This month for our Women in Technology, we are spotlighting Jen, one of our Cybersecurity Engineers! Read about her story and how she started in technology.
Tell us your story on how you got into technology.
My journey into technology wasn’t planned, and it certainly wasn’t a straight line. I made a mid-career transition into cybersecurity with the guidance of a mentor who encouraged me to follow what genuinely interested me and helped me see possibilities I hadn’t fully recognized yet. Seeing her vision for me—after she had already completed a similar journey—was deeply impactful. Together, we mapped out 1-, 3-, and 5-year goals and created a clear path toward going back to school and earning my bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity.
How long have you been with Dataprise?
I’ve been with Dataprise for almost a year. I worked hard to get where I am, and that effort mattered. Just as important, I showed up as my true self rather than masking who I was, which allowed leadership and colleagues to see a genuine representation of both my character and my credentials. That authenticity—along with my drive to make whatever I touch better—was recognized. It’s not something I would have felt comfortable doing earlier in my career, but it has been essential to my growth.
Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
I’m a cybersecurity engineer, which means I help design, build, and improve systems that protect technology and information. My work focuses on understanding how things work and how to make them stronger and more secure. No two days look the same, but every day involves problem-solving, learning, and asking questions—and that curiosity is what keeps me engaged.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?
You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you don’t have to fit a stereotype. I wish I had known earlier that curiosity is enough to begin. If something interests you, explore it. Be willing to work hard, ask questions, and learn along the way. Confidence isn’t something you start with, it’s something you build through effort and experience.
Why do you think it’s important for more women to join the tech industry? How can the broader community support women in tech?
It’s important for more women to join the tech industry because they bring skill, insight, and strong problem-solving abilities that move the work forward. Progress happens when women are not only present but fully involved in shaping solutions and decisions. The broader community can support women in tech by creating environments where their expertise is expected, their input is requested, and their contributions are treated as essential to the work.
What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?
The best part is knowing you don’t have to fit into a certain role or expectation. You don’t have to be “the organizer” or “the planner” unless that’s what you truly enjoy. Girls can build, create, invent, and engineer. You can use your talents to solve problems, push boundaries, and go beyond what people expect. There’s room in tech for exactly who you are.
What is it that you enjoy most about your current job at Dataprise?
What I enjoy most about my role at Dataprise is the trust from leadership. I’m given clear objectives and the autonomy to execute, make decisions, and deliver results. That trust empowers me to take full ownership of my work, push beyond expectations, and turn direction into real outcomes.
What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
I don’t believe there’s a single “best” piece of professional advice unless you actively seek it out. The most important thing is learning to trust your instincts and let them guide you. When you reach a point where you feel unsure or stuck, that’s the time to ask for advice—to help clarify direction, not to replace your own judgment.
Where do you see yourself going from here?
I see myself continuing to grow as a cybersecurity engineer—learning, earning new certifications, and deepening my technical expertise. At the same time, it’s very important to me that young girls know you don’t have to devote your entire existence to work to be successful. Growth also means protecting your health, your happiness, and the parts of life that make you who you are. The most fulfilling paths are built on balance, not burnout.
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