user profile avatar

SHAYETTE KIZER

725

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hello, I am currently a student at Capella University pursuing a B.S. in Information Tech specializing in Cybersecurity. As a new mom of twin boys and recently being hacked. I decided to take it upon myself to learn about my preditor(s) way and not only defend myself but to help others whom also are defenseless.

Education

Capella University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
  • Minors:
    • Systems Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Networking

    • Dream career goals:

      Cybersecurity

    • Staff Accountant

      Hurley Xpedite
      2020 – 20233 years

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    2006 – 20082 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Daycare — Volunteer
      2010 – Present
    SigaLa Education Scholarship
    Diverse representation in STEM is not only a matter of equality; but it is one of the requirements that aid in driving and fostering creativity, bringing innovations, and mitigating complex challenges worldwide. People from diverse backgrounds become the source of enriching the pool of talent by black women, men, and individuals from other underrepresented groups, etc. This pool of talent provides with the opportunity to come up with different perspectives to solving problems, that leads to providing us with more inclusive and robust solutions (Romney & Grosovsky, 2021). Diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career is considered essential for the promotion of equality, inspiring future generations, and addressing different challenges exist in society and fostering innovation. Diversity focuses on the need to create an an inclusive environment where individuals from all fields of life have the freedom to get equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and excel in STEM-related different disciplines. This inclusion from different fields of life is crucial for mitigating complex challenges and bringing innovations that ensure that advancement in STEM and become the source of benefitting a large number of societies (Botella et al., 2019). Throughout history, we see the importance of diversity in STEM. One notable example of diversity involves the contribution of black women to innovations brought out in the field of technology. Black women have contributed to different fields of STEM and their achievements have had a lasting impact which illustrates the magnificent role that diversity plays in shaping the advancement of technology (Benavent et al., 2020). An African American woman, named Marie Van Brittan Brown, whose research work brought revolution in the home security system through her invention of closed circuit television (CCTV) the security system in 1966. Her research work provides the framework for introducing modern home security systems. This illustrated the fact that how different and diverse perspectives lead to unremarkable innovations in the field of technology that become a source of benefitting the society. Dr. Dorothy E. Denninh is enlisted as one of the pioneers of computer science and cybersecurity experts. She is known for providing her groundbreaking work in the landscape of cryptography and information security. Her research work has increased our understanding particularly related to threats posed by cybersecurity and countermeasures to control these. She has been one of the leading voices supporting strengthening the policies and practices related to cybersecurity. Dr. Ayanna Howard is working as a robotics engineer and computer scientist. She made magnificent contributions to the field of cybersecurity by conducting her research in artificial intelligence as well as robotics. She has introduced innovative techniques and technologies for purpose of increasing defense system of cybersecurity and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Dr. Dawn Song has made excellent contributions to the field of cybersecurity by conducting several researches on computer security and privacy. She particularly put stress on the need of learning machine learning and AI-based approaches. Her research focuses on introducing innovative novel techniques to detect and mitigate the vulnerabilities related to security measures. In short, these are only a few examples of many black women who are playing their part to contribute to different fields of STEM. Their research contributions represent the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM. This diversity further elaborates on the valuable insight and expertise added by the women and individuals in different landscapes of STEM. A resilient, strong, and innovative future for all individuals can be built by developing inclusion and diversity in different disciplines of STEM.
