With a passion for driving growth and innovation in the cybersecurity sector, Melonia (Mel) da Gama combines market insight with a deep understanding of customer and partner needs to develop strategic initiatives that help reduce the global cybersecurity skills and workforce gaps.

Mel also leads two of the Fortinet Training Institute’s flagship annual research reports, which explore the evolving cybersecurity skills landscape and the state of security awareness and training worldwide.

Beyond her marketing leadership, Mel is deeply committed to advancing corporate social responsibility within the cybersecurity industry and championing cybersecurity education “from K to Careers.” She is an advocate for building inclusive pathways into the cyber workforce and takes pride in mentoring emerging talent to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.