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Rediscovering Our Soul: CSNP's Journey to Redefine Cybersecurity Education


Sweeping landscape of the Colorado Sand Dunes National Park, showcasing golden sand dunes against a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear blue sky.

In the heart of West Africa, where the ancient city of Timbuktu stands as a testament to human knowledge and resilience, my story begins. It was there, in Mali, that I first learned the power of education and the importance of community. Little did I know that these early lessons would shape not only my personal journey but also the path of an organization that would touch thousands of lives.

At eleven years old, I left Mali for the United States, carrying with me the dreams of my ancestors and the weight of potential. As I navigated this new world, I found solace and purpose in learning. From the hallways of Merritt College, where I earned three associate degrees, to the cutting-edge labs of the Illinois Institute of Technology, where I delved into cybersecurity, each step was driven by a burning desire to make a positive impact on the world.

But life, as it often does, had other plans. Over the past two years, you may have noticed CSNP has been quieter than usual. Today, I want to share the reason behind this pause and the exciting future that lies ahead for our organization. This is a story of struggle, soul-searching, and ultimately, renewal.



A Personal Journey of Reflection and Growth

In the quiet moments of self-reflection, when the world fades away and we're left alone with our thoughts, that's where the real journey begins. For me, it started with a simple question that echoed in the recesses of my mind: "Who am I, really?" Little did I know that this question would lead me down a path of discovery that would not only reshape my understanding of myself but also breathe new life into the very organization I had helped create.

The past few years have been a period of intense personal reflection and growth. I found myself grappling with anxiety, PTSD, and depression—hidden battles many of us face but rarely acknowledge. These challenges led me to step back from CSNP, a decision that was both heart-wrenching and necessary.

During this time, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. I engaged in therapy for three years, delving deep into understanding myself, my motivations, and the values that drive me. This introspection, or as I’ve come to call it, "soul-searching," was transformative.

As I explored my own psyche, peeling back layers of experiences, cultural influences, and long-held beliefs, I began to see CSNP in a new light. It was as if a fog had lifted, revealing not just an organization but a living, breathing entity with its own heartbeat and soul.



Rediscovering CSNP’s Soul

I remember the exact moment this realization hit me. I was sitting in my study, surrounded by books on leadership and psychology, when suddenly the parallels between my personal journey and CSNP's path became crystal clear. Just as I had been questioning my core values and identity, CSNP, too, needed to rediscover its essence.

In our rapid growth and passionate pursuit of our mission, we had inadvertently lost sight of what made CSNP truly special. It wasn’t just about cybersecurity education or building a safer digital world. No, the heart of CSNP beats with the collective dreams, aspirations, and dedication of every volunteer, every member, every individual who believes in our vision.

This epiphany was both exhilarating and daunting. It meant that to move forward, we needed to embark on a journey of rediscovery. We needed to peel back our organizational layers, question our assumptions, and reconnect with the spark that ignited CSNP’s creation in the first place.

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I set out to rediscover CSNP’s soul. Little did I know that this journey would not only transform our organization but also reaffirm my own purpose in ways I never could have imagined.



A New Chapter for CSNP

As the pieces of our organizational puzzle began to fall into place, I was struck by a profound realization. CSNP’s strength didn’t lie in its structure or even its mission statement. It resided in the passion and dedication of our people—our volunteers, our members, our community.

With this understanding, we began reshaping CSNP from the inside out. We promoted dedicated volunteers to leadership positions, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our decision-making processes. I was reminded of the wisdom in John C. Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership—the importance of empowering others and valuing their voices.

Some might have seen this as a risk, entrusting key roles to those who might not have seemed conventionally ready. But I saw it differently. I saw the fire in their eyes, the passion in their words, and the unwavering commitment to our shared vision. With the right support and guidance, I knew they would not only rise to the challenge but exceed all expectations.

We created new departments, aligning our structure with our renewed vision. But this wasn't just about organizational charts and efficiency. It was about creating spaces where our team members' unique talents could flourish, where innovation could thrive, and where a sense of belonging could take root and grow.



