Joel Abraham

IT and Cybersecurity Professional

Man with a goatee in a black shirt standing indoors near a window with a blurred outdoor view.
A man in a gray suit smiling, standing outdoors with a blurred background of water and sky.

  • Edge Interactive

    During my internship at Edge Interactive, I learned how crucial cybersecurity is for lead generation. I identified threats early, participated in workshops analyzing past incidents, and engaged in emergency response drills. This highlighted the importance of rapid action against threats and underscored the need for ongoing training, given the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats. My experience enhanced my understanding of safeguarding valuable leads.

  • Pilgrim Learning Academy

    As a preschool’s System Administrator, my days are filled with a unique blend of challenges and rewards. I manage the school's network, ensuring that teachers and staff have reliable access to technology to enhance learning. My day-to-day included troubleshooting issues, setting up new devices, and managing software updates, all while fostering a safe digital environment for both administration and educators. I worked closely with teachers to understand their tech needs and develop solutions that support their teaching goals. It was incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts contribute to a nurturing and effective learning space for our youngest learners.

  • ITBiz Tech Academy

    During this IT pre-apprenticeship, I gained hands-on experience across several foundational domains: IT operations, networking, cloud computing, generative AI, and cybersecurity principles. The ITBiz program allowed me to develop a holistic understanding of how these areas interconnect. I engaged in troubleshooting IT systems, configuring networks, managing & deploying cloud environments, and exploring the innovative possibilities of generative AI. Furthermore, I deepened my knowledge of cybersecurity principles, learning to identify vulnerabilities and protect sensitive information. This multifaceted experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and fortified my commitment to a career in cybersecurity.
  • Scenic view of a lake surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

    Professional endeavors are only the beginning!

    Here are insights into the things that color in the life I balance with my work!

  • Painted yellow family symbol on asphalt, depicting two adults and two children.

    Family <3

    I’m supported by my incredible wife as we take on the monumental challenge of raising three very different, and somehow similar, sons. These guys keep us on our toes, lead to exponential increases in our caffeine consumption, and make our lives so much more fulfilling. Watching them pursue their interests and grow as people is food for the soul - food that is essential for the effort it takes to keep up with them!

  • Three soccer balls on a grass field with goalposts in the background.

    SOCCER!!!

    The kids referenced on the last card had no idea what they were setting in motion when they each started playing soccer. I went from the type of person that only paid attention to World Cup finals to someone that keeps up with the roster management of teams around the world, the development of tactics and teams’ successes, and a coach that learned the game so that I could help kids find their own joy through this beautiful game. Roughly a decade in and I’ve coached as both an assistant and a head coach across recreational and competitive leagues and serve on Castro Valley Soccer’s Board of Directors as the Director of Scheduling for the league’s Recreational Program.

    I love this game, I love that it has afforded my opportunities to invest in others, and I love the people that I get to share this with!

  • Scenic landscape with a lake surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery under a partly cloudy blue sky.

    Continued Learning

    I generally failed to appreciate the fun and value of learning until the combined efforts of some great teachers resonated with me.

    The unfortunate part? My recognition of learning’s worth came towards the end of high school. The flip side is that this has led to a continuous hunger for knowledge. I’ve been able to lean into my strengths as a learner to expand my interests and the depth of my understanding of many topics.

    Currently, I’ve been deeply immersed in learning to better understand many facets of Information Technology with an emphasis on infrastructure security and cloud computing operations. These studies have been tied to professional aspirations, whereas learning about quantum computing and generative AI have been more for fun and general understanding.

    If you’ve got an interesting research rabbit-hole to get lost in, please let me know!

  • Band performing on stage in dim lighting with an audience in the foreground.

    Ministry

    I have worked in religious organizations as a volunteer and paid staff member to help invest in people’s search for self and purpose. We’ve got different ways of seeking these things, but not the time to waste by dividing ourselves over any differences in beliefs. The work I’ve done in this area has been much less about pointing people in a particular direction and, instead, about how to show consistent kindness to others - especially in times of correction.

    As a fan of live music, I’d be remiss to skip my appreciation for the regular live worship performances - both as an audience member and as a musician!

  • Two pairs of feet on a sidewalk with the words 'PASSION LED US HERE' written on the ground.

    Future Projects

    I have growing aspirations to expand the opportunities available to the talented workforce that I have competed against while pursuing various roles.

    There will be a right time and opportunity to share these plans, but perhaps not with current economic forecasts. As soon as my ambitions are viable, I’ll be sure to put my efforts into making you aware of any updates.

    Let’s be real, with this URL, there’s already a pretty decent hint at where this is heading!

Meet my Mentors

  • Person wearing glasses, a pink top, and red necklace, smiling against a teal background.

    Vanessa Russell

    A networking industry veteran (Cisco, Alameda County, Well Fargo, and more) and champion in the fight against human trafficking through her organization, Love Never Fails, Vanessa has been instrumental in equipping me with technological skills and encouragements. Through an offshoot of Love Never Fails (ITBiz Tech Academy), she invests in helping people conquer their pasts while moving into their futures.

    See more about Vanessa accomplished career on her LinkedIn below, and learn more about her fight on behalf of many at https://www.loveneverfailsus.com/

    Linkedin
  • Smiling person wearing a blue shirt

    Matt Race

    Matt is a mentor in my life like no other. A chronically successful man with a rich and growing programming portfolio (Hub International, Accelerate, Matrix Medical, Edge Interactive, and more!) Matt started my journey into Cybersecurity through an internship role with his lead generation company: Edge Interactive. In this role, and since, Matt has worked closely with me to understand myself, emerging industry trends, and my abilities. It was through the efforts afforded to me in this internship that I have a passion for this industry and redirecting my professional focus with Matt’s guidance.

