Opeyemi Ajakaye-Maku #HerCybrStory

Enjoy Opeyemi Ajakay-Maku‘s  #HerCyberStory belowhashtag;

“Just a few days ago, I found myself in an international meeting at 7am (WAT) with a client and one of my bosses, all while getting my one-year-old daughter dressed and ready for daycare and making sure not to set the house on fire while cooking breakfast. This scenario may sound all too familiar to many working mothers out there.

I could continue with countless relatable real-life experiences of my own and other women about the immense challenge of managing a home while pursuing a fulfilling career. In my case, I’m fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my husband and the CyberSafe Foundation.

From the outset of the CyberGirls fellowship, we underwent training in critical life skills such as time management, balancing personal and professional needs, acknowledging our worth as equals to our counterparts, and having the resilience to tackle daunting tasks head-on. We engaged with other women who had walked the same path and emerged successful, both nationally and internationally.

Some of these accomplished women served as guest speakers, while others mentored us. During the program, I was fortunate to have two mentors: Confidence Staveley and Abeer Khedr. These remarkable women, with impressive backgrounds, shared their experiences, which were far from easy.

My initial conversation with Abeer encouraged me to embrace the reality that it’s okay to be a mother who aspires for more and desires to maintain relevance in her career. She also taught me the importance of seeking help from others. Additionally, I learned from Abeer that my legal expertise is valuable in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), where many technical cybersecurity professionals struggle with compliance documentation.

From Confidence Staveley, I learned to discard excuses and seek assistance when needed to fully show up for my commitments. I also gained insight into the significance of supporting other women in pursuing their dreams.

Thanks to the CyberSafe Foundation , I’ve acquired numerous cybersecurity skills that are globally relevant. The financial opportunities afforded by these skills are boundless and have already begun to materialize.

Choosing a career in Cybersecurity has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. Here’s why:
1. It’s a globally relevant career path.
2. Remote work opportunities are available, making it ideal for mothers and married women.
3. It’s financially rewarding, although not immediately (like most careers), but opportunities will come with time.

My advice to others would be:
1.     Dedication and consistency are key to growth in cybersecurity.
2.     You also need to be ready to research and learn. I have encountered many people expressing interest in #cybersecurityhashtag, but few are willing to put in the time to study. “