Valentina Flores is a recognized leader in modern cybersecurity and inclusive tech leadership.
She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Red Sentry, a proactive cybersecurity company that breaks into your network, so hackers never get the chance. Before working to help protect companies, she served as a detective on joint federal task forces, tracking cybercriminals across digital back-alleys. Now a public speaker on hacker psychology, a two-time award-winning cybersecurity leader, and a fierce advocate for women in tech, Valentina is redefining what leadership looks like in the industry, championing smarter and more accessible security for all.
Under Valentina’s leadership, Red Sentry has grown from the ground up into a multimillion-dollar company protecting over 1,000 organizations. In just four years, she’s led the company through 484% growth, built a partner network of 175+ MSPs and IT providers, and grown the client base by 50% in the last year alone. Red Sentry’s hybrid approach, combining expert-led penetration testing with an intuitive platform, makes cybersecurity accessible to companies of all sizes and industries. Valentina is one of the few women leading a high-growth cybersecurity firm. In a space where less than 2% of venture capital goes to women-led companies, she stands out not only for her results but for her impact. She champions inclusion, mentorship, and equitable access within her team and throughout the industry. Through Red Sentry, Valentina isn’t just scaling a company; she’s redefining what modern, impactful leadership looks like in cybersecurity.
[Q U I C K N O T E S]
- Position: Co-Founder & CEO
- Industry: Cybersecurity, Tech
- Location: Miami, FL, USA
- LinkedIn: Valentina Flores
- Twitter/X: Red Sentry
- Instagram: Red Sentry
- Website: Red Sentry
Valentina, can you start off by telling us about yourself and why you chose security, then entrepreneurship as a career?
I actually started my career in law enforcement, specializing in human trafficking and cybercrime investigations. And while I loved the impact I was making, I became drained with the reactive nature. Also, competitively, I hated being so far behind cybercriminals, in technology available to me, skill, reach, etc. My transition into cybersecurity came when I realized I could use my expertise in criminal psychology to prevent people from becoming victims in the first place—not just respond after the damage was done. That shift in mindset led me to co-found Red Sentry, where we’re able to make a difference proactively and protect companies from these attacks.
Can you tell us what drives you to be successful as a technology & security executive?
I’m driven by passion for our mission and impact, and the fact that I can see real, measurable change. Whether it’s helping businesses avoid breaches or creating space for more women and underrepresented professionals in tech, I’m motivated by the opportunity to fix complicated problems, do things differently, and build something that matters.
Tell us about your vision of your career in the next 2-3 years.
Right now, I’m focused on scaling Red Sentry globally and continuing to make proactive security accessible and available to businesses. Another big part of my career right now is teaching others how they can be secure, both at a corporate and an individual level. I even volunteer with Rotary clubs, retirement communities and youth groups, trying to make cybersecurity principles more understandable and applicable to different groups. Also, I want to expand my work as a speaker and advocate for inclusion in tech, especially around neurodiversity and women in leadership. I love speaking and teaching, and so I’m exploring the impact I can make in those areas, and I’m thankful that Red Sentry gives me the opportunity to reach so many people.
What are one or two accomplishments that you’re proud of?
As a company, I’m incredibly proud of the fact that we have helped secure over 1,000 companies and are seeing real impact with our service. Securing companies is our north star, and it’s so rewarding. As a leader, I was honored to be named on the Entreprenista 100 list this year, which recognizes 100 women for excellence, impact, and innovation in business. That meant so much to me because being a leader can sometimes be very thankless, and you take a lot of burden on yourself, so being recognized for what I’ve built was an honor.
What advice do you have for other up-and-coming technologists or leaders?
Don’t wait for the perfect time, just start. Growth happens through experience, not perfection. Part of my success comes from my co-founder, Alex, who pushed me past perfectionism and encouraged me to just jump in. So surround yourself with people who complement you and push you.
Are you active on social media professionally? If so, what platforms work best for engaging your followers?
Yes! I’m active on LinkedIn and use that platform for thought leadership, idea sharing, and industry collaboration. So please connect with me there!
Who was your most significant influence?
I think my success as an executive and as a leader comes from 2 different places. My mom is my biggest influence in my success as an executive, because she raised me to problem solve, get things done, push forward and succeed. She never complains or dwells or throws pity parties; she just finds the next solution. Alternatively, my husband is who I draw from for leadership. He always puts his team first, and the way people naturally follow him because they trust him is incredible. He really taught me what leadership looks like.
What is the most challenging part of your work as a CEO?
Balancing speed with intention. In a high-growth company, things move fast, but you still have to be thoughtful about culture, people, and long-term vision. It’s a constant balancing act, and there is no right answer, which annoys me as someone who wants things to be clear and exact all the time.
What do you have your sights set on next?
I’m currently writing a book about how neurodivergence can be a superpower in tech, and I’m working on a TEDx talk as well. I’m excited to push these conversations further into the mainstream.
What is a day in your life like?
I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old, so typical morning craziness, but once everyone is out the door, I set clear priorities for the day. Otherwise, I’ll get pulled into 100 different things. I like actually working on things, not just managing, so I separate my time into maker and manager time. Some days, I’m just managing and in 15 meetings back to back; some days, my calendar is blocked, and I work on things that are important to the business. It’s busy, but I thrive in chaos.
Do you have any hobbies?
I have ADHD, so I switch hobbies every few months! But I work on puzzles almost every day after work. It’s a way for me to unwind from the day and reorganize my brain as I transition from work mode into family mode.
What makes you smile?
I’m an adrenaline junkie. My craziest experience was bungeeing off the tallest bridge in the world. I didn’t smile before, but certainly did after. I also love rock climbing, skydiving, whitewater rafting, etc.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anything in nature. My husband and I love travelling, and we’re working on visiting every US state. So far, our favorite has been Montana, because it was the most calming place I’ve ever been.
Other work, published articles, interviews, or accomplishments:
I’m honored to have won 2 awards this year: Entreprenista 100 and a Global Recognition Award for Leadership. I was also named a finalist for a TEDx Talent Showcase, and I’m working on an upcoming TEDx. Although I’m an introvert, I really love teaching and sharing ideas. I frequently speak at conferences and on podcasts, covering topics like hacker psychology, women in tech, and leadership in cybersecurity.
Podcasts
- The Digital Executive Podcast, Valentina Flores
~ Valentina
