--- title: Cy Says Blog | Featured Success Stories description: Featured Success Stories | Cy Says Blog is a place where industry professionals, STEM enthusiasts, and career seekers can find relevant and timely news and content about cybersecurity. --- [![](https://news.wecyberup.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Cyberup%20Logo_no_tagline-1.png?width=1966&height=881&name=Cyberup%20Logo_no_tagline-1.png)](https://wecyberup.org/) Open main menu Close main menu # Cy Says Blog & Podcast Select Category apprenticeship Blog board members certification college cost management CTF cybersecurity diversity Featured Success Stories Graduate hacking Hiring Interviewing Latest News Leadership Networking Podcast Skill-gap Skills-Based Hiring skillsbasedhiring social engineering STEM training veterans youth program This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Posts about: ## Featured Success Stories ![](https://news.wecyberup.org/hubfs/Sais%20SS%20graphic-1.png) [Featured Success Stories](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/tag/featured-success-stories) ### [Graduate Success Story: Sai Taja Baddala](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/graduate-success-story-sai-taja-baddala) Sep 4, 2026, 11:05:14 AM # **Learning, Growing and Giving Back: Sai Taja Baddala's Cybersecurity Journey** Long before Sai Taja Baddala began studying cybersecurity, one experience showed him just... [Cindy Eller](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/author/cindy-eller) [Read More](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/graduate-success-story-sai-taja-baddala) ![](https://news.wecyberup.org/hubfs/Jessica%20Hewitt%20Success%20Story%20graphic.png) [Graduate,](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/tag/graduate) [Featured Success Stories](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/tag/featured-success-stories) ### [Graduate Success Story: Jessica Hewitt](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/graduate-success-story-jessica-hewitt) Aug 3, 2026, 4:44:31 PM # **Turning Curiosity into Confidence: Jessica Hewitt’s Apprenticeship Success Story** Jessica Hewitt’s path into cybersecurity started with a problem at home: removing viruses from computers after her children downloaded gaming modifications and clicked unsafe links. As Jessica learned how to remove the viruses and trace where they came from, she realized how much she enjoyed the problem-solving process. That experience sparked her interest in pursuing cybersecurity as a career. “I liked fixing what was going on and trying to get rid of the source,” Jessica said. That curiosity led Jessica to online cybersecurity courses and technical labs, but learning on her own was often frustrating. When instructions skipped steps or labs did not work, she had no one to turn to for specific guidance. After Hiring Our Heroes introduced her to CyberUp, Jessica saw LevelUp as the structured, supportive learning environment she had been looking for. ### Finding the Right Learning Environment After learning some cybersecurity on her own, Jessica was unsure what to expect from a group-based program. But LevelUp quickly gave her something independent courses could not: people she could turn to when she got stuck. Instead of searching online for answers, she could ask questions in real time, work through challenges with her classmates, and receive direct guidance from instructors Kyle and Eddie. “I could talk to the group and have a teacher there to say, ‘This isn’t working. I’m not quite understanding this,’” Jessica said. That support helped make difficult material feel more manageable. Her classmates brought encouragement and humor to the experience, while her husband helped at home so she could stay focused during demanding weeks. Together, that support system gave Jessica the confidence to keep moving forward. ### **Working Through the Difficult Parts** As Jessica moved deeper into the program, some topics came more easily than others. Policies were especially challenging, and she worried about whether she would remember the material when it was time to take the certification exam. Rather than moving on and leaving students to work through those gaps alone, instructor Kyle built review into the learning process. Interactive quizzes and group activities gave Jessica and her classmates opportunities to revisit difficult concepts, identify what they were still struggling with, and practice until the material began to make sense. “We would review what we couldn’t remember the week before and focus on what we were struggling with,” Jessica said. “That really helped make things click.” Over time, the repetition and direct feedback began to change how Jessica saw herself as a learner. She became more comfortable answering questions, more willing to work through unfamiliar material, and more confident in what she knew. What had once felt overwhelming became manageable with the right instruction, practice, and support. ### Putting Her Skills to the Test As Jessica prepared to move from training into the workforce, mock interviews became one of the most challenging parts of LevelUp. She worried about what employers would expect her to know and whether she could communicate her skills confidently under pressure. The mock interview practice gave her a chance to work through those fears before facing a real hiring team. That preparation was put to the test when she