Top 10 Mentors in IT on Upnotch
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Careers in IT don’t grow by chance.
They’re built through experience, problem-solving, and the people who help you navigate it all along the way. The right mentor can accelerate your growth, sharpen your thinking, and give you the clarity to move forward with confidence—especially in a field that’s constantly evolving.
From cybersecurity and infrastructure to enterprise systems and solution architecture, IT offers countless paths to explore. But knowing which direction to take—and how to grow within it—can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. That’s where mentorship makes the difference.
This April, we’re highlighting IT leaders who are not only driving impact across their organizations, but also investing their time in helping others grow. They bring real-world experience, practical advice, and a genuine commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals in tech.
This month’s Top 10 Mentors in IT represent a wide range of roles, backgrounds, and specialties. What connects them is a shared focus on helping others build strong foundations, navigate career transitions, and grow with intention.
Meet the Top 10 Mentors in IT and discover what it looks like to have the right guidance behind you.
Upnotch is completely free for professionals, making mentorship and guidance accessible when it matters most.
Lisabeth Uranga |
Lisabeth Uranga is an HRIS Project Manager at Comfort Systems USA and a results-driven IT professional with over 8 years of experience leading system-focused projects, optimizing operations, and delivering impactful client solutions. With a strong foundation in data analytics, she has spent her career leveraging technology and data to drive operational efficiency and improve system performance across organizations. Her path into IT is uniquely non-linear—beginning in health and kinesiology and evolving through roles in state government, technology, and the private sector—giving her a well-rounded perspective on navigating change and building a meaningful career in information systems. Lisabeth specializes in IT project and program leadership, client delivery, and implementing data-driven processes that enhance performance, reduce risk, and support digital transformation initiatives.
As a mentor, Lisabeth is passionate about supporting professionals who are early in their careers or exploring a transition into IT. She offers practical, grounded guidance on how to identify strengths, define a clear path, and make confident, data-informed decisions within technical and operational environments. Known for her supportive and encouraging approach, Lisabeth creates a space where mentees feel comfortable exploring new directions while staying focused on tangible growth. She is an ideal mentor for those looking to break into IT, pivot into more technical roles, or build a strong foundation in project management, systems, and data-driven strategy.
Praise for Lisabeth |
Thank you so much for all your advice and for always being willing to help me throughout this process. Your guidance, patience, and support have truly made a difference. I’ve learned so much from you and really appreciate everything you’ve done to help me grow.
Hide Kawano |
Hide Kawano is a Support Delivery Manager at Akamai Technologies and a seasoned IT leader with over 20 years of experience spanning multiple industries, including insurance and financial services. With a strong background in infrastructure design and engineering, he has spent the past decade focused on building and delivering scalable private and public cloud solutions that support on-demand enterprise systems. Hide has led global deployment, support, and engineering teams, consistently driving operational efficiency and achieving large-scale server consolidation through the implementation of enterprise-grade virtual services. He is also deeply experienced in secure workspace strategies and is a strong advocate for leveraging automation and innovation to improve service delivery and accelerate time-to-market.
As a mentor, Hide brings a practical and experienced perspective to navigating long-term careers in IT, especially for those coming from non-traditional backgrounds. He offers guidance on how to grow within complex corporate environments, build technical and leadership skills over time, and create opportunities without relying on a conventional path. Known for his steady and thoughtful approach, Hide supports mentees in building confidence, adapting to change, and developing a strong foundation in infrastructure, cloud, and enterprise IT systems. He is an ideal mentor for early to mid-career professionals looking to grow in IT, transition into more advanced technical roles, or navigate the realities of large-scale organizations.
Praise for Hide |
Hide is truly kind and open-minded. He is a wonderful listener and giver of advice. His positive energy and genuine curiosity contribute to authentic and engaging discussions. I look forward to exchange with him in future sessions!
Shannon Chapman |
Shannon Chapman is the Senior Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and an experienced IT leader with over 14 years of expertise in enterprise service management, IT operations, and technology-driven transformation. With an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and certifications including ITIL Expert and SAFe Product Owner, she has built a strong foundation in aligning IT systems with business goals. Shannon is known for driving organizational performance through automation, AI, and process optimization, consistently improving employee and customer experiences while reducing operational costs. She is also a recognized expert in leveraging SaaS platforms like ServiceNow to deliver scalable ITSM solutions and measurable business value.
As a mentor, Shannon brings a strategic and forward-thinking approach to building careers in IT and enterprise systems. She is passionate about helping professionals understand how to translate technical expertise into business impact, whether through Agile delivery, ITIL-based processes, or service management best practices. Known for her collaborative and thoughtful leadership style, Shannon supports mentees in developing both operational excellence and long-term career vision. She is an ideal mentor for those looking to grow in IT service management, explore automation and AI in operations, or step into leadership roles within complex, technology-driven organizations.
