Through its continued partnership with SentinelOne, Raíces Cyber supported four emerging cybersecurity professionals at OneCon 2026, connecting academic learning, hands-on experience, and industry mentorship.
Las Vegas, Nevada — October 20–22, 2026. Four emerging cybersecurity professionals from Virginia Tech, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Houston joined industry leaders, researchers, and security practitioners at SentinelOne’s OneCon 2026.
Representing Raíces Cyber as OneCon Scholars, Andrea Portillo, Keith Oliver Jr., Gamalier Merced Santiago, and Durga Sai Sri Ramireddy had the opportunity to explore emerging security technologies, exchange ideas with experienced professionals, and gain firsthand perspectives on the challenges shaping cybersecurity today.
Their participation also marked an important milestone in Raíces Cyber’s three-year partnership with SentinelOne, a collaboration that continues to create opportunities for emerging talent to engage directly with the cybersecurity industry.
Four Scholars, Different Pathways, One Shared Experience
Each scholar arrived at OneCon with a different academic background, technical focus, and connection to the Raíces Cyber community.
Andrea Portillo, a Cybersecurity Management & Analytics student at Virginia Tech, has developed experience in cloud security, attack simulation, risk analytics, and Capture the Flag (CTF) development. Through Raíces Cyber, she has contributed to educational challenges and materials that introduce young people in Puerto Rico to practical cybersecurity concepts.
Keith Oliver Jr., also studying Cybersecurity Management & Analytics at Virginia Tech, previously interned with Raíces Cyber, developing cybersecurity training labs and CTF challenges covering cryptography, web exploitation, digital forensics, and reverse engineering. He continues supporting technology education as a STEM & Emerging Technology Fellow.
Gamalier Merced Santiago, a Computer Engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, brings experience in IoT, embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, and automation. As a Raíces Cyber Youth Corps Bootcamp Coach, he has helped high school students develop technical knowledge and explore cybersecurity career opportunities.
Durga Sai Sri Ramireddy, a recent graduate of the University of Houston with a Master’s in Cybersecurity, has designed and validated 17 hands-on cybersecurity labs focused on detection engineering, adversary emulation, and AI-assisted security operations. She also serves as Head Coach for Raíces Cyber’s West Coast Cyber Athlete Program.
Together, their experiences reflect the different pathways through which emerging professionals enter cybersecurity and contribute to the development of others along the way.
Exploring How AI Is Changing Security Operations
Artificial intelligence was among the most significant topics discussed throughout OneCon 2026, particularly its growing role in threat detection, security operations, and incident response.
For Keith, the conference provided an opportunity to understand how quickly defensive capabilities are evolving.
"My biggest takeaway from the sessions I attended is that AI is changing not only how attackers can exploit systems, but also how defenders can fight back," he shared.
He emphasized how effectively implemented AI technologies can improve defensive coverage and response times, helping security teams respond to threats more efficiently.
Andrea found particular value in a breakout session examining how RSM Defense uses SentinelOne technology to deliver enterprise-grade security at scale.
The session demonstrated how automation can reduce the volume of routine threat investigations, allowing Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts to dedicate more attention to proactive security activities and complex incidents.
For Andrea, who is preparing to enter the cybersecurity workforce, the discussion offered a practical perspective on how AI is influencing professional responsibilities.
"Seeing it used to elevate analysts rather than replace them showed me that automation creates room for more meaningful, higher-impact work," she reflected.
She also explored emerging challenges surrounding AI agent security, gaining insight into the risks organizations must consider as autonomous technologies become more integrated into their environments.
These discussions highlighted the importance of preparing emerging cybersecurity professionals to work with evolving technologies while developing the analytical judgment, technical expertise, and investigative skills required in modern security operations.
A Memorable Encounter with Cybersecurity History
Among the conference's most memorable moments was the opportunity to hear from and meet Clifford Stoll, astronomer and author of The Cuckoo's Egg, whose investigation into a 75-cent accounting discrepancy helped uncover an international computer espionage operation.
For Durga, the experience carried particular significance.
Having read The Cuckoo's Egg during graduate school, she found herself listening to the person whose investigation had helped shape her understanding of cybersecurity.
"Going from reading his book during grad school to sitting in the audience watching him deliver a keynote, and then getting to meet him in person, was such a full-circle moment," she shared.
She described Stoll's closing keynote as energetic, passionate, and memorable, particularly his ability to bring technical history to life through storytelling.
Andrea was equally impressed by the presentation and the investigative curiosity behind Stoll's work.
For both scholars, his story reinforced a principle that remains relevant across cybersecurity disciplines: meaningful investigations often begin with the willingness to question small anomalies and pursue answers with persistence.
Building Confidence Through Industry Connections
Beyond the technical sessions, OneCon created opportunities for scholars to connect with cybersecurity professionals, exchange career experiences, and develop relationships with others entering the field.
Andrea recalled feeling nervous when approaching professionals with extensive industry experience. Advice from fellow scholar and Virginia Tech classmate Keith helped shape her approach:
"Use your education and willingness to learn as leverage!"
By allowing curiosity to guide her conversations, Andrea gained new perspectives on cybersecurity careers and the different experiences that shape professionals' work.
Keith also highlighted the value of meeting talented students and practitioners, describing the opportunity to connect with the broader cybersecurity community as one of the most rewarding parts of attending OneCon for the first time.
These interactions are particularly valuable for students and early-career professionals navigating an industry with numerous specializations, evolving technical requirements, and different entry points.
Direct conversations with practitioners can help scholars better understand professional expectations, identify areas for further development, and build relationships that continue beyond the conference.
Three Years of Partnership, Continued Opportunities for Emerging Talent
Raíces Cyber's participation in OneCon 2026 reflects its commitment to expanding access to cybersecurity education, mentorship, professional development, and meaningful industry connections.
Through its three-year partnership with SentinelOne, the organization continues helping emerging professionals participate in spaces where cybersecurity technologies, operational practices, and career pathways are actively discussed.
The four scholars also demonstrate the value of sustained community engagement. From developing hands-on training materials and coaching youth to attending industry conferences and learning from experienced practitioners, each has contributed to the broader mission of strengthening cybersecurity workforce development.
Raíces Cyber extends its appreciation to SentinelOne, its speakers, and the professionals who welcomed and engaged with the scholars throughout the conference.
Special thanks to Melissa Salem for helping make this opportunity possible and to Yarice Hidalgo-Calderon, Executive Director of Raíces Cyber, for her continued mentorship and support of emerging cybersecurity talent.
As Andrea, Keith, Gamalier, and Durga continue their professional journeys, the knowledge, relationships, and experiences gained at OneCon 2026 will contribute to their development and the communities they serve.
Learn more about Raíces Cyber's educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community initiatives at raicescyber.org.
