech Group