[Podcast] HaystackID in the EDRM Illumination Zone: Stephanie Wienke, Security Specialist

Editor’s Note: In this episode of the EDRM Illumination Zone podcast, Stephanie Wienke, Security Specialist at HaystackID®, shares her inspiring journey from teaching high school English to becoming a leader in cybersecurity. Through candid storytelling, Wienke explains how her curiosity and drive to grow transformed her role as a receptionist at NightOwl Global into a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in security. She also highlights the unexpected ways her English and creative writing background have given her a unique edge in the field, from crafting clear security messaging to building trust across teams. The conversation, hosted by EDRM’s Kaylee Walstad and Mary Mack, dives into the impact of mentorship. Wienke expresses gratitude for the guidance she’s received from HaystackID colleagues like Michael Cammack. Don’t miss this episode for an insightful look at the power of curiosity, collaboration, and mentorship in shaping a successful career in cybersecurity.


[Podcast] HaystackID in the EDRM Illumination Zone: Stephanie Wienke, Security Specialist

By HaystackID Staff

This EDRM Illumination Zone podcast took listeners on a fascinating journey from the classroom to the world of cybersecurity. Stephanie Wienke, Security Specialist at HaystackID®, shared her story of transitioning from teaching high school English to discovering a whole new career path as a receptionist at NightOwl Global. What began as a role answering phones and greeting visitors quickly turned into a front-row seat to the intricate puzzle of eDiscovery. Her curiosity and drive to grow eventually led her to a role in security, where she found her passion for combining analytical skills with creative problem-solving. 

During Wienke’s conversation with podcast hosts Mary Mack and Kaylee Walstad, she brought her unique perspective to life, showing how an English and creative writing background can bring unexpected strengths to the security field. Whether she’s breaking down audit criteria for departments or crafting clear, engaging security messaging, her ability to communicate complex ideas shines through. Her knack for storytelling makes her security work not only impactful but also relatable, bridging gaps and building trust across teams. 

Mentorship was another key highlight, as Wienke spoke with energy and gratitude about the guidance she’s received from HaystackID’s VP of IT and Security, Michael Cammack, and her colleagues. From her first foray into vendor security assessments to now leading critical audits, she’s grown into her role with the support of mentors who’ve helped her turn tasks into strategies and challenges into learning opportunities. Listen to the full episode to learn about the power of curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace change.  

More About Stephanie Wienke

Stephanie Wienke is a Security Specialist at HaystackID, where she manages compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, and HITRUST r2, oversees internal audits, and leads the company’s security awareness and policy acknowledgment programs. Wienke also administers third-party vendor security assessments, drafts, and revises policies, and creates standard operating procedures to ensure audit compliance. A Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) through IAPP, Wienke brings specialized data privacy and security expertise. Before HaystackID, she worked as a billing and administrative assistant at NightOwl Global and taught high school English, including courses in literature and composition. Her background in education and administration provides a unique perspective, blending analytical and communication skills to address complex security challenges.


From English teacher to security specialist, learn about HaystackID's Stephanie Wienke's career journey on the EDRM Illumination Zone podcast.


The podcast is available on your favorite listening app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Play. The podcast is available on the EDRM website and is provided below for convenience.



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About the Electronic Discovery Reference Model

Empowering the global leaders of e-discovery, the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) creates practical global resources to improve e-discovery, privacy, security, and information governance. Since 2005, EDRM has delivered leadership, standards, tools, guides, and test datasets to strengthen best practices throughout the world. EDRM has an international presence in 136 countries, spanning six continents. EDRM provides an innovative support infrastructure for individuals, law firms, corporations, and government organizations seeking to improve the practice and provision of data and legal discovery with 19 active projects. Learn more at EDRM.net.

About HaystackID®

HaystackID solves complex data challenges related to legal, compliance, regulatory, and cyber events. Core offerings include Global Advisory, Data Discovery Intelligence, HaystackID Core® Platform, and AI-enhanced Global Managed Review powered by its proprietary platform, ReviewRight®. Repeatedly recognized as one of the world’s most trusted legal industry providers by prestigious publishers such as Chambers, Gartner, IDC, and Legaltech News, HaystackID implements innovative cyber discovery, enterprise solutions, and legal and compliance offerings to leading companies and legal practices around the world. HaystackID offers highly curated and customized offerings while prioritizing security, privacy, and integrity. For more information about how HaystackID can help solve unique legal enterprise needs, please visit HaystackID.com.

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Source: HaystackID