    Ratan Lal Mundada Memorial Scholarship
    Financial hardship has played a huge role in multiple ways why I debated with myself on going back to school or not. Everyone doesn't factor in the effects of struggles their tuition and fees have handled. There are numerous other expenses that I'll face as a college student like living expenses, transportation, food, and other standard bills. All for me and my young family. I'm faced with these difficulties deciding to get a job, which can create an often challenging balance of work and classes. With twins (born in November 2023); I find it challenging to get rest and take of myself. Nonetheless, try and find time to study and work. It is statically proven that students in universities across the United States deal with financial hardships every year leaving them with loans to pay back, mental health problems, and even decisions leading them to drop out of college completely. Of the students who apply and are awarded federal aid, the average grant given to undergraduate students totals a little over $5,000. This does help in reducing a significant amount of most schools’ tuition costs, but many students still cannot pay the remaining expenses. Suppose I could do anything in my life. In that case, I envision myself upgrading my expertise and skills in the field of cybersecurity to bring an efficient impact on the privacy and security of the whole world. I am committed to using my knowledge and passion to develop a safer and more secure environment for all by bringing awareness and advocating digital literacy, taking steps that help to strengthen cybersecurity in organizations, and developing innovative solutions to emerging threats by collaborating with organizations. Furthermore, I feel an aspiration to mentor other women and individuals belonging to under-represented backgrounds to pursue their careers in the field of cybersecurity which becomes the source of empowering them. I aim to break down the stereotype regarding the participation of women and under-represented individuals in cybersecurity and put my potential to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The diversity in the workforce becomes the cause of mitigating the problems and bringing innovations. My objective in pursuing my career in the field of cybersecurity is to leverage my background and experience to bring a meaningful impact in the field and add my contributions to a more secure digital platform Finally, I aspire to mentor and empower other women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in cybersecurity. By providing guidance, support, and resources, I aim to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce
    Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    It's important to remember that mental health is a complex issue and it's not always easy to understand or predict how it will affect a person's relationships. However, by seeking professional help and communicating openly with loved ones, individuals can work to overcome the challenges and improve their relationships. The connection between relationships and mental health is undeniable. When your mental health is in good shape, you can devote time and energy to ensuring you have healthy relationships. You can focus on spending time with loved ones, nourish your partnership, and avoid toxic relationships — all of which result in a better quality of life. But poor mental health can take a toll on several things, from your physical health and work performance to romantic relationships and other bonds. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition or have just noticed that your emotional health isn’t what it should be, understanding how mental illnesses can impact your relationships may inspire you to stay healthy in all ways. My mental health has significantly influenced my ability to make sound career decisions and set meaningful goals. Conditions like mine (bipolar, depression, and insomnia) can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of hopelessness, making it difficult to envision and work toward a better professional future. On the other hand, my chronic anxiety has caused overthinking and excessive worry, hindering the clarity of my career path. The goal for myself is to make more informed career decisions and set achievable goals, it’s crucial to maintain good mental health. Seeking therapy or counseling can help me address underlying issues and gain a clearer perspective on my aspirations. Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques has also enhanced my ability to focus on long-term objectives. My advice to anyone who has a partner affected by a mental health condition can be navigated in a relationship. If both partners have the skills and awareness to cope and communicate through these challenges. This is why a paradigm shift is needed: People should feel empowered to seek help if they or their loved one is struggling with mental health. Mental illness is not a character flaw nor a moral issue. Yes, people need to be held responsible for their actions and behaviors—but they also deserve context, understanding, and support so they can learn how to manage their well-being, heal from past trauma, and honor their partner’s experience. In conclusion, good mental health influences beliefs, more positively. Good mental health influences relationships by creating stability. That stability is required to help long-term relationships thrive. Good mental health also influences career aspirations because it helps give you a can-do attitude and will help with studying, coworkers, customers, and/or bosses. Bad mental health influences beliefs more negatively. Bad mental health influences relationships by creating an unbalanced and unsteady relationship, making it more likely to fail. Bad mental health influences career aspirations by making it harder to succeed. Others in your job community may also think of your bad mental health in a more negative response. You may not have a will to climb the promotion ladder, and it may affect how you study making it easy to lose interest and give up.
    JJ Savaunt's Women In STEM Scholarship
    I feel that spirituality is better than 'God'. The way this question is illustrated it seems as though it is on a more Christianity/Catholic approach (referencing Jesus and the Virgin Mary). Now in a way, I do believe there is a 'God' or/and 'Goddess'. In the modern world, "Hinduism" would qualify as believing in multiple gods, and their off-shoot faiths as well. Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and virtually all ancient cultures had a pantheon in their paganism. By the time Christ (and Muhammad) entered the scene, Judaism was pretty much monotheistic. But even Christianity takes an interesting turn with the Trinity, which could be seen as multiple gods, or rather, 3 different aspects of the same god. The aspect-based interpretation is something similar to what we have in Hinduism as well as it evolved through the ages. Buddhism is an interesting case because technically it does have a god certainly Siddhartha Gotama himself acknowledged the Hindu gods yet Siddhartha made them mostly irrelevant. What he said was: that it’s not that the gods don’t exist, but each being has his or her karma. A god has to deal with his karma; he can’t take on yours for you. And yet Buddhism intersects with Hindu mythology at a fascinating point. According to the mythology, after Siddhartha (Buddha) attained enlightenment, the Creator of the Universe himself, Brahma, bowed low before the Buddha and asked Buddha to share his doctrine with the world. But that’s the last time Buddhist myths mention the Hindu gods. Spirituality is the religion of the individual. Religion is the spirituality of the community. When you are alone, spirituality is important. When you are part of a community, religion is important. But between them, spirituality is more important. Because there is no guarantee a community will build great individuals. But it is a certainty that great individuals coming together will build a great community. So from my point of view, each person is going to have their own experience of the Divine, whatever that may be, and they are going to find their own metaphors to describe that experience. That may be one or multiple gods or it may be an aspect of science, such as not yet understood aspects of quantum mechanics. It doesn’t matter, as long as it is their metaphor based on their life experience. However, some (many) people cannot deal with ambiguity and need an absolute answer, so for them, the metaphor becomes the reality and nothing outside that reality can be considered, and only their metaphor is valid.