Praise for Shannon |
Shannon Chapman has been a great mentor to me. She has provided me with great advice and guidance on my career. She is always willing to listen to my concerns and offer her support. She is also very knowledgeable about the industry and I always learn a lot from our conversations.
Gary Flavin |
Gary P. Flavin is a Cyber Security Analyst at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and an experienced IT and security professional with a strong background across military, government, healthcare, real estate, and Fortune 500 environments. With over 6 years in cybersecurity and hands-on experience spanning network and system administration, Gary has built a well-rounded foundation in protecting and maintaining complex IT infrastructures. His work includes monitoring and responding to security threats within a Security Operations Center (SOC), supporting large-scale enterprise systems, and remediating vulnerabilities through structured change control processes. He has also provided on-site technical support at VA facilities and is trained in handling sensitive data, including HIPAA, PHI, and PII compliance, making him a trusted contributor in high-stakes, security-focused environments.
As a mentor, Gary brings a practical, real-world perspective to building a career in cybersecurity and IT. He is especially passionate about supporting early-career professionals and veterans looking to break into the field, offering guidance on foundational technical skills, navigating different IT roles, and developing a strong security mindset. Known for his hands-on and approachable style, Gary helps mentees understand how to apply their skills in real environments while building confidence and discipline along the way. He is an ideal mentor for those interested in cybersecurity, SOC operations, and gaining broad exposure to IT systems across industries.
Praise for Gary |
Gary is very generous with his knowledge and wisdom. He's even willing to research my question that he doesn't know much about yet. It's hard to find a mentor like him!
Durgesh Kalya |
Durgesh Kalya is a Site Cybersecurity Officer at Covestro and an experienced OT security expert with over 18 years of experience across manufacturing, engineering design, and IT. Specializing in operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) security, he plays a key role in applying security standards to critical systems and supporting process control automation environments. Durgesh has a strong track record of developing and implementing security solutions that protect complex industrial infrastructures from evolving cyber threats. Beyond his core role, he is actively involved in the cybersecurity community as an advisory board member for ISA’s Safety and Security Division and the IoTSF Houston Chapter, contributing to global initiatives focused on improving the resilience and safety of industrial systems.
As a mentor, Durgesh is passionate about helping professionals grow both technically and personally within the cybersecurity and IT space. He offers guidance on career development, building strong foundational skills, and navigating the unique challenges of OT and industrial environments. Known for his patient and thoughtful approach, Durgesh creates a supportive space where mentees are encouraged to reflect, stay accountable to their goals, and continuously improve. He is an ideal mentor for those interested in OT security, cybersecurity in industrial settings, or anyone looking to strengthen their communication, public speaking, and long-term career growth strategies.
Praise for Durgesh |
My conversation with Durgesh was incredibly insightful. He answered all my questions with clarity, practical steps, and real stories from his background, giving me exactly what I was hoping for: a behind-the-scenes look at a career in cybersecurity. Thanks to his guidance, I now have a much clearer picture of what the path could look like if I choose to pursue it. It was such an engaging and informative conversation, and I’m grateful for his openness and support.
David Ewers |
David Ewers is Senior Director of Information Technology at Heart to Heart Hospice and a seasoned IT and cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience spanning military service, enterprise technology, and customer success. With a decade of service in the United States Army and a career rooted in building and scaling IT organizations, David brings a disciplined and strategic approach to technology leadership. He has led enterprise IT and cybersecurity programs in highly regulated healthcare environments, aligning technology strategy, risk governance, and capital investment with business priorities. Known for driving operational resilience and measurable outcomes, David has successfully modernized large-scale IT infrastructures, strengthened security postures, and implemented governance frameworks aligned with standards such as HIPAA, ISO, and NIST.
As a mentor, David offers a high-level, strategic perspective on growing into leadership roles within IT and navigating complex, enterprise environments. He is especially passionate about supporting veterans transitioning into civilian careers, as well as professionals looking to step into leadership or strengthen their impact within IT organizations. Known for his direct and thoughtful approach, David helps mentees understand how to connect technical decisions to business outcomes, manage risk effectively, and lead with accountability and clarity. He is an ideal mentor for those pursuing leadership in IT, cybersecurity, or enterprise operations, particularly within regulated industries.
Praise for David |
I had a great session with David. I was inspired by his will to support and guide his mentees. His advice was insightful, and he offered strategies to overcome my challenges. I left our session feeling motivated and would recommend him as a mentor to anyone seeking guidance and support in their professional development.
Wayne Brown |
Wayne Brown is a Senior Partner Solutions Architect at Atlassian and a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering high-impact technology solutions. Known for his ability to bridge deep technical expertise with business value, Wayne has built a strong reputation for helping partners and organizations translate complex systems into clear, actionable outcomes. His career includes influential roles at Cisco AppDynamics, where he was recognized as a top performer, mentor, and technical leader, earning honors such as Splunk Global Partner Team Rising Star, Cisco Live Distinguished Speaker, and AppDynamics Channel SE of the Year. With a passion for innovation and collaboration, Wayne specializes in solution architecture, partner enablement, and driving growth through strategic technology partnerships.
