Founded in September 2024 under the guidance of Dr. Chinazunwa Uwaoma, the CGU Cybersecurity Club is a student‑initiated, student‑led organization with a vision to bring together learners, researchers, and professionals committed to cybersecurity. It strives to “Secure Futures” and “Empower Minds” by promoting learning, collaboration, and career development while providing members with the resources and opportunities to excel academically and professionally. Its inaugural officers are Ayush Enkhtaivan (President), Naif Alblawi (Vice President), Paniz Herrera (Treasurer), and Jade Sleiman (CGU‑SGC Liaison). We extend our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing officers for their dedicated leadership.

Meet the New Officers

President – Cesar Barrera

Cesar Barrera is a PhD student in Information Systems & Technology at Claremont Graduate University, where his research centers on cutting-edge topics in cybersecurity and secure cloud architectures. Cesar served as the Vice President of the GIS club at Loma Linda University, where he played an active role in forging strategic partnerships and managing the club’s events. He is currently working at ESRI as ArcGIS Enterprise Analyst. Driven by a passion for innovation and teamwork, Cesar Barrera is committed to empowering Cybersecurity Club members and sharpening their technical skills to tackle real-world security problems.

Vice President – Ayush Enkhtaivan

Ayush Enkhtaivan is a PhD student in Information Systems and Technology at Claremont Graduate University, specializing in cybersecurity and network systems. She is a passionate cybersecurity advocate with extensive experience in data analysis, institutional research, and information systems. She holds professional certifications from Google and Splunk, and is an active member of ISACA, IEEE, and Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS). With more than a decade of volunteer leadership, Ayush served as the interim president of the CGU Cybersecurity Club and has played a key role in launching and growing cybersecurity awareness initiatives through student organizations at Gannon University and the University of Tampa.

Treasurer – Nicole Traboulsi

Nicole Traboulsi is a Senior Vulnerability-Management Automation Engineer with deep expertise in cloud security, identity and access management, and large-scale automation. At Dell Technologies and Highroad IT, she has led initiatives that streamline vulnerability operations and fortify global infrastructure. In addition to her technical accomplishments, Nicole brings seasoned financial acumen having worked professionally as an accountant. With her unique blend of cybersecurity rigor and proven financial stewardship, Nicole is prepared to keep the Cyber Club fiscally strong and ready for growth.

CGU-GSC Liaison – Jade Sleiman

Jade Sleiman combines industry-recognized credentials with front-line security experience to serve as Liaison for the CGU Cybersecurity Club. She holds the CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Ethical Hacker certifications and applies that knowledge daily as an IT Specialist for The Claremont Colleges Services, where she engages in threat hunting and hardening of campus systems. Currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in Cybersecurity & Networking and Leadership at Claremont Graduate University, Jade bridges technical depth with organizational strategy. As an active member of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), she is equally committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the field. Jade is poised to strengthen the Cybersecurity Club’s external partnerships and internal cohesion alike.

Industry & Field Advisor – Tohru Watanabe

Tohru Watanabe is a first-year PhD student at the Drucker School. He pairs two decades of frontline security leadership with fresh doctoral research on the executive management of cybersecurity. As Deputy CISO for a New York-based global investment bank, he oversees enterprise-wide strategy for threat response, cloud governance, and regulatory compliance—protecting billions in assets across multiple continents. Tohru holds numerous professional credentials: CISSP, ISSAP, CCSP, CISM, CRISC, and seven advanced GIAC titles (GREM, GXPN, GCFA, GSTRT, GLEG, GDSA). He channels that expertise back into the community as an exam developer for cybersecurity professional certifications and a long-time teaching assistant for SANS Institute courses. With a proven record of strategic leadership, deep technical mastery, and a passion for education, Tohru Watanabe is ready to elevate the CGU Cybersecurity Club and help its members navigate the rapidly evolving security landscape.

Congratulations!

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