    To learn more about the work he’s up to currently, and more importantly where he’s continuing to guide others, visit Matt’s LinkedIn below!

    LinkedIn
  • Person wearing a stylish orange top and smiling in a scenic park.

    Reanna Schultz

    A SOC Manager for Garmin, Cybersecurity content creator, and founder of CyberSpeak Labs, Reanna always has her finger on the pulse of the modern cybersecurity market.

    Through her organizing and mentoring efforts via CyberSpeak Labs, she offers regular encouragement, experienced-based guidance, and an incredibly up-to-date tracking of the many cyber threats affecting our personal and professional data. While investing her time into myself and approximately 150 other cybersecurity professionals at varied stages in their careers, Reanna finds time to connect personally with all that will engage and help point them to their best available next steps.

    Directing to her LinkedIn seems laughable considering her reach across social media, but I highly encourage that you get connected with her if you aren’t already and visit https://www.cyberspeaklabs.com/ to learn more about her upcoming conventions and ongoing podcast, Defenders in Lab Coats.

    LinkedIn

  • Carey Smoak

    Carey amassed a wealth of knowledge through a deeply accomplished career at the forefront of statistical programming. Deeply integrated with the widespread implementation of SAS and its place in the statistics landscape, Carey has been able to share professional insights of the larger tech industry and, more prominently, has been deeply invested in my personal development for years.

    While his professional efforts have concluded through his retirement, you can see a bit about his journeys around the world as he’s plied his trade by following connecting with him on LinkedIn below.

    LinkedIn
  • Smiling person with short, light brown hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater.

    Sheri Perenon

    Sheri and I have had the distinct privilege of not only working together for 7 years, but for me to volunteer under her leadership while working with middle and high school aged kids for 4 years. In this time, she has helped me wrestle through questions of character and faith. Sheri’s demonstrated first-hand how to serve others with compassion and the value that a deep well of knowledge can be to a community.

    I highly recommend checking out her current efforts as the Executive Director of the Bay Area Youth Leaders Coalition at https://www.baylc.org/ to seek ways that you can help support the work of investing in Bay Area kids and reflecting on her personal ambitions at the LinkedIn below.

    LinkedIn
  • Smiling man in a light-colored suit jacket with checkered shirt in a bright room.

    Eliziah Crosse

    With a sales career that has already seen Eliziah in roles at the likes of Cisco and Nvidia, he’d be much better to sell himself here than whatever I could say. I’ll take a stab at it though: he could sell a wave to a beach, a star to the sky, or a [you get it, I’m not good at the sales part per se but he’s great with it.] Rather than pushing excesses on people and organizations, he instead works closely with whoever he’s connecting with to ensure that they get what they need and feel great about doing so.

    My interactions with Eliziah have been an example of this through his career coaching organization, Journey Ahead. Rather than sell me on some resume service, charging me for mock interviews, or expecting some percentage of my future earnings, he works with me and countless others pro bono and sells us on ourselves. For me, he’s built me up as somebody that will, and does, believe in himself and his ability to help others. While only a drop in the bucket of our working relationship, I do try to keep these blurbs brief and as I’ve already said, he’s got to be better at selling his accomplishments and character better than I can. Don’t believe me? Take a look at his LinkedIn below and start learning about a good-hearted man with a vast set of skills.

    LinkedIn
  • Woman smiling and arranging wine glasses on an outdoor dining table.

    AnneMarie Austin

    AnneMarie’s input into my life has not been through any portion of the tech industry, but rather showing me the drive and dedication needed to grow a small business into a successful venture. To be fair, that’s putting her success very mildly as she has expanded from coordinating weddings independently to employing a team of highly skilled coordinators that carry out the vision AnneMarie designs with clients. With events under her belt at venues such as Oracle Park, Filoli, the Julia Morgan Ballroom, and San Francisco City Hall (to name a minute fraction), I had the honor of working under her direction while also observing the sharp business sense needed to thrive and the character that invites others to celebrate her successes.

    While the LinkedIn below is one resource to learn more about AnneMarie’s expanding portfolio, I’d recommend also visiting her company website at https://sbpweddings.com/

    LinkedIn
  • Man smiling in soft lighting, wearing a dark jacket over a collared shirt, looking to the side.

    Mack Nagashima

    Mack is a man of high character and even greater skill, with an incredible amount of professional success under his belt at companies such as OpenDNS, Cisco, and Geico.

    He has taken the time for me to help share insights about how he was able to work his way into his first roles, the characteristics that have found him success, and feedback on where I am vs. where I aim to be. His time is definitely at a premium, and yet he’s had no problem connecting with the aim of helping me find my way despite there being nothing in it for him.

    I highly recommend visiting his LinkedIn below so you can see how significantly I’ve still undersold Mack.

    LinkedIn
  • Man wearing a black cap and glasses smiling inside a cockpit.

    Sergio DiMartino

    Sergio not only advocated for my technical abilities before making a pivot towards Cybersecurity, but has also been an instructor to me for courses spanning networking, cloud computing, generative AI, IT operations, and yes, Cybersecurity. I have listed Sergio at the end of this list as no slight whatsoever, but rather to ensure that I save the best for last. There has been no person more singularly responsible for my growth and my abilities than Sergio DiMartino. Could he go and rock his choice of nearly any IT or IT-adjacent career? Absolutely, yet he chooses to teach. And teach well. Whether at UC Berkeley Extension previously or ITBiz Tech Academy now, Sergio selflessly and excellently builds up aspiring tech professionals to acquire the skills and discipline needed to succeed.

    Connect with him on LinkedIn below and learn how you can help enable him to continue the impactful work he fills his life with.

    LinkedIn