I3@USD-Fall 2025

F or Taylor Wong ’19 (CS), blending a career in cybersecurity with a passion for music isn’t a contradiction — it’s a calling. Now a senior product manager at Microsoft, working on the Customer Experience Engineering Team for Microsoft Threat Protection, Wong lives in Vancouver, Washington,

“There weren’t many women in CS, and I wanted to change that,” she says. Her time at USD built the confidence she now channels into both boardrooms and ballads. “I used to be afraid to show the emotional side of me,” Wong reflects.

Back home, Wong has kept the momentum going with local shows in Portland and a 45-minute set at Wieden+Kennedy’s “Tiny Nest” series. She started collaborating with a band, growing as a performer and embracing the title of singer songwriter. At the University of San Diego,

and spends her days navigating complex technical landscapes. But when the workday ends, she steps into a different spotlight: one Melodies and Meaning filled with microphones, melodies and meaning. Music has always been part of Wong was an extraordinary leader in computer science (CS), serving on the Mortar Board and as an officer for the Association for Computer Machiners. “Now I realize that authenticity is why we do what we do.” Whether in cybersecurity or on stage, Taylor Wong is a reminder that we all hold multitudes — and every part deserves to be heard.

Wong’s life. “I’ve been writing songs since I was 7,” she says. “I usually start with a poem, and compose the arrangement, then add a melody.” A move to Portland, Oregon, introduced her to a vibrant artistic scene; and in July 2024, she entered a recording studio for the first time. It was intimidating, but transformative. “They dimmed the lights so I couldn’t see anyone,” she laughs. “It helped me open up.” In just a few short months, Wong released five singles and caught the attention of Patrick Bradley from Bradley School of Music. A spontaneous cover of an Ariana Grande song posted online led to an invitation to submit her music for a global opportunity. The result? Wong, now known artistically as Taylor Alyssa, was one of four American artists selected to perform at China’s Red Note Global Village Musical Festival — her first international trip beyond Canada and Mexico. The Valentine’s Day event was televised live to an audience of thousands.