Kenya Soares recognized as Ethnic GEM of New England

Ethnic Gem: Kenya Soares

Company: c~Sharpe Security Consulting, LLC, Founder & President
State: Connecticut
By: Kamilah Kennedy, Contributing Writer

The terrorist attacks of September 11,2001 left our country shaken, confused, and vulnerable. Having just graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Kenya Soares decided to pursue a role as Information Security Analyst for People’s Bank. “At the time, I knew the basics about information security, but because of the 9/11 attacks, I felt taking the route towards information security would lead me to more opportunities to protect our nation from cyber terrorism,” says Kenya.

After attending high school in Stratford, CT, Kenya received her BS from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut and later earned her master’s in criminal justice from the University of New Haven in West Haven, CT. Her emphasis: computer forensic investigation. Kenya’s over 12 years of IT security experience, including roles as Information Security Analyst with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and as Manager for IT Security for United Rentals, Inc. and Atlas Air, Inc. have led to c~Sharpe Security Consulting, LLC. The name comes from her mom, Cynthia Sharpe, who passed away from breast cancer when Kenya was 11 years old.

Owned and operated by Kenya, this certified small, minority-, and women-owned business “is dedicated to assisting its clients in the development and maintenance of a security framework and architecture that minimize the impacts of new vulnerabilities and threats.” Kenya has several sought after IT security certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI).
Between playing games with her kids and going on dates with her husband, Kenya enjoys gardening, home décor and decorating, and, of course, learning about new technologies. Inspired by heavy hitters like entertainment mogul, Oprah Winfrey, and President Barack Obama, Kenya is not afraid to dream big. Additionally, with the support of her best friend and husband, Kenneth, she is willing to take risks and create innovative solutions for data security.
Kenya tells us about her future plans: “In 5 years, I see my company becoming one of the leading IT security and risk firms within the New England region with offices throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. In addition, I see my company and myself becoming more involved with inner-city communities and projects related to mentoring, sponsoring, educating, and supporting young children.”