From Casper to Catalyst

How Anne-Marie Kelly found her voice — and helps others find theirs Anne-Marie Kelly is a Catalyst Ambassador, an alum of the Mastercard Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI) and a former mentor of ELCI. Anne-Marie Kelly spent 18 months sitting at a table where nobody seemed to see her. As a young professional representing her […]
Andrew Amaro on building better habits early

Andrew Amaro is a co-author and principal instructor in the Catalyst’s Cyber for Startups program, as well as a mentor for ELCI. As the founder of Klavan Security, Andrew built the Mission Ready SOC 2 Success Path™, a five-step system that helps early-stage companies get audit-ready without killing momentum. Before this, he was on the […]
Why AI literacy is becoming a business imperative: Secure AI

When the Catalyst’s Katrina Lawrence talks about Catalyst’s newest course offerings, Secure AI, she lights up.
Your guide to digital safety: protecting yourself online in Canada

The reality of technology We connect through digital tools, and when it comes to immigration, connection is more crucial than ever. But, as with every innovation, new technologies come with downsides. While digital advances provide opportunities to stay in touch with loved ones, build knowledge, advance learning, engage in entertainment, and, most of all, foster […]
Marilena Danelon on misinformation and risk

Marilena is a results-driven leader, big-picture problem solver, and lifelong learner. She brings a wide skill set to customer success, with previous experience in cyber risk management and strategy consulting and training in Catalyst’s ACTP (Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program). Before customer success, Marilena worked as a security professional in Deloitte’s Cyber & Strategic Risk practice. […]
The math behind Katrina Lawrence’s approach to AI

As the AI Practice Lead and Senior Trainer (Senior AI Advisor) at the Catalyst, Katrina helps organizations harness the power of artificial intelligence through custom strategic training solutions. She designs and delivers AI courses and corporate training programs ranging from beginner to advanced levels, covering both practical front-end applications and technical foundations of AI and […]
Tina Ismail on breaking ground in cybersecurity

Tina Ismail is a Catalyst CyberStart Canada graduate and a cybersecurity analyst co-op student at RBC. Tina studied electrical engineering at McMaster University and was the chair of the IEEE Student Branch. Tina has attained her GFACT certification and received the ESET Canada Women in Cyber scholarship. She was recognized as a future leader by […]
From Air Cadets to Cybersecurity Ambassador: Vijay Shrivarshan Vijayaraja’s CyberStart Canada Journey

My passion for technology ignited in Grade 9 during my time as a flight corporal in Air Cadets. That’s when I first encountered cybersecurity, a field that immediately captivated me. Eager to dive deeper, I explored countless online resources and, at just 15 years old, earned my basic ISC² certification. This early spark set the […]
Jiri Fiala on the break in the chain: when data becomes exposed

Jiri Fiala is an alumni of the Catalyst accelerator and one of the most active contributors to the Catalyst Community Platform, sharing about the latest technologies, including Mythos and emerging AI. Jiri is the Founder and CEO of PrivID, Inc. PrivID is designed to keep sensitive data encrypted at all times, eliminating plaintext exposure across […]
Aisha Khanam on carving space for women in cyber

Bio: Aisha Khanam is a graduate of the Catalyst’s Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program (ACTP). As a cybersecurity professional, her lifelong mission is to learn and grow, and she is always seeking out collaborative environments where diverse minds can thrive. Aisha believes in the power of data and human-centered approaches to solve complex challenges. As someone […]