Heather Mahalik Barnhart, SANS Fellow and DFIR Curriculum Lead shares the importance of creating opportunities, mentoring women in tech, and actively challenging the biases that still exist
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Heather Mahalik Barnhart: “Accelerate Action” is exactly what we need. Real change happens when we stop just talking and start doing. That means creating opportunities, mentoring women in tech, and actively challenging the biases that still exist. I’ve seen firsthand that when we push for real action. Whether it’s hiring, promoting, or simply ensuring women’s voices are heard, it does move the needle. It’s not about waiting for change, it’s about making it happen now.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Heather Mahalik Barnhart: I happened to be in the right place at the right time. As a young Staff Sergeant on the back of a C-130, I was asked to interview for a computer forensic admin role. At the time, I had no idea what that even meant, but I went for it and got the job. I wrote SOPs, assisted with search warrants, and handled evidence collection and processing. I put in the effort, and within a year, I progressed to an analyst position. From there, everything started falling into place- I found my niche in the world and became enamored with digital forensics. That was 23 years ago, yet I’m still learning just as much today as I did on my first day in the lab.
Who would you consider your role model, someone who constantly inspires you?
Heather Mahalik Barnhart: Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with great men, many of whom have naturally helped pave the way for me. And yes, I say men because men do support women. There’s a common belief amongst women that mentorship must come from another woman, but that’s not necessarily true. What truly matters is finding the right person who can inspire and guide you at the right time in your journey.
My first mentor was Shawn Howell. He took a chance on me, teaching me forensics despite having zero training. He took the time to teach me and I credit him for my stance on the importance of validation. Then there’s Rob Lee, a great mentor in the DFIR community. He introduced me to SANS, something I’ll always be grateful for, and he also helped me find my voice in the room, encouraging me to speak up. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have many brilliant bosses, mentors, and friends who continue to challenge and support me.
Rapid Fire (Let’s get to know you more)
- Dinner with a famous personality, who would it be? – Daniel Levy – I am obsessed with David from Schitt’s Creek at the moment.
- One skill you wish you could learn instantly? – Speaking another language fluently
- Android or Apple? 😃 – Apple
- WhatsApp or Telegram? – WhatsApp
- Phone call or text message/email? – From my kids and husband – a call, from the rest of the world – text. Email is my least favorite!
- Beaches or Mountains? Both! Mountains for the clean air and trees, beaches for the sound and smells.
- Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
- Early Bird or Night owl? – Night owl
- Books or Movies? – Books!!!!
- Winter or Summer? – Summer, but I do love snow
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? – online, but only because I never have free time
What advice would you give to women starting off their careers, aspiring to enter the tech/business field?
Heather Mahalik Barnhart: Advocate for yourself, whether it’s your salary, the way you’re treated, or the responsibilities you’re assigned. Make sure you’re valued for your skills, and not just because you’re a woman. Don’t let anyone knock the crown off your head, because you deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. In a male-dominated field, supporting one another is far more important than competing. There’s more than enough work to go around, and at times, our biggest obstacle can be ourselves.
