Meet Deshawn Edwards of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deshawn Edwards.

Hi Deshawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started long before I ever knew the word “cybersecurity.” Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things worked, the unseen systems behind technology and stories. I still remember holding my first see-through Game Boy and being mesmerized by the circuits inside it. I could literally see how the magic happened. That sense of curiosity never left me.

Curiosity eventually led me into cybersecurity, where I learned how digital systems are protected, tested, and sometimes broken to make them stronger. Over time, I realized how few people truly understood how the online world worked, especially kids. They were growing up surrounded by technology but rarely taught how to navigate it safely or responsibly.

That realization became my turning point. I wanted to bridge that gap, to make cybersecurity approachable, creative, and even fun. What began as an idea to explain online safety to students has grown into a larger mission to prepare the next generation of digital defenders. Today, I focus on helping young people see cybersecurity not just as protection, but as possibility.

Today, Genfinity Cyber Academy offers hands-on lessons that introduce students to real cybersecurity careers like digital forensics, ethical hacking, and network defense. We use storytelling, coding, and interactive labs to show that cybersecurity is not just about protecting data, it is about protecting people.
It has been a fun adventure filled with learning, late nights, and countless revisions, but I would not trade it for anything. What started as a single children’s stories has evolved into a full ecosystem of education, creativity, and purpose. And the best part is, we are just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I started this journey with a strong technical background but no real roadmap for turning cybersecurity into something creative and educational. There were moments when I questioned if people would even take the idea seriously. Teaching cybersecurity through children’s stories sounded unconventional at first.

The biggest challenge was balancing vision and validation. I had to learn how to write, illustrate, publish, and build curriculum all while maintaining a full-time cybersecurity career. Working through security requirements by day, and figuring out a simple way to explain how firewalls work by night, became my normal routine. It took patience, persistence, and a lot of trial and error to find my rhythm.

Another challenge was simply getting people to see the need. Early on, many parents and educators thought cybersecurity was something kids could learn later in life. I had to show them that digital safety is not a future skill; it is a life skill. Once people started to see the stories come to life, everything began to click.

Looking back, every obstacle taught me something valuable. I learned to trust my creativity as much as my technical skills, and to remember that meaningful ideas often start as misunderstood ones.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my professional life, I serve as a Senior Information Systems Security Manager at Boeing. My role centers on ensuring that critical systems are secure, compliant, and aligned with both policy and mission requirements. On a day-to-day basis, that means leading teams, overseeing system security processes, and making sure that every piece of technology we operate is both effective and protected.

It is a role that requires precision, patience, and perspective. Much of my work involves collaboration that brings together technical experts, program leaders, and engineers to make thoughtful security decisions that protect information and support innovation.

What I am most proud of is the opportunity to mentor and guide others in the cybersecurity field. Helping a new cybersecurity analyst understand how to evaluate risks or explaining to my team the importance of risk management is an opportunity I am happy to have.

What sets me apart is my ability to translate complex cybersecurity concepts into something approachable. I have always believed that cybersecurity is not just about technology. It is about people, communication, and trust. That same philosophy is what inspired me to launch Genfinity Cyber Academy and the CyberTales series. In a sense, I am able to take what I do professionally and reimagine it in a way that empowers the next generation.

At its core, my work is about protection, education, and impact. That goal is shared with my business; creating safe, informed, and capable digital citizens.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The best advice I can give about finding a mentor is to lead with curiosity, not credentials. Some of the most impactful mentorship moments in my life started with a simple question or a genuine conversation. A good mentor is not just someone in a high position, but someone who challenges how you think, helps you grow, and models consistency. I always tell people to look for mentors who reflect where you want to go, not just what you want to do.

When it comes to networking, I believe in building relationships, not transactions. Most of my opportunities have come from staying connected with people I’ve helped and who have helped me along the way. Give value first, share insights, show up, and follow through! Mentorship and networking both work best when they are built on authenticity and mutual respect. The connections that last are the ones rooted in purpose.

Pricing:

• All of my books are sold on Amazon for $15. Search Genfinity Cyber Academy Collection
• Curriculum Programming Pricing depends on the needs of the organization. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to inquire about curriculum and programming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://genfinitycyber.com
• Instagram: @genfinitycyber
• Facebook: Genfinity Cyber
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deshawnedwards/
• Youtube: @genfinitycyber
• Other: https://linktr.ee/genfinitycyber