About Buckeye Sentinel
Cybersecurity should belong to everyone.
We're a Columbus-based nonprofit on a mission to make high-quality digital protection accessible to every Ohio organization serving the public good.
Our story
Cybersecurity is one of the biggest unspoken inequalities in tech. Enterprises spend millions protecting themselves, while the nonprofits, startups, and small businesses serving their communities are left exposed — often with the same sensitive data and a fraction of the resources.
Buckeye Sentinel was founded to close that gap in Ohio. We believe the organizations doing the most good shouldn't have to be the most vulnerable. From the food bank running on outdated software to the small clinic worried about HIPAA compliance, every Ohio org deserves real protection — not a watered-down version.
We're a nonprofit because our mission demands it. Every dollar we earn goes back into expanding access, training the next generation of defenders, and keeping Ohio's mission-driven organizations safe.
Our mission
Protect Ohio's mission-driven organizations.
We empower Ohio's startups, nonprofits, and small-to-medium businesses by providing high-quality, affordable cybersecurity services that protect their digital assets and ensure operational resilience.
Our vision
Cybersecurity equality across Ohio.
To be the premier catalyst for cybersecurity equality — ensuring high-end digital protection is a standard resource for every Ohio organization serving the public good.
What we stand for.
Four values guide every engagement and decision we make.
Accessibility
High-quality cybersecurity shouldn't be a luxury. We meet organizations where they are — budget, expertise, and all.
Clarity
Security is intimidating enough. We translate complex risks into plain language so leaders can make informed decisions.
Community
We exist to serve the organizations serving Ohio. Every engagement strengthens the broader community, not just one client.
Investment in people
We train the next generation of defenders through our clinic, talks, and educational programs — building Ohio's cybersecurity workforce.
Meet the founder.
Founder & Executive Director
Sonali Johri
With over six years of experience — including securing critical infrastructure at the Federal Reserve — she founded Buckeye Sentinel to bring elite-level digital vigilance to the organizations who need it most.
Her background in Security Engineering and SOC Operations is driven by a deep interest in threat intelligence and the challenge of outmaneuvering modern adversaries. She specializes in building resilient, ironclad security landscapes that turn technical vulnerabilities into strategic strengths.
At a Glance
- Experience:6+ years (Federal Reserve & private sector)
- Specialties:Security Engineering, SOC Operations, Threat Intelligence
- Mission:Proactive oversight for secure, uninterrupted growth
Want to learn more?
Whether you need protection, partnership, or just have questions — we'd love to talk.