    John J Costonis Scholarship
    My future goal is to break into the tech industry with a B.S in cybersecurity. I became a mother to twin boys back in November of 2023. So I knew I needed to go back to school in order to provide them a better life. My first thought was to get a degree in Project Management. Shortly after their birth my computer was hacked and all their personal information was token including my own. I just remembered feeling defenseless and hopeless. This is when I decided to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity and learn to not only defend myself but become a ally to others. One of the primary reasons to pursue my STEM degree, particularly in the field of cybersecurity, is due to the opportunity provided by continuing my studies in cybersecurity to address pressing world challenges and protect individuals, organizations, and nations as well from cyber-attacks. My objective is to become a member of a proactive force that works to protect critical systems and sensitive data from malicious actors. It becomes possible by acquiring a deep understanding of computer systems, ethical hacking techniques, cryptography, and network security. Further, cybersecurity has the potential to evolve dynamically and rapidly, so, it needs to learn continuously, develop adaptability of acquired knowledge according to the cyber threats, and adopt problem-solving skills. As a STEM student, I am excited to extend my expertise in cutting-edge technologies and research, staying updated on emerging threats and bringing innovative security solutions. The greatest hardships I'll face with be having to get a competitive salary and a job offer within this filed. Diverse representation in STEM is not only a matter of equality; but it is one of the requirements that aid in driving and fostering creativity, bringing innovations, and mitigating complex challenges throughout the world. People from diverse backgrounds become the source of enriching the pool of talent by black women, men, and individuals from other underrepresented groups, etc. This pool of talent provides with the opportunity to come up with different perspectives to solving problems, that leads to providing us with more inclusive and robust solutions. In conclusion the gab in diversity further elaborates on the valuable insight and expertise added by the women and individuals in different landscapes of STEM. A resilient, strong, and innovative future for all individuals can be built by developing inclusion and diversity in different disciplines of STEM. Thank You!
    Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
    I became a mother to twin boys back in November of 2023. So I knew I needed to go back to school in order to provide them a better life. My first thought was to get a degree in Project Management. Shortly after their birth my computer was hacked and all their personal information was token including my own. I just remembered feeling defenseless and hopeless. This is when I decided to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity and learn to not only defend myself but become a ally to others. One of the primary reasons to pursue my STEM degree, particularly in the field of cybersecurity, is due to the opportunity provided by continuing my studies in cybersecurity to address pressing world challenges and protect individuals, organizations, and nations as well from cyber-attacks. My objective is to become a member of a proactive force that works to protect critical systems and sensitive data from malicious actors. It becomes possible by acquiring a deep understanding of computer systems, ethical hacking techniques, cryptography, and network security. Further, cybersecurity has the potential to evolve dynamically and rapidly, so, it needs to learn continuously, develop adaptability of acquired knowledge according to the cyber threats, and adopt problem-solving skills. As a STEM student, I am excited to extend my expertise in cutting-edge technologies and research, staying updated on emerging threats and bringing innovative security solutions. My vision is to make a meaningful change in the world through numerous ways via my contemplated STEM career in the field of cybersecurity. Firstly, I aim to make contributions to national security efforts by providing defense against terrorism, cyber espionage, and other threats to the critical infrastructure of our public sector or governmental agencies. Secondly, it brings me aspiration to pursue a degree in STEM by strengthening the cybersecurity posture of different organizations and multinational corporations which helps them reduce associated risks by complying with required regulatory mechanisms and protecting sensitive data. Moreover, the thing that excites me to pursue my career in STEM is my passion for advocating for bringing awareness and education about cybersecurity. This should be focused particularly in undeserved communities around the entire globe where the ratio of digital literacy and access to resources may be limited due to a lack of finances. My objective is to empower people with the resources knowledge and skills that make them capable of safeguarding themselves in a digital world that is under threat of continuously evolving cyber threats.
