Reflecting on My Journey
As a Women in Tech Global Awards 2025 winner, what does this recognition mean to you, and how does it reflect your journey and impact in tech?
This recognition is deeply meaningful to me because it represents far more than a title. It reflects a journey grounded in resilience, purpose, and impact. As a Black woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a technology leader who often found herself as the only one in the room, this award affirms a truth I have always believed: “Excellence and authenticity can and do coexist.”
It honors not only my work across cybersecurity, AI ethics, and technology leadership but also my commitment to opening doors for others, particularly women and underrepresented communities. This recognition reinforces my belief that “Technology is most powerful when it is inclusive, ethical, and centered on people.”
Tech Industry's Most Rewarding Aspects
In your experience, what is the most rewarding aspect of working in the tech industry, and how has it influenced your career path?
The most rewarding aspect of working in tech is its ability to create real, scalable change. Technology has the power to protect people, expand access to opportunity, and solve challenges that impact entire communities. As I often say, “Technology should not just move fast, it should move people forward.”
That belief has shaped my career path, from leading cybersecurity and technology strategy at the executive level to building frameworks, products, and educational tools that blend innovation with equity and ethics. For me, tech is not just about systems and code. “It is about trust, responsibility, and long-term impact.”
My Tech Career Milestone
Could you share a defining moment or a key achievement in your tech career that has been particularly impactful or meaningful to you?
A defining moment in my career was stepping into executive leadership roles where I was responsible not only for securing systems but also for shaping culture, policy, and future-ready strategy. Being trusted to lead as a CIO, CISO, and now VP of Technology affirmed something important to me: “Leadership is not about fitting in, it is about standing firm in vision and courage.”
Equally meaningful has been creating initiatives and intellectual property, including AI ethics frameworks and educational programs, that empower the next generation to engage with technology responsibly. Seeing students, professionals, and communities benefit from that work has reinforced my belief that “Impact is measured by who rises after you.”
Empowering Women in Tech: Real Stories, Career Advice, and Tips
From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to women aspiring to establish a successful career in tech?
First, own your expertise and your voice. Confidence is not built by waiting for perfection: “Confidence is built in motion.” Invest in both technical depth and leadership skills; communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence are just as critical as technical knowledge.
Seek mentors and sponsors, but also learn to advocate for yourself. Do not wait to feel ready, “Readiness is earned by showing up anyway.” Most importantly, remember that your perspective is a strength. Diversity in thought, background, and experience is not a barrier in tech. “It is a competitive advantage.”
Who would you recommend to join the WomenTech Network, and why?
I would recommend the WomenTech Network to accomplished and emerging leaders who are shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity. Leaders such as Octavia Howell, CISO at Equifax Canada, Tia Hopkins, Chief Cyber Resilience Officer and Field CISO at eSentire, and Candace Williams, Associate Director of Cybersecurity Leadership at Raytheon, exemplify the impact, credibility, and leadership the WomenTech Network represents.
Each of these leaders brings deep expertise, influence, and a strong commitment to advancing the industry while creating pathways for others. Their presence strengthens not only the network but the broader tech ecosystem, reinforcing the belief that when experienced leaders show up in the community, collective progress accelerates.
Level Up Your Journey at the Women in Tech Global Conference 2026
If you enjoyed reading this interview and want to dive even deeper into inspiring stories, breakthrough ideas, and real-world leadership insights, you’ll love our Women in Tech Global Conference 2026. 🌍
Join us and hear from 650+ speakers shaping the future of tech, leadership, innovation, and impact.
Secure your spot today with a Global Conference ticket — or elevate your experience by joining as a Women in Tech Professional Member.