Series: Getting to know the wonderful Continuous Delivery Community
Kate Scarcella
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Maine, USA
Who are you?
My name is Kate Scarcella, and for twenty years I have worked in the field of technology; I am a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). I received my Master of Science in Information Security, from Nova Southeastern University, with a curriculum developed by the National Security Agency and the Department of Defense, dealing specifically with reducing vulnerability in our national information infrastructure.
My thesis in 2006 was about securing the electrical grid in North America. I often say that Live Free or Die Hard, which came out in 2007, lifted my thesis. Of course…I am joking, but the serious part is that critical infrastructure is a prime target for cyber and physical attacks.
What are your hobbies?
I enrolled in a self defense program called Martial Blade Concepts, fighting with a small, legal to carry knife. The program focus is on “stopping the threat’’, the ability to immediately and decisively stop an assailant from continuing their attack. I like that we show up in our street clothes, and this hobby is a nice fit with my cybersecurity career 
Additionally, I grow orchids, and love home improvement projects.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I loved all things electronic. Yes, I used to hang out at Radio Shack. I just pursued what I loved, not knowing that there was a job label attached. I used to connect to the internet with a Radio Shack TRS80 that had a telephone interface/modem. I also was a gamer, and still have my Space Invaders machine.
What led you to a career in tech?
I did not have a direct path to a tech career. But I would apply and was hired at IBM in 1998. It was a dream. They continually trained me for all things new coming out, which for me, loving electronics, was awesome.
Do you remember your first open source contribution?
I was part of the IBM X-Force, and in 2015, IBM would open, 700 TB database of security threat intelligence data to the marketplace. Over 2000 organizations would join the threat sharing platform.
How did you get involved in the Continuous Delivery Foundation?
I heard of the CD Foundation through a friend.
What is your favorite thing/project/tech to work on?
IoT is my favorite thing to work on, and I believe has the most potential of changing our digital landscape.
Tell us about the thing you’re most proud of and why?
While we deal with technology, it is important to remember the people…the people that we work with, the people that are our customers, and the people that the technology will impact. I am most proud of my relationships with my family, my friends, and my colleagues.
What is the best connection you’ve made through open source?
Ortelius…what incredible people I have met!
What is your #1 top tip for getting involved in the community?
You will organically grow into the community by just showing up. As you join the meetings, find something that aligns with your interest and start to contribute. Keep it simple.
Any other advice?
Don’t give up. We all have success and we all have failure. Learn from both.
Where can we find you?
More from Kate
Kate is the Chair of the CI/CD Cybersecurity SIG and will be speaking at the upcoming SecureChainCon hosted by Ortelius.
