Editor’s note: The ISACA Foundation awards yearly SheLeadsTech Scholarships for global students who are pursuing a degree in IT audit, risk, security, assurance or cybersecurity. Awardees will receive funding for their undergraduate or graduate degree and a career-building bundle; find out more about the open scholarship and how to apply here by 5 May 2026. See the Q&A interview below to learn about several of last year’s scholarship recipients. For more information on the scholarship, contact foundation@isaca.org. To help fund more SheLeadsTech Scholarships for deserving students, visit here. To learn more about SheLeadsTech, visit here.
ISACA Now: Tell the story of how you got into tech. What first sparked your interest, key education or career choices you made? What was one turning point that shaped your path?
Blessing Ifeoluwa Omogbehin, Cybersecurity Researcher & Practitioner: My journey into tech didn’t start with a grand plan; it started with curiosity and a desire to understand what was happening behind the screen, not just how to use systems. After some years working in IT, I began to notice something deeper: systems were powerful, but also vulnerable. This motivated me to ask one key question: how do we protect what people trust every day? That curiosity led me to start learning cybersecurity on my own, long before formally specializing, and later, during my research-based MSc in Computer Science, I intentionally chose the cybersecurity path, focusing on cloud security and exploring how AI and blockchain could work together for anomaly detection. The most defining moment wasn’t the research itself, but the realization that cybersecurity goes beyond frameworks and algorithms – it protects livelihoods, reputations and peace of mind. This understanding shifted everything for me, and it continues to anchor and motivate me, because this field is not just about technology; it’s about preserving trust in a world that runs on digital systems.
Ibukunoluwa Awoderu, Master of Information Systems Security Management Student, Concordia University of Edmonton: My academic background began in engineering, where I learned to think critically about systems and how they function at scale. During COVID, as work, school, and everyday life moved almost entirely online, I became fascinated by how much the world relied on digital infrastructure. That shift sparked my interest in technology beyond theory. Later, while working in a financial institution, I saw first-hand how essential security and digital trust are in protecting sensitive information and people’s livelihoods. That experience solidified my decision to pursue cybersecurity and build a career focused on protecting the systems people depend on every day.
Hellen Muthoni, Cybersecurity Instructor and Mentor: During my second year, my mum's account was hacked, pushing our family into a financial crisis. This was my turning point. Cybersecurity stopped being just a course I resented and became a mission. I had never seen myself going into tech; I always wanted to pursue engineering. After high school, I was placed in Information Security and Forensics through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), and I initially felt disappointed and uncertain about the path ahead.
Describe the most significant way the SheLeadsTech scholarship has affected your studies or career so far?
Blessing Ifeoluwa Omogbehin: The SheLeadsTech scholarship came into my life at a time when I truly needed it. As an international student, I went through a very difficult period after a robbery left me financially strained and unsure of how I would complete my program on time. Receiving the scholarship gave me relief, stability, and hope, allowing me to focus and finish strong. Beyond the financial support, it connected me with experienced security professionals, strengthened my cybersecurity expertise through courses and learning opportunities, and gave me the confidence to mentor more young women entering the field. In many ways, the scholarship didn’t just support my journey, it multiplied my impact.
Ibukunoluwa Awoderu: The SheLeadsTech scholarship has strengthened my confidence in a meaningful way. Being recognized by ISACA affirmed that my academic work and commitment to tech are valued within the industry. It has also given me access to a global community of professionals and resources that expand my perspective beyond the classroom. More than anything, it reinforced that I belong in this space. That sense of belonging has positively influenced how I approach both my studies and professional growth.
Hellen Muthoni: The SheLeadsTech scholarship has transformed both my confidence and leadership journey. Through it, I stepped into leadership as an ISACA Student Group (ISG) President, bringing students together to learn, collaborate, and grow in cybersecurity. I gained practical auditing skills through ISACA training and built a strong professional network by attending conferences and programs. The visibility has opened doors for mentorship opportunities, allowing me to support others in their growth. Financial support has also eased my burden, enabling me to focus deeply on my studies and long-term goals.
“Give to Gain” is this year’s International Women’s Day theme. Tell us about a time when you offered your time, knowledge, or support to someone in tech. How did that act of giving help you grow professionally or personally?
Blessing Ifeoluwa Omogbehin: I’ve trained over 500 professionals and mentored aspiring cybersecurity practitioners, especially women trying to find their footing in the field. Over time, I realized that giving back wasn’t something I did occasionally, it became part of who I am. I regularly share practical cybersecurity guides, break down complex topics into relatable insights and offer one-on-one coaching to those who need direction or clarity.
