I believe in using every tool available to put your best foot forward. The thoughts and experiences on this page are my own; I use AI to help ensure the grammar is accurate.
I didn’t grow up knowing cybersecurity was a career. Nobody told me. That’s exactly why I’m here.
I’m Jose! I’m a cybersecurity professional - or so I like to call myself - and a proud product of Iowa. I’ve spent years building my knowledge as a generalist in cybersecurity, but with a deep interest in threat detection, incident response, and security operations. Focusing on certifications is something I enjoy since it gives me a nice “reward” at the end of all my studying. I’ve completed certifications like the SSCP, CySA+, PenTest+, and Security+, and along the way I’ve participated in and led Blue Team operations at various levels. But none of that is what drives me most.
What drives me is people.
Where I Come From
Family and culture are everything to me. The values I was raised with - hard work, community, showing up for others - are baked into everything I do professionally. I started this journey wanting to be a mechanic and autobody tech, but that all changed when a guidance counselor pointed me toward IT. I was adamant about pursuing my auto-focused ideas, but this guidance counselor was not budging on her intuition that I would fall in love with IT… well, she was right!
There are people in small towns, first-generation students, and people from communities that look like mine who have no idea that a career in technology is within reach. Nobody is telling them. The path isn’t visible, and NGCC is my answer to that lack of guidance and exposure.
Why NGCC
I’m starting Nueva Guardia Cyber Consulting because I believe two things deeply:
First, every community - regardless of size or budget - deserves real protection from real threats. Cybercriminals don’t skip small towns or businesses.
Second, cybersecurity and IT are among the most powerful tools a person can pick up to change their life and the lives of people around them. They were for me, and I want to spend the next chapters of my career making sure others get those same opportunities.
NGCC isn’t meant to just be a consulting firm. It’s a statement that this field belongs to everyone - including the communities that have historically been left out of the conversation.
What I Believe
- I believe IT and cybersecurity can be vehicles for generational change.
- I believe mentorship matters more than most people realize.
- I believe the best security professionals come from all kinds of backgrounds, and the field is stronger when it reflects that.
- If you’re a student wondering if this path is for you - give it a try. If you aren’t sure of your next step, give it a try.
If you’re a small organization wondering if you deserve better protection - you do. If you’re looking for a partner who will show up for your community - that’s what NGCC plans to be.
Let’s build something worth defending.
- Jose
I believe in using every tool available to put your best foot forward. The thoughts and experiences on this page are my own; I use AI to help ensure the grammar is accurate.