I come from a family with a Bolivian heritage. Both of my parents are Bolivian and only have up to high school education. Due to economic and social barriers in Bolivia, my parents decided there was no future for their children. They came to the United States for their children to have a better future and receive higher education than they ever did. I'm the oldest of three girls and I have been trying to be the best role model for my younger siblings. All the sacrifices that my parents did, once I had received my college diploma it wasn't just for me, but as well for my wonderful parents!

 

At the age of eight years old, I was exposed to my first desktop because my father finally had enough money to buy one for the family. I learned how to set up a computer because my father did not understand how to read in English, so he asked me if I can translate and help. At that young age, I was excited to help because during that time a new, expensive, and high-tech computer was interesting to be up close especially it being in one's household. It was my first introduction to routers, switches, wires, mouses, firewalls, etc. As I read the instructions and tried to figure it all together, I knew that this was something I liked doing. After setting up the computer with my father, I enjoyed the feeling where I was teaching him how to log off, access the internet, create an email account, and personalize the computer. I soon discovered that I loved teaching others about navigating the internet and setting up programs to stay safe on the web. 

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Ever since that exposure, I knew that I wanted a career in computers but I did not know what exactly. I explored different careers like computer engineering, computer graphics, and computer programming by taking classes that were offered in my high school. It wasn't until my junior year of high school that I found out about a new career that was in need of more people and that was Cybersecurity. Once I researched what it was and the effect it takes on society, I knew that this field was what I have been doing from a young age relating to helping others to be safe on the web. While researching courses my high school offered and with the help of my counselor, I found out that there were new Dual Enrollment Cybersecurity classes being offered. I right away took the classes and learned that it was the exact career that I've always wanted to do which was called Cybersecurity Analyst. From there on, I continued and followed my studies at Old Dominion University, graduating with Cum Laude honors and earning a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity during the COVID pandemic. 

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As I finished my college studies and started my cybersecurity journey, it was for sure a difficult start because many companies were not hiring due to the pandemic still going on. I realized that the joy I discovered hadn't changed at all and gave me more motivation to keep looking for internships and full-time positions. While looking for jobs in my field, I was virtually a part-time substitute teacher in my old after-school program, Virginia Gardens, helping students with homework and activities. Soon, I was an IT technician intern at Constellis which introduced me to how the corporate world worked and overall helped me build my skills in the IT field. I still didn't give up to

reach my goal to earn a full-time position with a company, especially in my field.

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Finally and happily, CGI FEDERAL offered me a position as a consultant, and since then I have been happy and strengthening my career while helping clients. It has been a journey so far but overall can't wait to see what comes next, especially with my big motivation to reach my goals!