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 profoundly meaningful because it represents more than a title or an award. It is a reflection of a journey that began with doubt and difficulty, and has been shaped by resilience, perseverance, and service. Early in my life, I was told I would never amount to anything. Those words could have defined me, but instead they became fuel. They pushed me to prove that success is not about perfection, but about showing up consistently, learning from setbacks, and choosing to serve others.
Standing here as a Lifetime Achievement Award winner and Gold Winner for Cybersecurity Leader of the Year is not about personal achievement. It is about the impact of helping others find their voice, protecting communities through cybersecurity education, and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked. This recognition reflects the countless students I have taught, the professionals I have mentored, and the communities I have served. It is a reminder that our legacy is measured not by what we achieve alone, but by the lives we touch along the way.
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 technology is the ability to empower people. Technology is not just about systems and code. It is about trust, safety, and the human experience. In cybersecurity, every framework I design and every campaign I lead is ultimately about protecting people and enabling them to thrive in a digital world.
This perspective has influenced my career path in profound ways. It led me to focus on education, because knowledge is the most powerful form of protection. It inspired me to advocate for diversity and inclusion, because resilience is stronger when it is shared across different voices and perspectives. And it guided me toward leadership roles where I could translate technical risk into business impact, helping organizations see that cybersecurity is not a cost center but a foundation for trust and growth.
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?
One defining moment was when I published Hood to Hooded, a book that told my story of resilience and transformation. Sharing that journey publicly was not easy, but it opened doors for others who felt unseen or underestimated. I began receiving messages from women, students, and professionals who said, “Your story gave me hope.” That was when I realized that storytelling is as powerful as technical expertise.
Another key achievement was creating the Cyber Resilience Compass, a framework designed to help organizations identify their crown jewels and apply the CIA Triad to protect them. Seeing this tool used by executives to make informed decisions reminded me that impact comes from bridging technical rigor with accessible communication. These moments were not just milestones in my career. They were reminders that my purpose is to serve, to educate, and to empower others to rise.
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?
My advice is simple but powerful: you do not have to be perfect to make a difference. Too often, women in tech feel the pressure to prove themselves by being flawless. The truth is, success comes from showing up, learning continuously, and treating people well.
Practical tips include seeking mentors who will challenge you, but also being willing to mentor others. Build resilience by embracing mistakes as lessons rather than failures. Do not be afraid to take the long way around. I am living proof that late bloomers can thrive.
Another essential tip is to find your voice and use it to influence and advocate. There is no such thing as a voiceless woman. It is only those who choose not to hear her, or those who try to silence her. The truth is, we do not have to pass a test to have a voice. Your perspective matters, and your voice carries power whether you are speaking in a classroom, a boardroom, or on a global stage. When women claim their voice, they not only shape their own careers but also open doors for others who are watching and waiting for permission to rise.
Who would you recommend to join the WomenTech Network, and why?
I would recommend anyone who believes in the power of community and diversity in technology. Students who are just beginning their journey, professionals who want to grow, and leaders who want to give back all belong here. The WomenTech Network is not just an organization. It is a movement that connects people across the globe, amplifies voices that need to be heard, and creates opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Joining this network means becoming part of something larger than yourself. It means finding mentors, allies, and friends who will walk with you on your journey. And it means contributing to a collective impact that will shape the future of technology for generations to come.
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