By Kenneth Oboh

Esther Eze is a dedicated cybersecurity professional and IT Security Analyst known for her intentionality and resilience. With close to a decade of experience in the field, she is establishing herself as a significant figure in the United States cybersecurity landscape. Esther specializes in safeguarding organizations against evolving cyber threats while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in March 2023, Esther Eze’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn. As the scorching sun pierced through the foggy cloud, Eze, comfortably nestled in her home in the United Kingdom, received an email that would catapult her into the spotlight of the cybersecurity world.

“When I received the email notification that I was awarded a merit-based scholarship by the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Scholarship Committee in the US, it was surreal,” Eze recalls, her voice brimming with elation. “It was a moment of excitement, validation, and anticipation.”

For Eze, this scholarship was more than just an opportunity to attend a conference. It was a beacon of hope in an industry still grappling with gender disparity. Although the cybersecurity field remains notorious for its male-dominated landscape, Eze sees her scholarship as “a stepping stone toward something bigger, a chance to be part of a movement aimed at bridging the diversity gap in cybersecurity.”

Eze Goes to School

Eze, a promising cybersecurity professional, has embarked on an impressive academic journey spanning multiple countries. Her educational path began in Ghana, where she earned a BSc in Information Technology from the University of Ghana in 2012. After completing her degree and returning to Nigeria in 2016 for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Eze set her sights on international opportunities.

In October 2020, Eze moved to the United Kingdom to pursue an MSc in Cybersecurity at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, Scotland. During this time, she gained practical experience as a Cyber Security/SOC Analyst intern at Cyblack.
She added: “I am now pursuing a PhD in cybersecurity in the US. This journey represents my continued commitment to advancing in the field and contributing to its growth and diversity.”

The WiCyS Experience

WiCyS is a global organization dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the cybersecurity field that has trained and empowered thousands of women from across the world. Eze will be among the women to attend the 10th Annual WiCyS 2023 Conference in Denver, Colorado, US. The conference was held from March 16th to 18th, pulling various tech powerhouse and game-changers to celebrate other women making waves in the cybersecurity space.

Indeed, the WiCyS conference offered Eze a platform to network with industry leaders, participate in workshops, and gain insights into the latest trends in cybersecurity.

“The conference was a melting pot of ideas and innovations,” Eze shares. “It was inspiring to see so many brilliant women coming together, sharing their experiences, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.”

For Eze, the scholarship and conference experience marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. As she continues to make strides in the cybersecurity world, she remains focused on her goal of inspiring others. “I want to show other women, especially young girls interested in tech, that there’s a place for them in cybersecurity,” Eze affirms. “It’s not just about breaking barriers; it’s about building bridges for those who will come after us.”

As the sun sets on our interview, Eze’s determination shines bright. Her journey from a Saturday afternoon email to becoming a voice for diversity in cybersecurity serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in tech.

Meeting women in high places

When Eze attended the WiCyS Conference, she found herself living the truth of Melinda Gates’s words: “Sometimes all that is needed to lift women up is to stop pulling them down.” The event proved to be a turning point in Eze’s career, offering her unprecedented access to industry leaders and a wealth of knowledge. She expressed, “Attending the conference was life-changing, as I was surrounded by women from diverse backgrounds united by a common goal to empower and transform the cybersecurity landscape.

“A major highlight for me was meeting some tech amazons like Dr. Ambareen Siraj, the founder of WiCyS, and Lynn Dohm, the executive director,” Eze recounts. Armed with a notepad and laptop, she absorbed every moment of inspiration. “Listening keenly to their encouraging words of wisdom left a deep and lasting impression on me. It was more than just motivation; it was a call to action.”

The conference’s impact on Eze was profound. “Dr. Siraj’s journey and dedication to empowering women in cybersecurity resonated with me. Her passion for increasing representation in the field reinforced my belief that change is possible and that I, too, could contribute to the movement,” she reflects.

One of the most engaging aspects for Eze was the hands-on experience. “The Capture the Flag (CTF) competition was a particularly rewarding experience to test my technical skills and I was able to network with like-minded people,” she says. This practical application of knowledge, combined with networking opportunities, proved invaluable for her professional growth.

“I engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shared experiences with other women facing similar challenges, and formed connections that I knew would last beyond the conference. The sense of community was overwhelming in the best way possible. It was in those networking sessions that I truly realized the power of representation,” she added.

A refreshed future of inclusivity and excellence

As Eze summarizes her experience, it’s clear that the conference was more than just an educational event—it was a catalyst for personal and professional transformation.

“Each session, discussion, and challenge added an extra layer to my knowledge and confidence,” she concludes, highlighting the multifaceted impact of her participation in the WiCyS conference.