Looking to the Future

As we stand on the cusp of this new chapter, I’m filled with a sense of excitement and possibility that I haven’t felt in years. In the five years since CSNP’s founding, we’ve grown to nearly 12,000 members—a testament to the critical need for accessible cybersecurity education and resources. But numbers only tell part of the story. The real magic lies in the lives we’ve touched, the careers we’ve helped launch, and the communities we’ve helped secure.

We're transitioning from a purely volunteer-based organization to one that will eventually include paid staff. This shift isn’t just about growth; it’s about expanding our impact and better serving our community. It's about taking the passion that has driven us from the beginning and giving it the resources to truly flourish.

As we prepare for our official relaunch, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Emily Stamm. When I needed to step back, Emily stepped up, keeping CSNP moving forward with grace and determination. Her leadership brought in talented individuals, maintained our existing programs, and even created new initiatives supporting women, children, and seniors in cybersecurity. Emily, your contributions have been invaluable and have played a crucial role in shaping the CSNP we see today.

Our relaunch represents more than just a new beginning for CSNP—it’s an opportunity for all of us to redefine the future of cybersecurity education and accessibility. We’re paving the way for a secure, resilient, and equitable digital world, and we want you, our community, to be an integral part of this journey.



A Call for Reflection

As I close this letter, I invite you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and "soul-searching." In a world that often values constant motion, take a moment to be still. Reflect on your values, your goals, and the impact you want to make in the world. Consider how these align with your current path and the communities you’re part of.

It’s okay to take time for yourself, to seek help when needed, and to redefine your journey. Your experiences and perspectives are valuable, and by understanding yourself better, you can contribute more meaningfully to the life you want to build for yourself.

CSNP was built by people like you, for people like you. Everything we do, we do for our community. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity education and accessibility. Your voice, your ideas, and your passion—these are the elements that will drive us forward.

Join us on October 15th at 6PM Central Time and come learn the exciting initiatives we have planned. Register today at https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d4834892-367a-4adf-9dfb-8cb3d5263b80@cfffb138-2d09-4dbd-9557-c5f7aa8a3a1a

Together, we’ll continue building a more secure and inclusive digital future for all.


Thank you for being a part of the CSNP community. Here’s to the next chapter of our journey!

With gratitude and excitement, Abdel Sy Fane Co-Founder and Executive Director, CSNP


 

Resources for Reflection and Growth:

  1. 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

  2. Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone by Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft

  3. Mental Health Resources

  4. Cybersecurity Career Resources


 

About the Author

Abdel Sy Fane, CTO of DevSecFlow and Co-Founder of CSNP, smiling confidently in business attire against a neutral background.

Abdel Sy Fane

Co-Founder & Executive Director of CSNP &

CTO of DevSecFlow


Abdel Sy Fane is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience across multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, and government sectors. As the CTO of DevSecFlow and Co-Founder of CSNP, Abdel brings a wealth of expertise in designing and deploying robust cybersecurity architectures, with a particular focus on integrating automation for enhanced efficiency.

Throughout his career, Abdel has spearheaded major cybersecurity initiatives at leading firms including Grail, Booz Allen Hamilton, Protiviti, and Allstate. His work has consistently centered on cloud security, DevSecOps, and risk management, establishing him as a go-to expert in these critical areas.

Abdel's hands-on experience in securing AWS and Azure environments, coupled with his deep understanding of compliance standards such as HIPAA, PCI, ISO27001, SOC2, and NIST CSF, has made him an invaluable asset in ensuring regulatory adherence across diverse technological landscapes.

Recognized for his innovative approach to cybersecurity, Abdel has been at the forefront of implementing advanced security automation and secure CI/CD pipeline integrations. His work has resulted in significant operational improvements and enhanced security postures for numerous organizations.

As a thought leader in the cybersecurity space, Abdel is passionate about sharing his knowledge and empowering others. Through his work at DevSecFlow and CSNP, he continues to drive his mission of advancing cybersecurity practices and making cybersecurity education accessible to all, fostering a more secure and equitable digital world.

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