“How Cybergirls Fellowship Empowered Me To Purse My Passion and Actualize It”
Purity Njeri Gachuhi
Read purity’s story below, and share lessons learned in the comments 👇
“I’m Purity Njeri Gachuhi, a Certified Penetration Tester and Cybersecurity Professional currently lecturing at the eMobilis Technology Institute in Nairobi. My cybersecurity journey began during my Mathematics and Computing bachelor’s degree, during which I envisioned a career path in either Networking, Artificial Intelligence, or Security. On entering the workforce, I initially explored networking and IT support. However, my true passion lies in securing digital landscapes, which led me to explore cybersecurity.
I discovered the CyberGirls Fellowship through a friend, and despite the challenge of balancing it with my full-time role, I persevered by establishing a well-thought-out schedule, ensuring I could fully engage in both work and studies.
The CyberGirls Fellowship not only provided an abundance of learning resources but also granted exclusive access to masterclasses and webinars, focusing on honing essential soft skills for corporate success. One of the most valuable skills acquired was learning to create a personal brand and creating visibility for the brand. This transformative skill has significantly influenced my career approach, leading to opportunities like my current role, which I secured through recognition on LinkedIn.
Beyond the educational aspect, CyberGirls bestowed a lasting sense of community. Even after graduating in October 2022, the support and networking opportunities from this community have been instrumental in furthering my cybersecurity journey. With the aid of the Cybersafe Foundation’s examination vouchers and membership vouchers, I earned certifications in cybersecurity by ISC² and junior penetration testing (eJPT) by INE.
This journey has allowed me to collaborate with fellow CyberGirls, creating a strong network of empowered women in a field often dominated by men. The continuous support and growth within this community have not only shaped my professional trajectory but also underscored the importance of solidarity among women in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.”
