Diana Waithanji

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

I bring cybersecurity expertise, public speaking experience, and a strong understanding to both African and European tech landscapes. I balance technical depth with communication and teamwork. I'm passionate about cybersecurity complex ideas accessible to wider audiences and as well empowering women in STEM. I look forward to sharing perspectives on cybersecurity engineering and operations and contributing to the TechWomen experience with a collaborative mindset.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Scaling security engineering practices in fast-moving environments
2. Developing leadership skills to drive security strategy and influence business outcomes
3. Influencing cybersecurity policy and shaping the broader tech ecosystem

Mentorship Characteristic

• Focus on technical skills building
• Present my current work to professionals in my industry
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms
• Gets me involved in day-to-day activities of the mentor and partnering company.

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor would be a leader in the cybersecurity or IT industry, specifically within the software enterprises or payment sectors. They would work at a large company that emphasizes innovation and inclusivity. The company would focus on developing cutting-edge security solutions and secure software in general. Culturally the organization fosters a collaborative and growth-oriented culture. This environment would prioritize continuous learning and encourage diverse perspectives. A mentor from such a background would provide valuable insights into industry trends, leadership strategies, and effective problem-solving techniques, helping me to enhance my skills and advance my career.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Ambitious
2. Charismatic
3. Pragmatic

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

I believe the 15-day mentorship will enhance my professional growth by providing insights into innovative tech practices and leadership strategies. This experience will help me develop new skills in cybersecurity and project management. Additionally, the mentorship will offer opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and expand my professional network. By learning from an experienced mentor, I aim to gain valuable perspectives that will enable me to implement effective solutions in my community and advance my career goals of fostering inclusive tech environments and shaping impactful policies. I also intend to learn mentorship techniques so as to pay it forward.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

After TechWomen, I will deepen my commitment to mentorship and innovation by working with rural girls' schools in Kenya to promote early interest in technology. I will help establish computer labs, support policy initiatives, and engage in public speaking and writing. I also plan to contribute to cybersecurity policy and apply the skills learned through the program in my current professional role.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

7

Primary Professional Focus

• Computer operations and/or security
• Software engineer

Education History