CyberWire Daily Amanda Fennell: There's a cyber warrior in all of us [Information] [Career Notes]
Dec 14, 2025
Amanda Fennell, Chief Security Officer and CIO at Relativity, shares her unique journey from aspiring archaeologist to cybersecurity expert. She recounts how internships in archaeology revealed unexpected realities that led her to digital forensics. Amanda discusses building a security program at Relativity and the lessons learned from fast-paced growth. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and listening in leadership, while inspiring others to discover the cyber warrior within themselves.
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From Archaeology To Digital Forensics
- Amanda Fennell intended to be an archaeologist but found the field lonely and different from academic expectation.
- She shifted toward digital forensics after internships revealed archaeology's realities and limited job prospects.
Discovering Digital Forensics By Curiosity
- Amanda discovered digital forensics despite limited computer background and embraced the investigative parallels with archaeology.
- Early demand for digital forensics created rapid recruiting and opportunities across government and private sectors.
Joining Relativity To Build A Program
- Amanda moved from consulting and government work to join Relativity after the founder invited her to build their security program.
- She accepted because it offered the chance to implement the security program she had always wanted.