ISC2 Candidate Aaleyah Evans shares her story of technology curiosity, which has successfully led to a career in cybersecurity as well as enabling opportunities to teach, mentor and encourage the next generation to explore their own interests in technology.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ISC2.
There was a little girl whose first toys were not dolls or stuffed animals, but a computer mouse, a book, a pen and a laptop.
In the early 2000s, that may have seemed unusual for a toddler. But surrounded by family members working in IT, particularly a father and uncle deeply rooted in the profession, it felt entirely normal.
Technology was not distant or abstract in my childhood. It was present. It was familiar. It was part of everyday life. As I grew older, that early exposure quietly shaped my interests. What began as curiosity turned into discipline. Curiosity became study. Study became direction. Long before I understood the formal title of “cybersecurity professional,” I was drawn to the idea of protecting, understanding and working with digital systems. I often think back to a photo my mother took of me as a child, standing on a laptop bag next to a printer, completely unaware that the tools around me would one day become my career. Looking at that image now, it feels less like coincidence and more like foundation.
Growing into a Career Path
Cybersecurity was not something I stumbled into; in many ways, it was something I grew into. However, familiarity does not eliminate pressure. As I transitioned from student to professional, I realized that passion alone would not sustain me. I had to prove competence, not just to others, but to myself.
The greatest challenge early in my career was not convincing others that I belonged in the space because of my skills; it was convincing myself. As a high achiever, I placed pressure on myself to know more, do more and prove more.
In high school, I struggled to understand where I fit. By the time I entered university, I had developed a mindset of overachievement, studying longer hours, pursuing every opportunity and wanting to explore every area of cybersecurity so that I would not miss anything. But cybersecurity does not work that way. No one can know everything. I had to learn that confidence is not built by mastering every domain overnight. It is built through steady growth, curiosity, and openness to learning. I cannot expect to think at a senior level while still in the early stages of my career, and that is okay.
Motivation to be a Cybersecurity Professional
While my journey into cybersecurity began in playrooms and family conversations, it has grown into something far more intentional and impactful. What motivates me today is not just solving technical problems. It is also about helping others see that there is a place for them here too, especially women who may doubt whether they belong.
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, demanding curiosity, adaptability, analytical thinking and resilience. These are not traits we are simply born with; they are developed through persistence, mentorship and community.
To women considering this path, my advice is simple: do not wait until you feel fully ready. Step forward. Learn continuously. Lean on mentors. Contribute where you can. Confidence follows action. The need for diverse voices in cybersecurity has never been greater. As digital risks grow more complex, so must the perspectives and leadership that guide the industry.
The future of our digital world will be stronger when more women step into it, not perfectly prepared, but prepared to grow, with confidence and purpose.
Aaleyah Evans is a cybersecurity professional working in information security, as well as a cybersecurity instructor and STEM educator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Computer Science (Software Development) from Acadia University, where she served as President of the Computer Science Society and volunteered with Acadia Robofest. Evans is the founder and facilitator of an elementary school coding club and mentors students through STEM initiatives, including FIRST LEGO League. Her professional interests include the intersection of cybersecurity, AI and robotics.
Global 50x50 Women’s SummitTaking place on March 18, 2026, the Global 50x50 Women’s Summit is a virtual event which will bring together women and allies from every corner of the cybersecurity ecosystem to explore how inclusive leadership, intentional sponsorship, and meaningful mentorship open doors to opportunity and reshape the talent pipeline. Supported by ISC2 and The Centre for Cyber Safety and Education, this event builds on the work of the Global 50x50 Initiative towards a future where women make up 50% of the cyber workforce by 2050. The Summit will highlight the actions needed to create a more resilient and sustainable cybersecurity workforce for all. By attending this live event, you are eligible to receive 3.5 CPE credits. Additional credits can also be earned with on-demand viewing. |