    Women in STEM Scholarship
    Diverse representation in STEM is not only a matter of equality; but it is one of the requirements that aid in driving and fostering creativity, bringing innovations, and mitigating complex challenges throughout the world. People from diverse backgrounds become the source of enriching the pool of talent by black women, men, and individuals from other underrepresented groups, etc. This pool of talent provides with the opportunity to come up with different perspectives to solving problems, that leads to providing us with more inclusive and robust solutions (Romney & Grosovsky, 2021). Diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career is considered essential for the promotion of equality, inspiring future generations, and addressing different challenges exist in society and fostering innovation. Diversity focuses on the need to create an an inclusive environment where individuals from all fields of life have the freedom to get equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and excel in STEM-related different disciplines. This inclusion from different fields of life is crucial for mitigating complex challenges and bringing innovations that ensure that advancement in STEM and become the source of benefitting a large number of societies (Botella et al., 2019). Throughout history, we see the importance of diversity in STEM. One notable example of diversity involves the contribution of black women to innovations brought out in the field of technology. Black women have contributed to different fields of STEM and their achievements have had a lasting impact which illustrates the magnificent role that diversity plays in shaping the advancement of technology (Benavent et al., 2020). An African American woman, named Marie Van Brittan Brown, whose research work brought revolution in the home security system through her invention of closed-circuit television (CCTV) the security system in 1966. Her research work provides the framework for introducing modern home security systems. This illustrated the fact that how different and diverse perspectives lead to unremarkable innovations in the field of technology that become a source of benefitting the society. Dr. Dorothy E. Denninh is enlisted as one of the pioneers of computer science and cybersecurity experts. She is known for providing her groundbreaking work in the landscape of cryptography and information security. Her research work has increased our understanding particularly related to threats posed by cybersecurity and countermeasures to control these. She has been one of the leading voices supporting strengthening the policies and practices related to cybersecurity. Dr. Ayanna Howard is working as a robotics engineer and computer scientist. She made magnificent contributions to the field of cybersecurity by conducting her research in artificial intelligence as well as robotics. She has introduced innovative techniques and technologies for purpose of increasing defense system of cybersecurity and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Dr. Dawn Song has made excellent contributions to the field of cybersecurity by conducting several researches on computer security and privacy. She particularly put stress on the need of learning machine learning and AI-based approaches. Her research focuses on introducing innovative novel techniques to detect and mitigate the vulnerabilities related to security measures. In short, these are only a few examples of many black women who are playing their part to contribute to different fields of STEM. Their research contributions represent the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM. This diversity further elaborates on the valuable insight and expertise added by the women and individuals in different landscapes of STEM. A resilient, strong, and innovative future for all individuals can be built by developing inclusion and diversity in different disciplines of STEM.
    Delon Hampton & Associates African Americans in STEM Scholarship
    I became a mother to twin boys back in November of 2023. So I knew I needed to go back to school in order to provide them a better life. My first thought was to get a degree in Project Management. Shortly after their birth my computer was hacked and all their personal information was token including my own. I just remembered feeling defenseless and hopeless. This is when I decided to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity and learn to not only defend myself but become a ally to others. One of the primary reasons to pursue my STEM degree, particularly in the field of cybersecurity, is due to the opportunity provided by continuing my studies in cybersecurity to address pressing world challenges and protect individuals, organizations, and nations as well from cyber-attacks. My objective is to become a member of a proactive force that works to protect critical systems and sensitive data from malicious actors. It becomes possible by acquiring a deep understanding of computer systems, ethical hacking techniques, cryptography, and network security. Further, cybersecurity has the potential to evolve dynamically and rapidly, so, it needs to learn continuously, develop adaptability of acquired knowledge according to the cyber threats, and adopt problem-solving skills. As a STEM student, I am excited to extend my expertise in cutting-edge technologies and research, staying updated on emerging threats and bringing innovative security solutions. My vision is to make a meaningful change in the world through numerous ways via my contemplated STEM career in the field of cybersecurity. Firstly, I aim to make contributions to national security efforts by providing defense against terrorism, cyber espionage, and other threats to the critical infrastructure of our public sector or governmental agencies. Secondly, it brings me aspiration to pursue a degree in STEM by strengthening the cybersecurity posture of different organizations and multinational corporations which helps them reduce associated risks by complying with required regulatory mechanisms and protecting sensitive data. Moreover, the thing that excites me to pursue my career in STEM is my passion for advocating for bringing awareness and education about cybersecurity. This should be focused particularly in undeserved communities around the entire globe where the ratio of digital literacy and access to resources may be limited due to a lack of finances. My objective is to empower people with the resources knowledge and skills that make them capable of safeguarding themselves in a digital world that is under threat of continuously evolving cyber threats.