Beyond that, I’ve facilitated several cybersecurity trainings focused on strengthening security posture in healthcare environments, helping professionals understand real-world risk and protection strategies. In digital forensics, I’ve led different hands-on trainings, guiding participants through investigative processes and practical scenarios that build confidence and competence.
Giving has stretched me, sharpened me and expanded my leadership in ways I didn’t expect. It truly reinforces the idea that when you give generously, you often receive far more than you imagined: growth, purpose and a community that grows with you.
Ibukunoluwa Awoderu: As I progressed in tech, I intentionally shared what I was learning with other students navigating similar paths. I have offered guidance on certifications, shared study materials and encouraged peers who felt uncertain about entering the field. Those conversations often began casually but became meaningful moments of reassurance and clarity. In giving my time and knowledge, I realized how much teaching deepens understanding. Supporting others has helped me grow in confidence and reminded me that leadership begins with service.
Hellen Muthoni: Two days with no access to your favorite social account and worst of all, knowing someone is reading your DMs and emails. This situation sounds horrible and devastating, and that was the reality for a lady who reached out to me in panic after attackers took over her Google and social media accounts. They changed her recovery details and began sending scam messages to her contacts, damaging both her privacy and reputation. I walked her step by step through the recovery process, secured her accounts, enabled multi-factor authentication and strengthened her password hygiene. Restoring her access did more than solve a crisis; it reinforced my purpose in cybersecurity and sharpened my incident response skills.
Who supported you early in your journey?
Blessing Ifeoluwa Omogbehin: In my journey, mentors and supportive communities played a defining role in shaping my path. One person who deeply impacted me is Ibukun Emmanuel Adebayo, founder of The Ladder Back Down. Her guidance, belief in capacity building and commitment to lifting others gave me clarity and direction at critical moments. I also grew significantly through opportunities provided by Tech4Dev, which created spaces for learning, exposure and confidence-building in my cybersecurity journey. Beyond individuals, communities that trusted me with responsibility helped me step into leadership before I fully saw myself as a leader. Their belief in my potential often came at moments when I needed reassurance the most.
Ibukunoluwa Awoderu: Early in my journey, my peers played a powerful role in my growth. We exchanged resources, encouraged one another through demanding coursework and celebrated small wins together. My siblings have also been a steady source of motivation, consistently reminding me to aim higher and trust my potential. Mentors and instructors challenged me intellectually and provided guidance when I needed direction. Their collective support shaped both my resilience and my desire to now support others in the same way.
Hellen Muthoni: My journey would have been overwhelming without mentors who believed in me. Joshua Greatmind, my technical mentor at the Cybersafe Foundation, consistently offered guidance, trust and honest advice during both my lowest and highest moments. His mentorship extended beyond curriculum requirements into genuine professional support.
My lecturer and mentor, Clive Onsumo, usually tells me, “Hellen, you are destined for greatness,” words that anchor me when self-doubt creeps in. Their belief in me taught me the power of encouragement and intentional guidance.
Looking ahead three to five years, how will you measure the impact of both the scholarship and your own efforts to support others? What does success look like to you?
Blessing Ifeoluwa Omogbehin: In the next three to five years, I will measure impact not just by personal milestones, but by the ripple effect of my work. I hope to see more professionals I’ve mentored exceling in cybersecurity roles, more women confidently pursuing certifications or leadership paths and tangible improvements in the security posture of organizations I’ve supported. I would also love to be actively involved in cybersecurity research projects, contributing to practical solutions that address emerging threats, especially in cloud security and AI-driven defense.
I’m equally passionate about facilitating more cybersecurity trainings and workshops across industries, creating spaces where knowledge is shared openly and practically. Success for me isn’t just about titles; it’s about influence, contribution, and sustained impact. If the scholarship continues to help me combine research with real-world application, create opportunities, support others, and grow both my skills and the communities around me, then I’ll know its impact has truly multiplied.
Ibukunoluwa Awoderu: In the next three to five years, I hope to be established in a cybersecurity role where I am actively contributing to strengthening digital trust within organizations. I will measure impact not only by career progression but by the people I have been able to mentor or guide along the way. If someone feels more confident pursuing cybersecurity because of my support, that will matter to me. This scholarship has expanded my opportunities and visibility. My goal is to ensure that my growth also creates pathways for others.
Hellen Muthoni: What does success mean if it does not multiply beyond you? In three years, I aim to have completed my master’s degree and earn my CISM certification to strengthen my governance expertise. As co-founder of Cyber CC and Triovault Technology, I plan to scale initiatives that equip young professionals with practical cybersecurity skills. In five years, I envision impacting thousands through the Difference Initiative and the communities I lead and volunteer with. For me, success is not just achievement; it is measurable impact, sustainable communities and rising while lifting others.