interviewed for a cybersecurity apprenticeship with a local employer. The interview included nearly an hour of technical questions. Jessica left convinced that she had not done well, but the hiring team saw something she had not yet fully recognized in herself: the knowledge, preparation, and potential to succeed in the role. She was selected for the apprenticeship, giving her the opportunity to apply what she had learned through LevelUp in a professional environment. “I’m excited to actually put everything that I’ve learned through the program and the different labs into practice,” she said. ### **Recognizing How Far She Has Come** Through LevelUp, Jessica earned her CompTIA Security+ certification, built professional connections, and gained greater confidence in her ability to succeed in cybersecurity. Before the program, she often questioned whether she truly understood the material. Now, she feels more secure in her knowledge and better prepared to answer technical questions, communicate what she has learned, and continue developing her skills. Jessica is especially interested in vulnerability management, but she is also eager to explore other areas of cybersecurity and gain a clearer understanding of where her interests and strengths may lead. When asked what the version of herself from before LevelUp would think about where she is today, Jessica said: “Two thumbs up. Way to go! You actually did it.” Her experience also taught her that struggling with unfamiliar material does not mean someone is incapable of succeeding. “It’s okay to allow yourself to struggle,” Jessica said. She encourages others to keep going when they encounter something they do not understand and to seek support from the instructors, mentors, and peers around them. ### **A New Chapter Begins** Jessica’s journey shows what can happen when curiosity is supported by structured training, dedicated instructors, and a community willing to help. What began with troubleshooting computers at home grew into the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity she needed to begin building a career in cybersecurity. Congratulations, Jessica! We’re proud to have been part of your journey from curiosity to confidence and excited to see you put your skills into practice as you begin your cybersecurity apprenticeship. --- ### **Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?** If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Jessica, **CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program** can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.   [Cindy Eller](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/author/cindy-eller) [Read More](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/graduate-success-story-jessica-hewitt) ![CyberUp alumni](https://news.wecyberup.org/hubfs/Vermele%20Martinez.png) [Graduate,](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/tag/graduate) [Featured Success Stories](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/tag/featured-success-stories) ### [Apprentice Success Story: Vermele Martinez](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/apprentice-success-story-vermele-martinez) Feb 11, 2026, 11:19:53 AM # From Service to Cybersecurity: Vermele Martinez's Apprenticeship Journey at Centene When Vermele Martinez started her cybersecurity apprenticeship at Centene through CyberUp, she was not just changing jobs. She was changing careers, routines, and even how she saw herself. A former leader in the military and a busy parent, she stepped into a new field where she was the learner again. Her journey shows what is possible when humility, hard work, and the right support come together. ### Finding a New Mission in Cybersecurity Before cybersecurity, Vermele’s life was shaped by a military career that required frequent moves and constant adjustment. That lifestyle made it hard to build a steady civilian career, especially while raising children and often carrying the load at home. When she found CyberUp and the Transition Assistance program, it felt like a new mission that fit her skills and determination. The apprenticeship at [Centene](https://www.centene.com/) gave her a structured way to enter cybersecurity with real work, real expectations, and real support. Working remotely for Centene, Vermele discovered that a virtual office can still feel like a team. Her boss checked in regularly and held one-on-one meetings that helped her stay engaged and informed. Knowledgeable teammates were willing to share information, answer questions, and explain complex topics. That supportive work environment turned what could have been an intimidating transition into a blessing she was grateful for every day. One of her proudest moments was successfully completing a major project and receiving positive feedback from her leaders. That experience reinforced that she did belong in cybersecurity and that her effort was paying off. ### Learning to Lead by Following In her previous career, Vermele was used to being the one in charge. Stepping into an apprentice role required a shift in mindset. She talked about the importance of understanding where you stand on the “totem pole,” based on your knowledge and experience. Instead of seeing that as a downgrade, she treated it as a chance to learn the game before trying to call the plays. That humility became one of her biggest strengths. Her standout success during the apprenticeship was leading the preparation