The Power of Choice to Unlock Your Destiny

A transformative TEDx talk by Dr. Cheryl Cooper

Stop Waiting. Start Choosing.

In this deeply personal and inspiring TEDx talk, Dr. Cheryl Cooper, global cybersecurity leader, bestselling author, and U.S. Navy veteran, shares how one intentional decision transformed her life from the streets of Kansas City to the C-suite.

With powerful insights from her journey through adversity, military discipline, and breaking barriers in tech, Dr. Cooper challenges us to stop waiting for permission and start owning our future.

Whether you’re rebuilding, redefining, or just beginning, this talk will stir you to act, lead, and rise, one choice at a time.

"Because the future isn't fate. It's chosen."

Key Insights

The Power of One Decision

How a single intentional choice can redirect your entire life trajectory

From Adversity to Achievement

Transforming challenges into stepping stones for success

Own Your Future

Stop waiting for permission and start taking action today

Breaking Barriers

Strategies for success in male-dominated industries

Dr Cheryl Cooper Headshot

Dr. Cheryl Cooper

Speaker | Author | Advocate

Dr. Cheryl Cooper, a Doctorate of Computer Science, globally renowned for her transformative leadership in cybersecurity. With nearly three decades of experience, she most recently served as an Information Security Officer for T-Mobile and is the International President for Women in CyberSecurity (WiCYS).

She is empowering organizations to cultivate diverse cyber talent and foster a culture of innovation. As the host of the podcast “Ctrl+Alt+Em-Power,” Dr. Cooper unlocks the critical intersections of cyber resilience, technology, and inclusion. An accomplished author, Dr. Cooper’s most recent book “Breaking the Code: Winning Strategies for Women in Cybersecurity & Tech,” launched in 2025. Cooper’s mission is clear: “We must see the Black and Brown girl in a world in which she is usually unseen.”

The last thing Dr. Cooper is, is underqualified.

Ready to Choose Your Destiny?

Watch the full TEDx talk and discover how one decision can change everything.