2014 Silicon Bayou 100
Most Innovative, influential and active people in tech and entrepreneurship in Louisiana
Ieshea Jones, owner of Direnzic Technology & Consulting, LLC has been named one of the
2014 Silicon Bayou 100, which recognizes the 100 most innovative, influential and active people in tech and entrepreneurship in Louisiana.
After a successful 10 year career as a Senior IT Program Manager at CenturyLink, the nation's third largest telecommunications company, Certified Project Manager Professional (PMP), Jones decided it was time to venture out on her own. In 2011, she started Direnzic, the first and only cyber security solutions and digital forensic company to provide dedicated hands-on personalized services to both government and non-government agencies in Northeast Louisiana.
Direnzic's goal is to increase awareness about cyber threats, as well as help others protect themselves from potential cyber attacks by providing interactive seminars and cutting-edge solutions to mitigate their chances of falling victim to cyber crime. Much of her business operations also encompasses the recovery and investigation of information found in digital devices, often in relation to high-tech crime investigation.
Housed in the Northeast Louisiana Business & Community Development Center (incubator), conveniently located on the campus of University of Louisiana at Monroe, Direnzic has experienced gradual success. Since last year, with the help of the LSBDC at ULM, her clientele has increased by 33% and sales have grown by more than 45%. Jones has spearheaded several major endeavors that have contributed to much of her success which includes the design, development and implementation of a cyber security solution and framework for a large-scale call center designed to employ 300 people, as well as managing a forensics case for one of the top community health centers in South Louisiana, which ultimately saved the company $250,000.
Direnzic is also leading the charge in the newly merging sciences of forensics and cyber security by developing innovative solutions specific to this field. Currently, Jones is developing and designing cybersecurity framework solutions for specific Business Process Models (BPM).
Jones, who has a bachelors in Computer Information Systems and a masters in Project Management, is passionate about her profession and feels that it is incumbent upon her to help pave the way for future professionals. She mentors up-and-coming IT/CS professionals and was integral in starting the local information security organization, InfoSec. As a sought after IT/CS thought-leader and expert, Jones frequently receives requests from University officials to participate in forums, panels, bootcamps and other community engagement activities to share the importance of this growing and ever-changing field. Additionally, Jones and her colleagues at InfoSec are also working to create scholarships for NELA's future IT/CS professionals.
NELA Top 20 Under 40 Young Professionals
In addition to the initiative and leadership displayed when starting and now growing her company, Jones' community involvement and accomplishments are vast. She is a
2014 Northeast Louisiana Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional, graduate of Leadership Ouachita, a Diplomat with the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce and an Ambassador with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
She sits on several boards including the NELA Chapter of Project Management Institute, non-profit Against All Odds and Living Gospel Church. She is also an active member of Infragard, an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S., NELA INFOSEC, NELA Young Professionals and volunteer reader with the NELA United Way.
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