From Insecurity to Cybersecurity: A Personal Journey of Empowerment and Transformation
I was healing emotionally and mentally when I shifted my career to cybersecurity. I had been laid off from what I believed was my dream job, which would provide so much for me and my family. To say it was a hard blow would be an understatement. I spent the summer of 2020 in denial, pursuing similar roles, ignoring my gut feeling that warehouse operations weren't for me. Nothing clicked amid the societal unrest and political upheaval that marked that summer. Feeling overwhelmed, I retreated, taking time to introspect and come to terms with my situation.
By fall, it was evident that the lifestyle I had built while working for my previous employer was no longer sustainable. At 31, I moved back into my parent's home, where I could regroup and strategize to regain my independence and reliability. Little did I know this move would reveal layers of fears, pain, and discomfort, which I'd buried beneath my busy school and work life.
Confronted with my deepest insecurities, I allowed myself to acknowledge my vulnerabilities. I pursued therapy alongside technical skills, recognizing that my mindset had led me to accept and maintain employment and relationships that did not serve me well. I realized how my life choices had adversely impacted me and sought to change my current situation and ensure I didn't repeat my past mistakes.
The more I grew conscious and aware, the more I became intrigued by the workings of the brain. I found parallels between neurological and computational processes. The more I delved into it, the more I understood this similarity wasn't coincidental. Instagram content creator Donye Taylor suggested our brains are like computers. But my more profound realization is that computers are modeled after our brains.
One commonality between neuroscience and computer science is that both are often viewed as specialized fields, perceived as too complex for the average person or person of color to comprehend without significant academic commitment.
My journey contradicts this belief. Despite the lack of a consistent definition or standard body of knowledge, I grasped the foundations of cybersecurity, a subset of computer science, through my understanding of insecurity and vulnerability. My focus on understanding and improving my interpersonal communication formed the foundation for my rapid knowledge of web applications, network traffic, and other technical concepts, often considered the exclusive domain of white men and, more recently, white women.
Even when my communicative abilities are dismissed as soft and consequently less valuable by those who lack practical communication skills, I have learned to view this unique approach as a competitive advantage. I aim to share this creative learning method, as traditional knowledge systems no longer suffice. We can no longer rely on the validation of those who historically held power to determine our capacity to understand the basic principles of our existence or the technologies rapidly transforming our world and influencing the quality of our lives.
Unlocking Potential: A Call to Empower Black Women in Cybersecurity and Technology
The influx of messages from black women in my Instagram inbox has been truly inspiring. It's an undeniable signal: they're seeking advocates in the cybersecurity and technology domains who can articulate their unique experiences and challenges. The narrative has often been suppressed by the imposter syndrome, an ingrained fear that hampers our potential to share our stories, and thus contribute to the diversity and inclusion that these fields greatly need.
Black women have long been sidelined in technology-related roles, an issue that demands immediate attention. The rapid evolution of technology presents both challenges and opportunities, and without our active involvement, we risk being disproportionately affected. It's my mission to enable black women to cultivate expertise in emerging technologies, preparing them for high-demand roles, and empowering them to adapt to the relentless pace of digital transformation.
Despite enduring marginalization in America and globally, I envision a future where the inherent creativity, ingenuity, and collectivism of black women are acknowledged. We are inherent technologists, equipped with experiential qualifications and the technical skills needed to tackle the problems that not only affect us but resonate with everyone, especially those facing oppression worldwide.
Our journey towards liberation has always hinged on our ability to defend and express our freedom within systematic logic. Today, it's essential that we not just adapt to, but also master the digital systems that shape our lives on a substantive and normative level.
We, as daughters, mothers, sisters, wives, friends, and founders, have always been the backbone of society, nurturing and maintaining it even when exploited. When we choose to engineer our own solutions, we generate value that transcends generations and ultimately benefits the world.
This significant point, often concealed through various means, is not lost on me. It's time for us to reclaim our rightful space in the tech industry, turning challenges into opportunities and shaping a future where black women are at the forefront of technological innovation.
This blog post is dedicated to the memory of Bruce Kaalund, a distinguished veteran, respected cybersecurity leader at Visa, and cherished mentor. Bruce was not only a champion for black representation in emerging technology, but also a steadfast ally and advocate in the corporate world. He provided invaluable sponsorship to countless black women starting their careers, actively promoting not just their right to be present in these spaces, but also their growth and development. His legacy will continue to inspire us to break down barriers and to make our rightful mark in the tech industry. Bruce, your wisdom and advocacy will never be forgotten.