    Young Women in STEM Scholarship
    Please tell us a bit about yourself and what specifically motivates you to take information technology. If you could do anything with your life, what do you imagine you'd do? (275 words) Being a university undergraduate, I bring a unique perspective and experience to the field of cybersecurity being a women and university undergraduate. My journey in pursuing a degree in cybersecurity has been driven by a passion for improving digital security and the objective to produce a positive change in the entire globe. If I could do anything in my life, I envision myself upgrading my expertise and skills in the field of cybersecurity to bring an efficient impact on the privacy and security of the whole world. I am committed to using my knowledge and passion to develop a safer and more secure environment for all by bringing awareness and advocating digital literacy, taking steps that help to strengthen cybersecurity in organizations, and developing innovative solutions to emerging threats by collaborating with organizations. Furthermore, I feel an aspiration to mentor other women and individuals belonging to under-represented backgrounds to pursue their careers in the field of cybersecurity which becomes the source of empowering them. I aim to break down the stereotype regarding the participation of women and under-represented individuals in cybersecurity and put my potential to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The diversity in the workforce becomes the cause of mitigating the problems and bringing innovations. My objective in pursuing my career in the field of cybersecurity is to leverage my background and experience to bring a meaningful impact in the field and add my contributions to a more secure digital platform Finally, I aspire to mentor and empower other women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in cybersecurity. By providing guidance, support, and resources, I aim to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce. What excites you about STEM? How do you feel you could make a positive impact on the world through a job in information technology? (275 words) STEM has boundless potential which provides the opportunity to solve problems, bring innovations, and change the future. The dynamic nature of technology within STEM particularly built a motivation in me to learn and adapt and become the reason for producing curiosity which further fosters a sense of exploitation. In cybersecurity specifically, constant challenges have been accompanied by an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and technologies that need continuous learning to bring innovations via creativity and adaptability to mitigate the impacts effectively. I think I could make a positive change in information technology, by specializing in cybersecurity. It involves the protection of sensitive data and critical systems from cyber-attacks by the development and implementation of robust security measures, safeguarding individuals, organizations, and nations from devastating cyber-attacks. Secondly, awareness could be raised in common masses about best practices of cybersecurity through education and advocacy. This helped in empowering individuals to take proactive steps that aid in protecting their digital lives. Moreover, by staying abreast of emerging technology and threats, help in devising strategies and playing my role in the advancement of the cybersecurity framework, that leads to a secure digital future for the entire globe. In short, my passion for STEM and information technology, fostered my interest to work in cybersecurity. Combining my interest with my dedication to bringing a positive impact helped drive me to pursue my career in a field of study where I can leverage my potential, skills, and knowledge to protect by strengthening our digital infrastructure This approach helps in defending against cyber breach which finally contribute to a safer and more resilient digital world. Describe the greatest challenge you have had to overcome and how you managed to get past it as a high school senior or undergraduate student. (275 words) As an undergraduate school, one of the greatest challenges in the field of cybersecurity was handling sophisticated cybersecurity attacks while completing my university project. Our team was working to design an infrastructure of a secure network for a hypothetical organization. A simulated cyber breach was encountered by our team when we were midway through the project. This cyber-attack was analog to threatening the integrity of our complete infrastructure. To mitigate this challenge, I took the leadership seat within the team. Firstly, I coordinated with my team members and we initially decided to start by assessing the extent of cyber breach. We proceed with this by doing a forensic analysis that identifies the vulnerabilities exploited by attackers. We made a comprehensive response plan based on the forensic analysis report to restrain the breach and restore the security of our system. This security breach identified the need to strengthen our security system which led to the implementation of enhanced security measures such as network segmentation, protocols of robust encryption, and intrusion detection system by utilization of my technical knowledge. Along with this, I make sure to communicate effectively with team members and discuss their strengths in technical knowledge which aids in assigning tasks based on their expertise to improve security systems. Despite intense pressure and constraints, our team worked tirelessly and remained focused and determined. Our collaborative efforts accompanied by an innovative problem-solving approach helped in successfully combating the cyber-attack and delivering a secure and resilient solution for digital infrastructure. I learned teamwork, adaptability, resilience, and reaffirming my passion for cybersecurity. This experience brings motivation on my side to pursue further studies in this field to make a positive impact in the landscape of digital security.
    Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
    One technology which inspires me to pursue my career in STEM and which part its play in making the world a better place to live in the realm of information technology and cybersecurity is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has a large number of applications which have the potential to increase security is specifically commendable. AI algorithms have the potential to analyze wide range of data in real-time for purpose of detection of patterns and anomalies which identify malicious activities. This capability of identification and mitigating the impacts of cyber attacks is more effective and efficient as compare to traditional methods. This can be exemplified by AI-powered intrusion detection system that can monitor network traffic continuously, identify the threats and respond to these before these threats escalate into full-blown attacks. Additionally, AI can play its part by freeing up human workforce and providing them the opportunity to divert their focus on more strategic and complex aspects of cybersecurity while AI can do automating routine security tasks. AI systems can potentially enough capable to adapt and evolve for giving response to new threats and attack vectors and AI perform this by staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. Moreover, AI-driven predictive analytics have the potential to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities present in the system of any individual, organization and nation as earlier they are attacked by cyber-attackers. This practice not only prevent cyberattack by enhancing protection but also it also reduces the cost and potential impacts which are associated with the security incidents and data breech. Furthermore, access control mechanism and user authentications can be increased by improving the entire security posture of any organization. User behavior patterns and biometric data can be analyzed via advance AI algorithms. It can verify identities more accurately as compare to traditional methods and detect unauthorized access attempts in real-time. In short, cybersecurity can be revolutionized via AI making the process of threat detection faster that leads to efficient incident response in association with proactive risk management. A safer and secure digital environment for individual, businesses, and societies through the entire globe via harnessing the power of AI technologies.
    Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship
    Throughout history, we see the importance of diversity in STEM. One notable example of diversity involves the contribution of black women to innovations brought out in the field of technology. Black women have contributed to different fields of STEM and their achievements have had a lasting impact which illustrates the magnificent role that diversity plays in shaping the advancement of technology (Benavent et al., 2020). An African American woman, named Marie Van Brittan Brown, whose research work brought revolution in the home security system through her invention of closed-circuit television (CCTV) the security system in 1966. Her research work provides the framework for introducing modern home security systems. This illustrated the fact that how different and diverse perspectives lead to unremarkable innovations in the field of technology that become a source of benefitting the society. Dr. Dorothy E. Denninh is enlisted as one of the pioneers of computer science and cybersecurity experts. She is known for providing her groundbreaking work in the landscape of cryptography and information security. Her research work has increased our understanding particularly related to threats posed by cybersecurity and countermeasures to control these. She has been one of the leading voices supporting strengthening the policies and practices related to cybersecurity. Dr. Ayanna Howard is working as a robotics engineer and computer scientist. She made magnificent contributions to the field of cybersecurity by conducting her research in artificial intelligence as well as robotics. She has introduced innovative techniques and technologies for purpose of increasing defense system of cybersecurity and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Dr. Dawn Song has made excellent contributions to the field of cybersecurity by conducting several researches on computer security and privacy. She particularly put stress on the need of learning machine learning and AI-based approaches. Her research focuses on introducing innovative novel techniques to detect and mitigate the vulnerabilities related to security measures. One of the primary reasons to pursue my STEM degree, particularly in the field of cybersecurity, is due to the opportunity provided by continuing my studies in cybersecurity to address pressing world challenges and protect individuals, organizations, and nations as well from cyber-attacks. My objective is to become a member of a proactive force that works to protect critical systems and sensitive data from malicious actors. It becomes possible by acquiring a deep understanding of computer systems, ethical hacking techniques, cryptography, and network security. Further, cybersecurity has the potential to evolve dynamically and rapidly, so, it needs to learn continuously, develop adaptability of acquired knowledge according to the cyber threats, and adopt problem-solving skills. As a STEM student, I am excited to extend my expertise in cutting-edge technologies and research, staying updated on emerging threats and bringing innovative security solutions. My vision is to make a meaningful change in the world through numerous ways via my contemplated STEM career in the field of cybersecurity. Firstly, I aim to make contributions to national security efforts by providing defense against terrorism, cyber espionage, and other threats to the critical infrastructure of our public sector or governmental agencies. Moreover, the thing that excites me to pursue my career in STEM is my passion for advocating for bringing awareness and education about cybersecurity. This should be focused particularly in undeserved communities around the entire globe where the ratio of digital literacy and access to resources may be limited due to a lack of finances. My objective is to empower people with the resources knowledge and skills that make them capable of safeguarding themselves in a digital world that is under threat of continuously evolving cyber threats.