About Us
We are a team of professionals
Our Story
Hands-On Training That Evolves Cyber Skills
We launched with a mission to close the cybersecurity skills gap through immersive training focused on real-world expertise. Our customized programs deliver hands-on learning experiences that evolve workforces with the latest tactics needed to defend critical assets.
Meet Our Founders
Rita Whitfield
Co-Founder, CEO, Head of Training
As the CEO of I-Tek Academy, Rita has over 25 years of experience in the IT arena. Her areas of expertise range from many different categories from Networking, Cyber Security, Database Administration, Cloud, Auditing, and IT Management, in a variety of industries such as tech companies, tech schools, government, and banks to name a few. Her passion for teaching goes beyond just being in a classroom environment; it extends to helping others gain the confidence level and skill set that the IT market is looking for.
The Mission of I-Tek Academy is to redesign how individuals are trained for the workplace. By switching the direction of training to provide more hands-on training and troubleshooting, candidates are prepared to tackle the job the right way. This will bring new ideas and passion to the workplace.
Less than 25% of the Cybersecurity workforce are represented by women. As the CEO of I-Tek Academy, Rita’s personal goal is to change the perception that Cybersecurity is a male-dominated industry and to help aspiring women who may be interested in career opportunities in Cybersecurity.
Alice Peek
Co-Founder, COO, Head of Operations
Alice Peek, a founding member of I-Tek Academy, is focused on helping bring quality training to the technology and cybersecurity space. As the owner of an IT consulting business, she brings over 25 years of real-world experience to the business as well as 16 years of IT teaching experience for various schools in the Maryland area.
Having held education director positions for career schools in Maryland she has the skillset to oversee the operations and curriculum, staying current with the needs of the public and private sector.
Her passion for all things technology is balanced by her philanthropic side. Alice is a co-founder of Companion Bridge, a nonprofit aiding people financially with medical needs for their companion animals. She is also a board member for Appalachian Great Pyrenees rescue a nonprofit based in Virginia that helps care for and unite Great Pyrenees dogs with prospective new homes.
Our Values
Expertise
We continuously advance our curriculum with insights from the frontlines to teach highly specialized skills.
Customization
Each program is tailored to an organization’s unique infrastructure, use cases, and cyber priorities.
Flexibility
Mix and match our modular offerings for a plan that fits your schedule and goals.
Accessibility
Hands-on labs and virtual training make our education available online or in-person
agility
We rapidly integrate feedback to refine programs aligned to evolving challenges.
Partnership
Our specialists collaborate with you to maximize workforce capability needs.
Why choose us
The Skills to Outmaneuver Tomorrow’s Threats, Today
We strengthen cyber talent with deeply specialized hands-on training refined from real-world expertise – giving organizations the adaptive skills needed to outpace threats.
