Danielle Desalu

Mrs. Danielle Desalu is the Global Security Services Practice Manager at Cisco where she leads the Americas South Security Organization in the development and delivery of cybersecurity services. As a trusted advisor, Danielle has successfully led fortune 100 customers through the creation of security strategies that include risk management, technology enablement, governance and compliance, resulting in an increased security posture for their organization. Danielle has held various technology leadership roles for 18+ years and has a demonstrated track record of building strong technical teams to drive customer engagements, architect solutions and grow customer revenues.

With a strong passion for inspiring young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Danielle has served on the Board of Directors for Girls, Inc., and has served as a Junior First Lego League (Jr. FLL) Co-Facilitator where she worked to expose elementary and middle school girls to the diversity and excitement of careers within Engineering and Science. She is the Troop Leader of an energetic multi-level Girl Scouts Troop in the Gainesville area that enjoys baking, dancing, crafting and science experiments.

A Native New Yorker, Danielle holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Computer and Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has several career certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). She is a graduate of Cisco's SE Transitions & Leadership Development Program as well as a graduate of the ITSMF Executive Program. She has received the National Women of Color STEM Rising Star Award, the Modern Day Technology Leader Award of Black Engineer of the Year Conference and was recently awarded the 2018 ITSMF Mentor of the Year award. Danielle and her husband Ademola moved to Northern Virginia in 2005 and reside in Gainesville with their two daughters.