As a mentor, Wayne brings a unique blend of technical depth and communication skills, helping professionals learn how to not only build solutions but effectively position and deliver them. He is especially passionate about supporting those interested in solution architecture, technical sales, and partner-facing roles within IT. Known for his engaging and supportive style, Wayne helps mentees strengthen both their technical foundation and their ability to communicate value, making him an ideal mentor for individuals looking to grow in solution engineering, partner enablement, or customer-facing technical roles.
Praise for Wayne |
Wayne was an incredible mentor on our first call. His role-specific insights and recommendations were invaluable, and I can immediately apply them to my day-to-day work. As someone new to the SE role, I found tremendous value in speaking with Wayne, and I'm excited to continue learning from him in the future
Ray Espinoza |
Ray Espinoza is VP of Information Security at Elite Technology and a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience in building and scaling enterprise security programs. Known for his expertise in risk management and governance, Ray has developed and led information security strategies across high-growth technology organizations, including cloud platforms, cybersecurity firms, and SaaS providers. He has a strong track record of establishing security functions from the ground up, guiding organizations through major compliance frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, PCI, and FedRAMP. With a collaborative leadership style, Ray focuses on positioning security as a business enabler—helping organizations protect their assets while supporting innovation, growth, and customer trust.
As a mentor, Ray is passionate about shaping the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity and IT. He offers strategic guidance on building security programs, navigating governance and compliance, and developing a leadership mindset within technical roles. Known for his thoughtful and empowering approach, Ray encourages mentees to become self-aware, take ownership of their growth, and understand how to align security initiatives with broader business goals. He is an ideal mentor for professionals looking to grow in information security, step into leadership roles, or build a strong foundation in risk, governance, and enterprise security strategy.
Praise for Ray |
Ray is always on the lookout for opportunities to empower and uplift others, and I am consistently inspired by his selfless dedication. It brings me immense joy to share my success stories with him, knowing that he genuinely celebrates my achievements and takes pride in my growth. Ray's positive impact on his community is immeasurable, and I am grateful to have him as a guiding force in my life.
Alana Golden |
Alana Golden is the Founder of Golden Solutions | Automations and a self-taught IT professional with a background in technical support and customer-facing roles within the biotech industry. With hands-on experience as an IT Support Technician at FogPharma, she has built a strong foundation in troubleshooting, systems support, and delivering seamless user experiences. Alana’s journey into IT is rooted in curiosity, persistence, and a drive to continuously learn, and she is now channeling that experience into building her own automation-focused business. Her work reflects a growing focus on leveraging technology to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and create scalable solutions.
As a mentor, Alana brings a relatable and encouraging perspective, especially for those early in their careers or navigating non-traditional paths into IT. She is passionate about helping others move past uncertainty and take the next step, whether that’s breaking into tech, building confidence in technical skills, or exploring entrepreneurial ideas. Known for her supportive and down-to-earth approach, Alana creates a space where mentees feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new directions. She is an ideal mentor for individuals looking to get started in IT, grow from support roles into more advanced positions, or begin turning their own ideas into action.
Praise for Alana |
I'm so grateful to have Alana as my mentor. Her ability to brainstorm and develop innovative strategies is truly remarkable. She has an incredible depth of knowledge and always brings fresh perspectives to the table. Alana is an exceptional listener who genuinely cares about understanding my challenges. Her ideas are always insightful and actionable, and I find myself inspired by her creativity and problem-solving skills.
Peter Holcomb |
Peter Holcomb is the Founder & CEO of Optimo IT and an experienced security engineering and architecture executive with over 17 years in IT, including more than a decade focused on cybersecurity. He has built and led enterprise security programs in high-growth and highly regulated environments, including serving as a founding CISO for multiple organizations. Peter specializes in developing end-to-end security strategies that align with business goals, covering everything from architecture design to implementation and ongoing risk management. His work today also focuses on helping organizations adopt AI securely, embedding governance, visibility, and accountability into emerging technologies to ensure they scale effectively and responsibly. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Peter partners closely with executive teams to turn security into a strategic advantage rather than a barrier.
As a mentor, Peter brings a strong mix of technical depth and leadership insight, helping professionals grow in both security expertise and communication skills. He is passionate about supporting those interested in security engineering, architecture, operations, and leadership roles such as CISO. Known for his direct and practical approach, Peter helps mentees understand how to think strategically about risk, align technical decisions with business impact, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. He is an ideal mentor for individuals looking to advance in cybersecurity, step into leadership, or build a well-rounded foundation in modern security practices.
Praise for Peter |
Peter is an incredible mentor and a true leader. His deep expertise and ability to simplify complex concepts have been invaluable in helping me grow in my career. Sessions with him are filled with actionable insights and meaningful knowledge transfer. I'm immensely grateful for the guidance he has provided me throughout this journey.
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