for a quarterly business review. It was a big responsibility for someone new to the company and the field. To do it well, she listened closely, asked clear questions, and relied on the guidance of her team. The experience taught her that you can lead even while you are still learning, as long as you respect the expertise around you. At the same time, she was growing as a Cloud Security engineer. Gaining technical proficiency did not happen overnight. She spent time in meetings as a quiet observer, almost like a fly on the wall, just absorbing how more experienced professionals talked about security. She stayed informed on cybersecurity trends through those meetings, through certification requirements, and through conversations with her husband, who also works in IT. All of that helped her connect theory to real situations. ### Building Skills One Certification at a Time Behind the scenes, Vermele was balancing work, family, and intense study. She was working on practice tests for her RTI exam and did not feel comfortable with her scores yet. Syanne, her CyberUp contact, estimated she was about 80 percent of the way there and reminded her that the last stretch often comes during the practice test phase. Time management was a real challenge because she was juggling children, a full workday, and the responsibilities of everyday life. To keep growing, Vermele turned to training tools like Pluralsight, where she focused on AWS and Azure. She worked toward certifications, including Cloud+, RTI, and AWS Cloud Practitioner. CyberUp made sure she knew about discounted certifications available to alumni and how to access them through the alumni portal. Vermele and Syanne also talked about the importance of feeling truly ready before using a voucher or taking an exam, so she would not have to worry about paying for retakes. Through that process, Vermele learned one of her biggest lessons. With hard work and a commitment to learning, you can do far more than you ever imagined. She saw that technical skills are not magic. They are built one lab, one video, and one practice test at a time. That realization gave her confidence to keep pushing, even on the tired nights after her kids went to bed. ### Looking Ahead and Giving Back Life did not slow down while Vermele was in her apprenticeship. She managed the realities of being, in practice, a single parent much of the time while her husband worked in another part of the state. She stayed up late to work on her own projects and study, often sacrificing sleep for a better future. When she and her family got Covid twice, with the first case lasting months, it would have been easy to step back. Instead, she kept moving forward, which earned genuine respect from Syanne, who often praised her strength and resilience. As she settled into her role at Centene, Vermele grew more curious about the technical experts around her. She admired the architects at her company, especially the way they designed services and explained complex network interactions so clearly. That curiosity is shaping her next steps, as she considers how to deepen her technical skills and maybe move into more advanced roles in the future. Vermele is not finished with CyberUp just because her apprenticeship wrapped up. She wants to stay involved as a mentor or speaker and share her story with new apprentices who are thinking about a career change. Her advice to them is simple and powerful. Go for it and embrace new opportunities, because you really can do anything with hard work and learning. She plans to keep studying through Pluralsight, pursue certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner, stay humble in every new role, and reach back to help the next group of apprentices find their own path. --- At CyberUp, we believe the cybersecurity industry should reflect the world we live in—diverse, driven, and filled with people like Vermele who bring new perspectives and a hunger to learn. Her story is a powerful reminder to go for new opportunities, because you really can do anything with hard work and learning. Congratulations, Vermele. We're proud to have you in our alumni community and can’t wait to see where your path leads next. --- ### **Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?** If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Vermele, **CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program** can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one. ### **Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?** If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your **CompTIA Security+ certification**, CyberUp’s **LevelUp Training** program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.     [Ian Strate](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/author/ian-strate) [Read More](https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/apprentice-success-story-vermele-martinez) #### About - As a national nonprofit organization, we are committed to cultivating the cybersecurity talent pipeline for today and tomorrow. #### Services - Training - Apprenticeship [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wecyberup/?mibextid=LQQJ4d) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/wecyberup/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/wecyberup?s=11&t=vJaSJPcwTIam8d0-5JtJ6Q) [Follow us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/wecyberup?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=)