In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where technology and cybersecurity intersect to drive global progress, Oluwabunmi Layode has emerged as a distinguished figure known for her innovation and expertise. With over eight years of professional experience across diverse industries—including technology, insurance, aviation, and education, she has established herself as a leading expert in cybersecurity, IT service management, and quality engineering. Her career journey is a testament to her dedication to excellence, seamlessly combining academic prowess with real-world experience to spearhead high-impact projects that safeguard critical information systems and ensure top-tier product and service quality.

Oluwabunmi’s academic background is as impressive as her professional experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. During her graduate studies, she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Policy, further enhancing her understanding of the regulatory and strategic dimensions of the field. Graduating with a remarkable GPA of 3.94/4.0, Oluwabunmi demonstrated not only her intellectual capabilities but also her commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in cybersecurity and engineering management.

Complementing her academic achievements are an array of highly respected certifications that solidify her technical expertise. These include CompTIA Security+, (ISC2)) Certified in Cybersecurity, CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and Microsoft Cloud Solutions Expert (MCSE). These credentials are globally recognized and affirm Oluwabunmi’s mastery of cybersecurity principles, IT infrastructure, and cloud technologies. Moreover, she is currently pursuing two of the most sought-after certifications in the industry—the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Project Management Professional (PMP). These credentials will further underscore her capabilities in both technical security and strategic project management, making her a comprehensive leader in the field.

Oluwabunmi’s professional journey reflects her commitment to excellence and her ability to drive meaningful impact within organizations. She has worked as an IT coordinator and Network Administrator in her previous roles, and currently serving as a Quality Analyst at Baldwin Risk Partners, a renowned firm in the insurance industry, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the company’s processes adhere to the highest standards of quality and security. She is deeply involved in fostering a collaborative team environment, where she leads initiatives to improve processes, manage project risks, and maintain compliance with stringent security standards. Her role at Baldwin Risk Partners involves a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership. She oversees process improvement strategies that are aligned with industry best practices in cybersecurity and IT management. She also manages risk assessments that directly affect the company’s ability to deliver secure, high-quality services to its clients. By ensuring that all projects comply with established security standards, Oluwabunmi safeguards both the integrity of the firm’s systems and the trust of its customers.

Beyond her immediate responsibilities, Oluwabunmi is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of talent, particularly women and underrepresented groups in technology. She is an active member of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), a global organization that promotes gender diversity in the cybersecurity field. Through her involvement with WiCyS, she advocates for greater inclusivity in tech, providing mentorship and support to women looking to break into the industry. Her leadership within these communities is driven by her belief that diversity is not just a social imperative but also a key driver of innovation and success in cybersecurity. She is also an active member of ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium), through which she continually updates her knowledge of global cybersecurity trends and practices.

Oluwabunmi’s contributions extend beyond her day-to-day professional responsibilities; she is also an accomplished research scholar and thought leader. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed papers that investigate the intricate relationships between data privacy, cybersecurity, and risk management. One of her most notable works, focusing on “Data Privacy and the Circular Economy,” has garnered attention from prestigious academic journals, positioning her as a thought leader in this niche. This research explores how organizations can adopt sustainable practices while still adhering to strict data privacy regulations, a balance that is crucial in today’s global economy. Her work contributes to a broader understanding of how cybersecurity principles can be integrated into sustainable business models, providing valuable insights for industries worldwide.

As Oluwabunmi continues to advance in her career, her future is filled with potential for groundbreaking achievements in both cybersecurity and engineering management. With her ongoing pursuit of the CISSP and PMP certifications, she is well-positioned to lead complex projects at the intersection of cybersecurity, risk management, and engineering innovation. Her strategic vision, paired with her technical acumen, ensures that she will continue to be a driving force in securing the digital infrastructure that underpins modern society.

Oluwabunmi Layode is not just an accomplished professional; she is a visionary shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity with intelligence, integrity, and innovation. As the cybersecurity landscape becomes increasingly complex, professionals like her, who can navigate both technical and managerial challenges, will be in high demand. Her career, marked by both individual accomplishment and a commitment to the broader cybersecurity community, is a model for aspiring professionals who seek to make a lasting impact. The world should watch closely as there’s much more to come from this rising star.