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Rising Stars: Meet Dr. Jeree Spicer of Metro Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jeree Spicer.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Dr. Jeree Spicer, but most people know me as Dr. Ree, the founder of ReeTheCyberBoss®. My brand is all about building digital trust through education, culture, and community. I started ReeTheCyberBoss® to make cybersecurity approachable for everyday people whether that’s parents trying to protect their kids online, professionals navigating digital workplaces, or women looking for a seat at the table in tech.

My path wasn’t traditional. I began in child development and criminal justice, but I’ve always had a passion for technology and storytelling. Over time, I realized that cybersecurity wasn’t just about technical systems, t’s about people. That perspective, along with my own experiences as a mother, a Black woman in tech, and now a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity, shaped the foundation of ReeTheCyberBoss®. Today, the platform combines children’s books, my podcast CTRL+ALT+REE, speaking, and digital content to empower communities that are often left out of cybersecurity conversations.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Getting into cybersecurity wasn’t easy, especially with a nontraditional background in child development and criminal justice. I didn’t see many people who looked like me, and I had to figure things out without a clear roadmap or mentor. On top of that, adjusting to corporate America was its own challenge. Learning to navigate office politics, proving myself in male-dominated spaces, and finding the balance between being authentic and being professional. There were moments I felt silenced, overlooked, or underestimated, and it took resilience to stay the course.

At the same time, I was juggling major personal challenges. I was in my doctorate program while navigating postpartum, all while working in environments that sometimes felt toxic. There were days I questioned if I could keep going, if this was really for me, or if I should step away.

What kept me in cybersecurity and what kept me going was my faith, my son, and my bigger vision. I knew God placed me here for a reason. Every late night writing, every struggle at work, and every tear I shed during postpartum became part of my testimony. Those experiences shaped me into the woman, mother, and professional I am today, and they pushed me to continue to elevate ReeTheCyberBoss® as a platform that makes space for others who may feel unseen in this industry

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m a cybersecurity professional and the founder of ReeTheCyberBoss®. My work centers on building digital trust through education, culture, and community. I specialize in translating complex cybersecurity concepts into practical, human-centered lessons that families, professionals, and organizations can actually use. Whether I’m working in corporate cybersecurity or creating content through ReeTheCyberBoss®, my focus is always on making cyber awareness accessible and relatable.

I’m known for bringing creativity and authenticity into a space that’s often seen as overly technical. Through my children’s book series, my podcast CTRL+ALT+REE, and speaking engagements, I use storytelling to break down barriers and help people feel empowered in digital spaces. I’m most proud of finishing my doctorate while building this platform and becoming a voice that inspires women, parents, and underrepresented communities to see themselves in tech.

What sets me apart is that I don’t separate my faith, my family, and my career. I bring them all with me. I lead with transparency, and I use my own story of resilience and perseverance to connect with others in a real way. Cybersecurity is the lane I work in, but my mission is bigger: to show that your background, your culture, and even your struggles can become the very things that fuel your purpose and set you apart.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice is to be intentional and authentic. Don’t just look for a mentor because you think you “should” have one. Look for people whose values align with yours and who you can genuinely learn from. A good mentor is someone who doesn’t just help you advance in your career but challenges you to grow as a person.

Networking works the same way. It’s not about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections, it’s about building real relationships. What has worked for me is showing up in spaces where I can both learn and contribute, whether that’s tech communities, conferences, or even faith-based groups. I try to listen first, add value where I can, and be consistent in showing up.

Faith has played a big role here, too. I’ve prayed for the right mentors and the right opportunities, and I believe God placed the right people in my life at the right time. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came not from “formal” mentorship programs but from relationships that grew organically because I was willing to be open, ask questions, and share my journey honestly.

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