“Master of Your Destiny”
Many years ago when I was a girl, a wise man gave me advice that I found so true and powerful that I remind myself of it whenever I face a daunting life challenge.
He said, “One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.”
Okay, so I was an adult, and the wise man was Master Oogway, the ancient turtle from Kung Fu Panda, but it’s still a powerful proverb. When I started college, I was encouraged to choose career in medicine. Women, I was told, should be nurturers. And, yes, many women are naturally wonderful nurturers, but we have so much more to offer. Unfortunately, I believed people when they told me I would not be good with technology.
After years bouncing around unhappily in the medical field, I returned to school for a technology degree when my husband suggested my love for math, logic, and problem solving would make it an ideal fit for me. A professor introduced me to NCL, and I disappeared down rabbit holes trying to learn all about this new world. But where I often felt alone on this path at first, I have now found this supportive NCL Community, where we can achieve a new standard in our field where everyone is valued equally and celebrated as individuals.
Women in cybersecurity face many challenges. Despite the industry’s growth, there is still a significant gender pay gap. Women often face discrimination and bias in STEM fields resulting in many women doubting their own abilities. I have been there. I have missed out on opportunities and promotions in favor of less-qualified men, and I have been paid lower wages than male counterparts just starting at the same role where I have been working for several years.
However, I am here to tell you that just because this is how it has always been, does not mean it has to continue. Together, we can make a better place for ourselves and for the women who come after us. One of the most significant challenges we face as women in cybersecurity is the lack of representation. This underrepresentation can lead to feelings of isolation, exposure to harassment, and a dearth of female mentors.
To share my passion for cybersecurity with others, I started teaching my son some of the skills used in NCL challenges. He enjoyed it so much that I started an Easter scavenger hunt every year where he would solve challenges to get clues to find the next egg or gift which made for a much more exciting egg hunt for an only child. Like most mothers, I tried to teach him the things I wish someone had taught me. Eventually, my son and
I started a cybersecurity club at his high school where the students learned some fundamentals and participated in team Capture the Flag competitions. It has also been a way to encourage more women to consider a career in cybersecurity. One graduating senior from the club last year sent me a very touching thank you note for introducing her to cybersecurity as she set out to start earning a degree in the field.
Overall, being a woman in cybersecurity has been challenging but rewarding. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential to encourage more women to consider a career in cybersecurity. By doing so, we can create a more diverse and inclusive industry that benefits everyone. And always remember, as Master Oogway says, “You are the master of your destiny.”