Esther Eze: A cybersecurity professional’s passion for mentorship and community building

Esther Eze, a WiCyS Dallas-Fort Worth Ambassador and accomplished Cybersecurity/IT
Analyst professional, is on a mission to achieve meaningful career growth while making a
difference in the lives of others. Her passion for service and personal fulfillment has driven
her to volunteer, mentor, and inspire across sectors. In this compelling interview, she opens
up about her dedication to humanity, her drive to uplift others, and the lasting impact she
aims to leave on everyone she touches.

It was Maya Angelou who famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Eze
embodies this truth in every facet of her life. Born in Kano State, Nigeria, and raised in
Ebonyi State, her journey into cybersecurity began in Lagos at a digital institute. What
started as a spark of curiosity grew into a blazing passion for technology and humanity—a
story of resilience, determination, and a deep desire to make an impact.

Eze’s path is marked by her ability to turn personal experiences into meaningful change.
Through volunteering, mentoring, and overcoming challenges, she has carved out a space
for herself in the cybersecurity world while uplifting others along the way. Her story is not just one of professional growth but also of building bridges—connecting people, fostering
community, and inspiring underrepresented groups to believe in their potential.

Building A Community
For Eze, her role as a WiCyS Ambassador is far more than a title; it’s a mission. She
embraced this role with enthusiasm at the Dallas Technology Summit, where she attended
events, participated in discussions on career growth and mentorship, and connected with
professionals from diverse backgrounds. The energy in the room reinforced her belief that
she was part of something transformative.

Her commitment didn’t stop there. Eze contributed to spearheading virtual learning sessions
supported by cybersecurity leaders from Verizon and volunteered at the SANS DFIR event,
immersing herself further into the community she cares deeply about. “Volunteering is more
than participation—it’s about creating spaces where women and underrepresented groups
feel empowered to thrive in cybersecurity,” she expressed.

Her efforts extend beyond events; they represent a movement to bridge the diversity gap in
cybersecurity. As she continues to mentor others and contribute to initiatives like WiCyS,
Eze is not just building her career—she’s building a legacy. Her journey serves as a powerful
reminder that one person’s dedication can create ripples of change across industries and
communities.

Mentorship: Pulling Others Up
Mentorship is where Eze’s impact truly shines. Having navigated the challenges of being a
woman in cybersecurity—a field where representation is scarce, especially for
Nigerians—she understands the struggles firsthand. One moment stands out vividly in her
journey: during a cybersecurity awareness presentation, “I met a young woman grappling
with imposter syndrome and on the verge of quitting,” she recounted. Rather than offering
mere words of comfort, Eze took action. “I guided the woman through networking strategies,
shared practical career advice, and provided unwavering encouragement. Over time, that
young woman gained confidence, built a professional network, and secured a position at a
cybersecurity firm.” Witnessing this transformation ignited a passion in Eze, proving to her
that mentorship is not just about guidance—it’s about changing lives.

Eze’s commitment to empowering others extends beyond mentorship. At the Digital Bridge
Institute in Lagos, she trained individuals on safeguarding data and preventing cyber
intrusions. As a Graduate Assistant at the University of North Texas, she actively carries out
research projects in cybersecurity and information science while organizing workshops,
managing labs, and supporting diversity initiatives—all while pursuing her Ph.D. Her hands-
on approach reflects her belief that meaningful change begins with showing up and getting
involved.

Through her roles as educator, mentor, and advocate for diversity in tech, Eze is paving the
way for others to succeed in cybersecurity. Her efforts are a testament to the power of
resilience and the ripple effect of lifting others up.

Growth: Becoming a Stronger Leader
Eze’s growth is clear in how she’s evolved through her WiCyS role. She used to be nervous
about speaking in front of crowds or networking with big names. Now, after events like the
Dallas Technology Summit and mentoring others, she’s confident and bold. Her network has
exploded, and connecting with industry leaders has opened doors and deepened her
knowledge of cybersecurity trends.

Professionally, she’s soared. Her achievements include cutting response times to threats in
half as a Cybersecurity & SOC Analyst in London and building security programs that caught
risks early. Personally, she’s become someone who doesn’t just follow but leads—someone
who sees a gap and fills it. WiCyS gave her a platform, but Eze’s hard work turned it into a
launchpad for her career and her mission.

Impacts: making a difference that lasts
Eze’s impact goes beyond numbers, it’s about people. Through WiCyS, Eze has reached
countless others, showing them they belong in cybersecurity. Her work at the University of
North Texas supports diversity initiatives, encouraging more women and underrepresented
groups to join the field. In her past jobs, whether it was shrinking vulnerabilities in the UK or
raising security awareness to new heights in Nigeria, she had made systems safer and built
stronger teams.

Her vision is bigger than ever. She wants to connect Nigeria cybersecurity pros with global
groups like WiCyS, creating mentorship networks and opportunities for women in
underrepresented regions. She believes diversity isn’t just a nice to have, but an ideal that
makes cybersecurity better. Different voices bring fresh ideas, and that’s how the industry
stays ahead of threats.

A Legacy of Change: Inspiring a Stronger Future
Eze’s journey as a WiCyS Ambassador is a testament to what happens when determination
meets purpose. She has volunteered her time, mentored with her heart, faced challenges
with grit, grown into a leader, and impacted lives in ways that will echo for years. Reflecting
on her path, Eze says, “Small actions—whether it’s offering career advice, sharing a job
opportunity, or simply encouraging someone to believe in themselves—can have a profound
impact.” That’s her challenge to the world: step up, help out, make a difference.

“Together, we can build a cybersecurity industry that is not only diverse and inclusive but
also stronger and more resilient.” Eze isn’t just dreaming of that future, she’s building it, one connection at a time. And she invites everyone to join her, proving that the power to change