Cathy Pedrayes MCM’22, lifestyle expert and TikTok Mom Friend with over 2.3 million followers, has had quite an eventful year, and it’s only March. Cathy is finishing up her Master of Communication and Media (MCM) degree at SC&I this spring, she had a baby boy, and her new book, “The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety and Security: Tips from the Practical One in Your Squad,” published by Simon & Schuster, has just been released. Cathy took time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions.

SC&I: Congratulations, Cathy—the SC&I community is so proud of you! Tell us a little about your book.

CP: Thank you! “The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety and Security” is a quick guide to all the safety tips you wish someone had told you sooner so you can be better prepared for whatever life throws your way. Whether traveling, moving into a new home, or navigating risks online, “The Mom Friend Guide” shares practical tips that are easy to implement.

SC&I: Who are the primary audiences for this book, and how do you hope readers will benefit from reading the book?

CP: While women tend to relate to my safety tips the most, the advice is for anyone. Some of the recommendations in the book may resonate with things you’ve heard parents say in the past but what I think is unique is that this book includes safety on social media and cybersecurity best practices. With digital privacy and cybercriminals increasingly making headline news, the straightforward tips I provide in the book help you avoid falling victim to some of the most common tactics. 

SC&I: What impact do you hope the book makes?

CP: When it comes to safety, it’s easy for people to become fearful of the unknown, but my book sheds light on some of those unknowns so that instead of being fearful, you feel empowered. And that’s my goal—to empower people to feel knowledgeable when they’re making decisions about what they share online, booking a solo trip, or moving into a new home. 

SC&I: What part did SC&I play in the development of your book?

CP: As part of the MCM program, SC&I helped refine my video storytelling skills, which prompted this book. In addition, in the illuminating course Media Theory with instructor Alptug Okten, we discussed themes dealing with privacy and cybersecurity, which are a big part of the book.

Image: Courtesy of Cathy Pedrayes MCM’22