Paula Kwende
Summary
Cybersecurity professional with a Master's degree and over 5 years of cross-sector experience in correctional security, healthcare, and case services. Strong foundation in digital forensics, risk assessment, and information assurance, supported by academic experience using tools like Wireshark, Visio, and Excel. Technologically adept in SQL, Microsoft Office Suite, and business intelligence tools, with proven ability to optimize operations through workflow automation and dashboard creation. Demonstrated success retrieving and handling sensitive records, conducting system audits, and supporting interdepartmental coordination in secure, high-compliance environments. Multilingual communicator with proficiency in French (Advanced understanding, Intermediate speaking, Novice writing), prepared to contribute to fast-paced federal operations.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Loan Processor (Remote)
Benchmark Mortgage
01.2021 - 04.2022
Salary: $31.65/hour
Full-time, 40 hrs/week
Supervisor: Sheri McKim | 512-293-2596
- Collected and reviewed documentation from applicants for mortgage loan approval
- Verified income, employment, and credit history to ensure applicant eligibility and loan compliance
- Maintained communication with loan officers, underwriters, and clients throughout processing timelines
- Managed sensitive financial data, adhering to federal guidelines and company security protocols
- Created Excel-based tracking logs to organize and analyze document workflows and improve turnaround time
Correctional Officer I
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
02.2020 - 01.2021
Salary: $42,013/year
Full-time, 40 hrs/week
Supervisor: Holly Winchester, Hiring Manager | 410-585-3478
- Company Overview: Central Maryland Correctional Facility
- Managed sensitive administrative tasks and maintained meticulous records of daily operations, logbooks, and incident reports
- Monitored internal security systems via the control room, including surveillance, alarms, and intercom systems
- Coordinated internal communications across departments and emergency response units
- Conducted audits of inventory, contraband logs, and equipment records to ensure procedural compliance
- Performed scheduled and unscheduled perimeter inspections to detect and prevent breaches
- Applied cybersecurity knowledge through simulated incident response projects, analyzing vulnerabilities and recommending security improvements
- Collaborated on an academic CISO deliverable project to develop policies, conduct risk assessments, build vulnerability matrices using Visio, and draft incident response plans
- Central Maryland Correctional Facility
Education
Master of Science - Cybersecurity Management and Policy
University of Maryland
College Park, MD12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD05.2019
Skills
- Operational coordination and secure communications handling
- Administrative support, record management, and documentation auditing
- Surveillance and alarm monitoring in high-security environments
- Interdepartmental coordination and stakeholder communication
- Customer service, insurance liaison, and billing investigation
- Cybersecurity and data protection fundamentals
- Data analytics, reporting dashboards, business intelligence tools, and digital process automation
- Workflow optimization and operational analysis
- Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, dashboards), Visio, SQL (basic), Microsoft Office Suite
Other Work Experience
Customer Service Representative – Women's Health Department
LabCorp of America (Remote; HQ: Birmingham, NC)
08/2024 – 02/2025
Salary: $17/hour
Full-time, 40 hrs/week
Supervisor: Anuradha Adapa, HR Specialist | +918050701504
- Answered and transferred incoming patient calls, providing accurate information and routing to appropriate departments.
- Investigated patient billing issues and generated cost estimates for genetic testing services.
- Liaised with health insurance companies to verify coverage and clarify benefit details.
- Maintained confidentiality and HIPAA compliance while handling sensitive patient data.
- Designed and maintained Excel-based tracking logs to monitor patient follow-ups and streamline resolution of billing inquiries.
Certification
- CompTIA Security+, CompTIA, Virtual (Maryland), 08/2023, Present
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISACA, Maryland, 07/2023, Present
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM I), Scrum.org, Virtual, 10/2022, Present
Veterans Preference
Employee has no veteran's preference
Clearance Availability
Eligible for Top Secret-SCI Clearance, Available for shift work (nights, weekends, holidays)
Timeline
Loan Processor (Remote)
Benchmark Mortgage
01.2021 - 04.2022
Correctional Officer I
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
02.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master of Science - Cybersecurity Management and Policy
University of Maryland
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