Purpose, Pressure, and Presence: A Woman's Voice in STEM


Are you a woman in STEM wondering how to navigate the challenges of leadership, compliance, and personal growth? Curious about the journey of a cybersecurity compliance manager and podcast host with a passion for making an impact?
In this episode of "STEM in Stilettos," hosted by Zofia Morales, Monica Reagor, a leader in governance, risk, and compliance, shares her journey as a woman in STEM and discusses the challenges and successes in her career at the intersection of cybersecurity and compliance. Monica reflects on topics such as risk ownership, AI governance, leadership, and the value of taking an unconventional path in a growing field.
Listeners are in for a treat as Monica provides a candid look at career growth, confidence, and the importance of showing up with clarity, integrity, and impact. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on career progression, confidence-building, and the power of resilience in the face of challenges.
Key Takeaway: Gain insights into career growth, confidence-building, and the value of authenticity and excellence in STEM fields, particularly cybersecurity and compliance.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:32 Monica Origin Story
05:00 PCOS Diagnosis and Advocacy
08:50 Managing PCOS Day to Day
14:49 Doctor Visits and Self Advocacy
16:47 Food Tools and Fig App
19:13 Break and Body Check In
21:05 Path into Compliance
26:38 Cybersecurity Pace and Pandemic
27:56 AI Needs Guardrails
29:17 Global Compliance Reality
30:20 Selling Security Internally
31:55 Networking Finds The Niche
35:20 Break And Career Mapping
36:57 Podcasting Origin Story
42:59 Making Compliance Practical
45:31 Culture And Bias In Tech
47:41 Vulnerability Timelines And Tradeoffs
49:33 GDPR And Third Party Proof
51:01 GRC Engineering Future
52:06 Final Wrap And Call To Action
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Guest Bio:
Monica Reagor is a governance, risk, and compliance leader, cybersecurity compliance manager, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for helping people lead and live with purpose. She is the host of MY GRC POV, where she leads practical conversations on cybersecurity, privacy, AI governance, and regulatory oversight, and The FaithFlex Podcast, a platform focused on faith, growth, and purpose. Monica is also the co-founder of the PCOS Awareness Association and serves in leadership across several professional and community organizations. Known for her clear voice, practical insight, and heart for impact, she brings a thoughtful perspective to conversations on leadership, compliance, advocacy, and personal growth.
Connect with Monica Here:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/monica.reagor
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicareagor/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monicareagor
OptIn URL - https://bio.site/monicareagor
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Host Bio:
Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms.
Connect with Zofia Here:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/