WITI Spotlight: Dr. Angela Dogan, Associate Director of Security and Resiliency at Kyndryl

Dr. Dogan's journey is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives.


A Journey of Discovery and Purpose

Dr. Dogan's story begins in a deeply community-oriented environment as the daughter of parents who were Civil Rights Activists and a father who was a Baptist minister. Growing up, she was constantly surrounded by people dedicated to helping others, which profoundly influenced her perspective on life and work. As a young woman, she sought to carve out her own path, aspiring to become an engineer due to her love for math and science.

If you knew Dr. Dogan in her early years of her career, she would have confided that she preferred working independently, not so much in a team setting. She had subconsciously built a wall around her disguising her lack of confidence by coming off as fearlessly independent to reveal the real Angela.

Dr. Dogan's career took several turns that led her to discover her true calling. From taking aptitude tests in high school that suggested careers in customer service and teaching to obtaining her engineering degree and exploring various roles in financial services, her journey was marked by continuous learning and adaptation.

Embracing Leadership and Lifelong Learning

One of the pivotal moments in Dr. Dogan's career was when she took on a role in third-party risk management, a field she knew little about at the time. This opportunity allowed her to build a program from scratch and immerse herself in learning, which she embraced wholeheartedly. Over the years, she transitioned into governance, risk, and compliance in cybersecurity, driven by a desire to elevate her expertise and impact.
Dr. Dogan's dedication to personal growth and education led her to pursue a doctorate, enabling her to teach cybersecurity at the college level. Her public speaking engagements and involvement with non-profit organizations further fueled her passion for impacting lives positively.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose

Throughout her career, Dr. Dogan faced numerous challenges, including being a single mother, balancing work and education, and navigating a field where African American women are underrepresented. Despite these obstacles, she remained steadfast in her belief that she could make a difference.
A significant realization came when Dr. Dogan decided to focus on living a purpose-driven life. She became disciplined in showing up for others, unconditionally. She recognized her ability to help bring clarity to people, one by one, and sought to integrate this purpose into her professional and personal endeavors. This journey of self-discovery led her to embrace her role as a leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Choosing Kyndryl: Alignment and Opportunity

Dr. Dogan has spent the past 20+ years in the field of Cybersecurity Risk Management beginning in Third Party Risk Management to where she currently is with Kyndryl, assisting organizations build, maintain, and mature their Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance programs.


Dr. Dogan made the decision to join Kyndryl in 2023, and she is the first to say, Kyndryl was the perfect match in support of her goals and desires. Her decision was driven by several key factors:

• Leadership Representation:The presence of diverse leaders within Kyndryl, particularly in terms of race and gender, made Dr. Dogan feel more comfortable and inspired. Seeing people who look like her in executive leadership positions reassured her of the company's dedication to diversity and inclusion.
• Inclusive Culture: Kyndryl's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with the presence of employee resource groups (referred to as "KINS"), provided Dr. Dogan with opportunities to engage in meaningful community work and leadership development. She values the flexibility Kyndryl offers to devote time to these important activities.
• Professional Growth: Kyndryl has given Dr. Dogan the flexibility to explore and develop her leadership style, confirming her desire to be a service leader. The company's commitment to employee development has been a significant factor in her positive experience.
• Innovation: Kyndryl encourages employees to innovate and grow within their roles. This environment aligns with Dr. Dogan's desire to be part of a forward-thinking and dynamic organization, all while not being averse to risk-taking ideas.

A Vision for the Future

. Today, Dr. Dogan is an integral part of Kyndryl, a company whose mission and vision align with her own values of impacting customers and communities globally. She continues to inspire and lead by example, demonstrating that leadership is not just about holding a title but about making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Dr. Dogan's story is a powerful reminder that true leadership comes from embracing one's own purpose, overcoming challenges with resilience, and continually striving to learn and grow. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring leaders, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, showing that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.

Learn more about what it’s like to be a part of Kyndryl.

Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.