Jessica Dapelo is a nationally recognized cybersecurity, Zero Trust, and AI governance executive with over 15 years of experience leading high-impact digital transformation, risk management, and national security initiatives across government, defense, and Fortune 500 organizations. She is the Founder and CEO of Jessica Dapelo Enterprises Inc., a certified Woman-Owned Small Business specializing in Zero Trust architecture, AI-driven risk management, cybersecurity strategy, and secure modernization for public sector and critical infrastructure clients.
Jessica has led and delivered $50M+ in complex programs for agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal, state, and commercial partners, supporting missions spanning cyber resilience, supply chain security, digital identity, data governance, and enterprise transformation. Her work bridges technology, policy, and operations—ensuring organizations modernize securely while maintaining regulatory compliance, mission assurance, and operational continuity.
A trusted advisor to senior government officials, C-suite leaders, and boards, Jessica has authored and implemented Zero Trust and AI policy frameworks, guided enterprise-scale cybersecurity and identity verification initiatives, and advised organizations on emerging risks tied to AI, ransomware, critical infrastructure protection, and digital identity. She is known for translating complex technical challenges into actionable executive strategies that strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and improve decision-making.
Jessica is an internationally recognized thought leader and frequent speaker at major global forums, including JETC, SAE International, PATRAM, the United Nations, and other national security and technology conferences. She has delivered keynote presentations on topics such as AI security, Zero Trust, ransomware defense, CBRN cybersecurity, transportation security, supply chain risk, and critical infrastructure protection. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she is a recipient of the AFCEA International 40 Under Forty Award for STEM and national security leadership.
She holds active Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clearances and WMD , as well as a Top Secret Facility Clearance, enabling her to support sensitive and classified national security programs. Her leadership style is rooted in mission focus, accountability, innovation, and workforce empowerment, and she is deeply committed to strengthening the intersection of technology, security, and public trust.
Beyond her executive and advisory work, Jessica actively supports initiatives in public service, workforce development, technology education, and community resilience, with a passion for expanding opportunity, strengthening national preparedness, and empowering the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity and emerging technology.