Join us for the ISACA Chicago Chapter Meeting - June 2025 - In-Person
Topic: Cracking Professional Certifications and Mentorship in Action
First Session @ 3:00 PM
Title: Cracking Professional Certifications: A Practical, No-Excuses Guide for ISACA Professionals:
Join us for an interactive session designed to demystify the certification process and help you achieve your professional goals, even with a busy schedule. In just 15 minutes a day, you’ll discover how to:
- Understand the Value of Professional Certifications: Learn why certifications are vital for career growth and how they can set you apart in the infosecurity community.
- Align Certification Goals with Your Career Path: Connect your certification journey with your long-term professional objectives.
- Tailor Your Study Approach: Find out how your learning style influences your choice of training materials and study strategies.
- Access the Right Resources: Explore the best tools and resources available for certification preparation.
- Stay Motivated and Focused: Gain practical tips to keep your motivation high and overcome procrastination.
- Study Smarter, Not Harder: Learn efficient study techniques to maximize your preparation time.
- Manage Test Anxiety: Discover strategies to reduce stress and perform your best on exam day.
We are pleased to introduce our first speaker, Sudesh Kannan | LinkedIn.
Dr. Sudesh Kannan, known as “Dr K,” is a highly experienced infosecurity professional with over 20 years of expertise spanning manufacturing, technical support, R&D, and business development. He currently leads projects in artificial intelligence, social engineering, secure product development, and cybersecurity awareness training. Dr K is passionate about making learning engaging and interactive for professionals, and he has authored more than 35 technical papers for conferences and leading industry publications.
As an authorized instructor for ISC2, Dr K teaches CISSP, CGRC, and CCSP candidates worldwide. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Graduate Cybersecurity Program at the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a Principal Cybersecurity Innovation Engineer at a major insurance company. Dr K is actively involved with ISACA, volunteering as a training coordinator for the ISACA Chicago Chapter Mentorship and Membership Committee. His current professional certifications include CISM, CISSP, AIGP, CGRC, CCSP, and CMMC-AB.
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Second Session @ 4:00 PM
Title: Mentorship in Action: Real Talk from Real Connection:
Chronus Overview by Laura Schlue (Zeman), CISSP, CRISC | LinkedIn,
Join us for an engaging discussion with Matthew Hill, CPA, CISA | LinkedIn, moderating a panel with Michael Podemski | LinkedIn, DeAndre´ Hopkins, CIA, CISA, CSM | LinkedIn, and Jamillah Shakoor, Licensed CPA, CIA, PMP, CCSK, CCZT, CC, CCOA | LinkedIn
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Laura Schlue is the Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) at Ryan Specialty, where she leads the design and execution of enterprise-wide security, privacy, and compliance programs for a global specialty insurance marketplace. During more than a decade in cybersecurity, governance, and risk management,
Laura has advised organizations ranging from Fortune 500 enterprises to venture-backed startups, consistently translating complex technical risks into business-centric strategies. A passionate advocate for professional development, Laura chairs the Mentorship Committee for the ISACA Chicago Chapter, where she designs and runs the chapter’s mentorship program that pairs seasoned practitioners with rising professionals.
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Michael Podemski is a Senior Director - IT Audit. Michael Podemski brings a unique blend of analytical precision and decisive leadership to delivering impactful assurance and advisory services. With deep expertise in technology risk, IT governance, cybersecurity, and systems integration, Michael leads global, cross-functional audit initiatives that strengthen control environments and support strategic business outcomes.
Driven by high standards and a passion for excellence, Michael combines data-driven insights with structured audit methodologies to assess complex systems, identify emerging risks, and promote sustainable remediation. He believes that the most effective audits go beyond compliance—they generate actionable insights, improve processes, and create value.
Michael is focused on transforming IT audit into a center of excellence: leveraging automation, analytics, and innovation to enhance audit execution, increase agility, and drive continuous improvement. Known for his integrity, accountability, and results orientation, Michael leads with clarity, fosters collaboration, and builds trust with stakeholders across regions and functions. Additionally, Michael serves on the board of ISACA® Chicago (Illinois, USA) Chapter, contributing to event planning, academic relations, mentoring, and certification review courses. Some of the certifications Michael holds include; CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, CSX-A, CCAK, Associate CCISO.
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DeAndre Hopkins is an Audit Project Manager and a recognized leader in risk management and IT, and operational engagements. With a foundation in Accounting and Information Systems, he brings a strategic, data-driven approach to evaluating internal controls, enhancing operational efficiencies, and aligning audit practices with evolving business and technology landscapes.
At Aon, DeAndre has been instrumental in leading comprehensive audits over various business operations, system implementations, system development life cycle, and enterprise technology applications. His role involves performing reviews of operations and technology using agile methodology to efficiently deliver results and increase enterprise stakeholder value. His work also integrates data analytics and visualization tools like PowerQuery and Power BI to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
DeAndre is committed to innovation in internal audit, championing the use of automation, agile practices, and cloud technologies to modernize audit execution and elevate stakeholder engagement. Known for his analytical rigor, collaborative mindset, and results-oriented leadership, he fosters strong partnerships across business units and geographies.
He holds multiple certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and is a member of professional organizations such as ISACA, the Institute of Internal Auditors, Scrum Alliance, and Becker Professional Education.
DeAndre has also contributed to the professional community through mentoring and academic engagement, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and leadership development.
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Jamillah Shakoor is a licensed CPA in Illinois with over a decade of experience in risk management and cybersecurity. Currently, Jamillah is an Information Security & Technology Risk Analyst, Sr. at Old National Bank, managing the Information Security’s Issues and Exception Management program. Previously, Jamillah worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), LLP, leading projects related to cybersecurity controls, third-party vendor implementation, and SOX testing.
Jamillah holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Excelsior University, a Master of Science in Accounting from Dominican University, and a Bachelor of Art in Economics from the University of Michigan. She also holds several certifications, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
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📅 Date: June 26, 2025
🕕 Time: 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Venue: 30 S Wacker Dr, Suite 3300 [RSM Floor]
Chicago, IL, 60606
CPE: 2 CPE Credits will be earned by participating in this event.
Registration: FREE.
Registered participants will receive a QR Code to access the RSM space. Please bring along a government-issued ID.
Note: ISACA members are requested to register with the same email ID as that in their ISACA profile for direct CPE uploads.
Click on the Register Now button below for more information and to register for the in-person event.