“Two years ago, I was a newcomer in this field, aspiring to become a cloud security engineer. Without looking back, I relentlessly pursued my goal. It’s remarkable how much can change with time, focus, and effort”- she reflected.
You see, Jacklyne Mbuthia used to be a software developer until she underwent an important surgery that would keep her out of work for six months. Those 6 months of recuperation became a turning point for her career as she transitioned into cybersecurity through the CyberGirls Fellowship.
“I’d work on my assignments in hospital waiting rooms and attend the virtual classes during my physiotherapy sessions.” she said.
“The intensive CyberGirls Program is transformative, every aspect is well thought out. I experienced a beautiful sisterhood with girls from all over Africa. My cyber sisters are still my accountability partners to date. My Mentor, Sonya M was so instrumental as I built my cybersecurity foundation. Both my technical skills and soft skills were honed. Graduating as the top performer was a testament to my dedication and perseverance.”
“After the fellowship, my social media advocacy led to a job offer as a multi-cloud security engineer, a role that felt surreal. In 2023, aiming to give back and create impact, I co-founded APIFestival to promote collaboration between software developers and cybersecurity professionals, attracting over 500 attendees, marking a proud achievement. I volunteer as a Cloud Security Technical Trainer at AfricaHackon, under the mentorship of Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor, which has significantly contributed to my professional development. Additionally, my involvement with CyberGirls Fellowship grew from a participant to the Alumni Community Manager (until January, 2024), enhancing my appreciation for their work in Africa. I’ve also been recognized as one of the top 100 women in cybersecurity in Africa, a testament to my career growth and societal impact.”
“Having had my experience in the field, I am not blind to the challenges women face as a minority but seeing incredible women who have gone before me thrive in their careers, inspires me to keep going. Proof that women are more than diversity hires, we are catalysts of growth.”
she concluded, “I am a CyberGirl, my resilience is unmatched!”
CyberGirls Fellowship is Africa’s largest cybersecurity training and mentionship program for women. An initiative of CyberSafe Foundation
