Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Kimma Wreh of Excel TeKay LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kimma Wreh.

Hi Dr. Kimma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I did not take a straight-line path to where I am today, and that has been one of my greatest strengths.

I grew up in Liberia, West Africa, and later built my life and career in the United States. Early on, I was drawn to problem-solving and understanding how systems work, how they break, and how they can be improved. That curiosity led me into technology and cybersecurity, where I have spent more than fifteen years working across complex public and private sector environments, including audit and compliance leadership at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and IT security consulting for ExxonMobil.

Education has always been important to me, so along the way I earned a doctorate in Cybersecurity Analytics and multiple professional certifications, including CISSP, CIA, and numerous CompTIA credentials. Those experiences shaped how I think about risk, scale, and real-world impact.

That background ultimately led me to found Excel TeKay LLC. Through the firm, I work as a cybersecurity leader, the author of two cybersecurity books, and the creator of cybersecurity training programs focused on awareness, prevention, and empowerment. I have seen firsthand how confusing and intimidating cybersecurity can feel, and I wanted to make it more practical and accessible for everyday people and organizations.

Most recently, I launched a new TV show titled Cyber Scams: Don’t Be a Victim. The show builds on my books and training by helping everyday people recognize and avoid real-world cyber scams.

At the same time, I have always had a creative side. After spending my days immersed in IT and cybersecurity, I unwind through fashion and storytelling. This is my way of recharging and expressing a different part of myself. I am the founder and creative director of TeKay Designs, a globally award-winning fashion brand, and the editor in chief of Excel Travel and Style Magazine.

Today, my work sits at the intersection of technology, creativity, and education. Whether I am teaching cybersecurity, writing, designing, or building platforms, my focus is on impact and creating work that protects, informs, and inspires others.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.

One of the biggest turning points for me was leaving Hewlett Packard Enterprise after decades and stepping into entrepreneurship. While it was exciting, it was also challenging. There were periods when income was unpredictable, and there were times when I had to take on side gigs simply to stay afloat and pay the bills.

Another major challenge was balancing work while pursuing my doctorate. Managing a business, working, and completing doctoral coursework required focus, discipline, and sacrifice. My doctoral research involved developing an AI-based intrusion detection system using federated machine learning, and there were moments when the workload felt overwhelming. There were days when I questioned whether I should keep going.

What carried me through those moments was perseverance and the support of my family, especially my mother and two adult children. They consistently encouraged me and reminded me of the same advice I have always shared with them: Do not give up. The journey is not for the fast or the swift, but for those who endure to the end.

Looking back, those challenges strengthened my resilience and shaped how I approach both leadership and entrepreneurship. They taught me how to navigate uncertainty, remain focused under pressure, and continue moving forward even when the path was not clear.

As you know, we’re big fans of Excel TeKay LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the core of my work is Excel TeKay LLC, a cybersecurity consulting and training firm focused on making cybersecurity practical, understandable, and actionable. I work as a virtual Chief Information Security Officer and cybersecurity consultant, as well as an author and educator, helping individuals, small businesses, and organizations better understand risk and protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.

What I specialize in is translating complex cybersecurity concepts into clear guidance that people can actually use. I am known for bridging the gap between highly technical security work and everyday decision-making, whether through consulting engagements, training programs, books, or media.

What sets Excel TeKay apart is that the work is deeply human-centered. Cybersecurity can feel intimidating and overwhelming, and my goal has always been to remove fear and replace it with clarity and confidence. I focus on education, prevention, and empowerment, not just tools or compliance checklists.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of building a platform that reflects both credibility and accessibility. I have authored two cybersecurity books, Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners and Cyber Scams: Don’t Be a Victim, with the latter becoming an Amazon best seller in 2025. I also created a State of Texas–approved cybersecurity awareness training course for state and local government employees. Whether someone is a business leader, a professional, or an everyday user trying to stay safe online, my brand is designed to meet them where they are. Most recently, I expanded that mission through my TV show Cyber Scams: Don’t Be a Victim, which brings real-world cybersecurity awareness to a broader audience.

Together, all of my work reflects a commitment to impact, education, and creating spaces where people feel informed, empowered, and inspired.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Liberia, I lived a fairly sheltered and structured life by the beach. I was driven to school each day, and my parents placed a strong emphasis on education. My father often reminded me that education is an investment in yourself, and that message stayed with me from an early age.

Growing up, I was quiet and studious. From elementary school through high school, I was a straight-A student and consistently on the honor roll. I enjoyed learning and I was happiest when I was reading or studying.

That peaceful childhood changed when Liberia fell into civil war. My family and I lost everything, and life as I knew it was completely disrupted. Fortunately, I was accepted into Howard University in Washington, DC, which gave me the opportunity to leave Liberia and continue my education. That transition marked a defining turning point in my life and shaped the resilience, focus, and determination that still guide me today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://exceltekay.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimmawrehpublicfigure
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimma-wreh/