Oluwapelumi

Mentee Spotlight @__Zaayn_ ✨ Joining the mentorship programme changed how Bolu approached her job search. She received practical coaching on how to approach interviews, communicate her experience, and present herself effectively. She applied what she learned in her subsequent interviews, went into them with a new level of confidence and preparation, and secured a job after the next few interviews she attended. The programme also helped Bolu grow beyond the technical side of cybersecurity. The public-speaking sessions strengthened her communication skills, while the presentations and project defenses improved her ability to clearly explain ideas and present her work. One of her most valuable experiences was being appointed Co-lead for a cross-domain joint project. The experience strengthened her leadership and collaboration skills while broadening her understanding of the different areas that make up the cybersecurity landscape. By the end of the programme, Bolu had become more effective in her work, more comfortable collaborating with teammates, and more knowledgeable about cybersecurity beyond her immediate area of expertise. Her standout moments were the public-speaking sessions, debates, and the projects she worked on. Each experience challenged her in a different way and contributed to her growth both professionally and personally. Overall, the mentorship programme gave Bolu practical experiences and skills that she continues to apply in her career. I am proud of you Bolu 💪

Dear Hiring Managers 👇🏾 Hire a Cybersecurity Intern Hire a Cybersecurity Intern Hire a Cybersecurity Intern Give someone a chance 💪

Mentee Spotlight @RootHawk_ ✨ When Jonathan began his cybersecurity journey, he was learning in different directions without a clear path. That changed when he joined my mentorship program as the 50th and final mentee selected. Despite being disqualified at the second interview stage, I saw his potential and gave him a second chance that helped shape his career. During the program, Jonathan took on three leadership roles, leading the initial group, becoming the Ethical Hacking track lead, and later leading his final project team. He gained hands-on cybersecurity experience, strengthened his collaboration and communication skills, and celebrated a major milestone when his team won a CTF competition. He also built LinkGuard, a Slack bot that checks links for potential threats, which was deployed across the mentorship community. His growth continued beyond the program through APIsec University, where he progressed from Trial Ambassador to Ambassador, became the lead of the first official APIsec University Nigeria chapter, and later took on global community roles as a Community Moderator and Central Chapters Coordinator. Jonathan has since hosted API security technical sessions, conducted web and mobile API penetration testing, and collaborated with CybariK to organize the first APIsec University Nigeria and CybariK on-site event, attracting over 100 attendees. He continues to build practical cybersecurity solutions, including BurpHub, a Burp Suite activity tracker designed to help security practitioners monitor usage and maintain consistent learning and testing streaks. For Jonathan, the mentorship offered more than technical knowledge. It provided structure, practical experience, leadership opportunities, confidence, and a valuable professional network. From receiving a second chance to leading teams, winning competitions, building security tools, and coordinating a global community, Jonathan’s journey shows what is possible when opportunity meets consistency and determination. His standout moments are leading, building, competing, and most importantly, learning by contributing.

Behind every opportunity that changes a life, there are people who give their time, energy, and commitment to make it possible ❤️ Today, I want to spotlight the amazing team that supported this year’s mentorship application and selection process. From planning and coordination to application reviews, interviews, and final selections, each of you played a valuable role in supporting this process. I’m grateful for your dedication, patience, and willingness to go the extra mile. Because of your contribution, another cohort of aspiring cybersecurity professionals now have an opportunity to learn, grow, build confidence, and take meaningful steps towards their goals. Today, this spotlight is for YOU @AyobamiTo @NaphisaYakubu @lady_sheraz @An_gelos_07 @Ololademiasake_ @adow_bea ✨ “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” 💪