Tawnia A. Beckwith
Tawnia Beckwith is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over two decades of experience in enterprise account management and vulnerability solutions. Currently serving as a Strategic Enterprise Account Executive at GuidePoint Security, she has spent more than nine years helping organizations navigate complex challenges in data privacy, application security, and cloud security. Her expertise includes aligning security strategies with compliance frameworks such as NERC, PCI, and HIPAA to safeguard critical infrastructure and optimize risk mitigation.
Beckwith began her career in technology and telecommunications, holding leadership roles at AT&T Wireless/Dobson Communications, Ohio Online (OOI Solutions), and FishNet Security, where she managed strategic enterprise accounts and developed customized solutions to address evolving security threats. At Tripwire, she specialized in vulnerability management, leveraging actionable intelligence to support clients in identifying and prioritizing risks across dynamic environments.
A graduate of Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Psychology, Beckwith combines technical acumen with a deep understanding of organizational behavior. She has been featured in the “Women in STEM” series by Tech Savvy Women, highlighting her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Beckwith is deeply committed to community service. She serves as Vice President of Social Media for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley and volunteers with Sea Turtle Trackers, Inc., leveraging her communication skills to raise awareness and support nonprofit initiatives. Her dedication to both security innovation and social impact reflects a career built on leadership, collaboration, and service.
• Youngstown State University - BBA
• Women in Technology Women in Technology Mar 2018 - PresentMar 2018 - Present Company logo Associated with GuidePoint Security Associated with GuidePoint Security West Florida Cyber Security Association West Florida Cyber Security Association Director · Apr 2017 - PresentDirector · Apr 2017 - Present Company logo Associated with GuidePoint Security
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of faith and necessity. Raising my daughter as a single mother taught me resilience and resourcefulness—qualities that continue to guide me both personally and professionally. My experiences have also fueled my mission to help others rebuild their lives after trauma, whether through advocacy, mentorship, or simply offering support when it’s needed most.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever been given is, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room,” and “You are who you spend your time with.” These reminders have pushed me to continuously seek out people who challenge me, inspire me, and help me grow both personally and professionally. They’ve taught me that surrounding yourself with the right people is essential to learning, leadership, and success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities I see in cybersecurity today is the integration of AI. While AI has the potential to make security more efficient in the long term, it requires careful monitoring and ongoing education. We need to ensure that future generations understand how to use and manage AI systems effectively, not just from a technical standpoint but also ethically. At the same time, AI is transforming the way we work—helping overcome language barriers, improving productivity, and streamlining international business and call center operations. It’s exciting to witness how quickly this technology is evolving and how much potential it holds when applied responsibly.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Two causes that are especially close to my heart are supporting military veterans and survivors of domestic violence. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for veterans to transition from combat back into civilian life, which is why I’m proud to be involved with the Step Up Foundation and its mission to provide that critical support. I’m also deeply committed to advocating for survivors of domestic violence through my work with CASA, a women’s shelter in St. Petersburg. These experiences have shaped my values, reminding me daily of the importance of compassion, advocacy, and using my voice to help others rebuild their lives.