I am Hilary Benjamin Szanto, a cybersecurity and IT specialist with 15+ years supporting secure, technology-rich learning environments. My career as a Media Technology Specialist at The School at Columbia University has me coordinating backend systems, device deployment, faculty training, and networked classroom technologies, all while upholding high-trust standards for student data safety. I recently completed a cybersecurity bootcamp and am pursuing a Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Certificate, combining education and media to protect users and systems in schools and other high-impact settings. I love translating complex tech into practical tools for educators and students, and I am passionate about building resilient, inclusive, and secure learning environments.

Hilary Benjamin Szanto

I am Hilary Benjamin Szanto, a cybersecurity and IT specialist with 15+ years supporting secure, technology-rich learning environments. My career as a Media Technology Specialist at The School at Columbia University has me coordinating backend systems, device deployment, faculty training, and networked classroom technologies, all while upholding high-trust standards for student data safety. I recently completed a cybersecurity bootcamp and am pursuing a Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Certificate, combining education and media to protect users and systems in schools and other high-impact settings. I love translating complex tech into practical tools for educators and students, and I am passionate about building resilient, inclusive, and secure learning environments.

Available to hire

I am Hilary Benjamin Szanto, a cybersecurity and IT specialist with 15+ years supporting secure, technology-rich learning environments. My career as a Media Technology Specialist at The School at Columbia University has me coordinating backend systems, device deployment, faculty training, and networked classroom technologies, all while upholding high-trust standards for student data safety.

I recently completed a cybersecurity bootcamp and am pursuing a Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Certificate, combining education and media to protect users and systems in schools and other high-impact settings. I love translating complex tech into practical tools for educators and students, and I am passionate about building resilient, inclusive, and secure learning environments.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Media Technology Specialist at The School at Columbia University
December 31, 2024 - October 16, 2025
Co-managed and secured IT infrastructure for 600+ K–8 students, faculty, and staff in a high-trust academic setting. Led imaging, deployment, and lifecycle management of student and faculty laptops, tablets, and AV equipment; administered backend systems and classroom AV integrations; trained faculty on software platforms; enforced data safety protocols and COPPA/CIPA compliance; supported remote learning infrastructure and cross-functional technology planning; contributed to media production workflows and archival initiatives.
Planner at The Romann Group
December 31, 2007 - October 16, 2025
Developed branding and UX concepts for a startup media channel; scripted and built a Flash-based promotional website.
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Media Studies at The New School
December 31, 2007 - October 16, 2025
Assisted with media studies coursework, labs, and student guidance; supported teaching activities and grading.
Administrative Support (Various Roles) at Columbia University
December 31, 2007 - October 16, 2025
Managed media logistics for HR onboarding and staff training; audited and updated over 500 patent records for Columbia's technology office; supported administrative functions across technology operations.

Education

Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Certificate at Columbia Engineering
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
Security+ Certification at CompTIA
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
M.S. Knowledge Strategy & Digital Resource Management at Columbia University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
M.A. Media Studies at The New School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
B.A. American Studies & Film at Brandeis University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2002

Qualifications

Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Certificate
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
Security+ Certification
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services