Forging Paths in Shadows: A Vision for Cyber Equity My name is Sheina Beryl Musanase. I’m a Rwandan undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, majoring in Cyber Operations with a minor in Defense and Forensics. As a young Black woman in STEM, I carry with me a deep respect for knowledge, a drive to protect the vulnerable, and a vision of creating safer digital spaces for underserved communities. I care about access; who gets it, who doesn’t, and how that shapes opportunity and identity. One issue I feel deeply connected to is digital vulnerability in underserved regions, especially in Africa. While more people now use the internet to connect, work, and learn, many don’t have the tools to protect themselves online. Cybercrime, surveillance, and digital misinformation often go unchecked in places with limited cybersecurity education. For me, it’s personal. I come from a place rich in culture and resilience, but not always in resources. I’ve seen how fast tech is growing, and how far behind some communities are left. If I had the power to change this, I’d start by building localized cybersecurity awareness programs in African high schools and universities. These wouldn’t just teach coding or IT basics; they’d focus on practical digital safety, data protection, and cyber ethics. I also dream of helping develop user-friendly cybersecurity tools that work in low-bandwidth areas, with instructions in local languages. Long-term, I hope to create a mentorship network for young African women in tech, connecting them with global experts and opportunities. I chose Cyber Operations because I want to be part of the solution. When I got my first personal device in fifth grade, I didn’t just use it; I wanted to understand it. Over time, I became curious about how systems are protected, how hackers think, and how digital investigations work. I was especially drawn to the idea of defending others. Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech; it’s about trust, ethics, and justice. That’s why I’m also studying forensics, to understand how we trace digital harm and hold people accountable. One of my main goals in the next five years is to join a cybersecurity research lab or government agency focused on cyber threat intelligence. To get there, I plan to earn key certifications (like Security+ and CEH), complete internships, and gain experience in incident response and digital investigations. I also want to stay active in outreach, teaching workshops, mentoring, and sharing resources in multiple languages: English, French, and Kinyarwanda. Education has helped me find purpose. It taught me that I don’t have to separate my background from my ambition, they can grow together. Through classes, I’ve learned to think critically, challenge assumptions, and explore how technology shapes society. Outside the classroom, I’ve learned just as much - from conversations with peers, mentors, and family; about resilience, identity, and impact. Being a woman in STEM has shown me both barriers and breakthroughs. Sometimes I’m the only Black girl in the room. But I’ve learned to see that as strength, not a setback. I’ve found power in my voice, especially when I use it to lift others. My journey has made me more confident, but also more compassionate. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, and that’s why I work hard to be seen and to help others be seen too. Leadership to me means stepping up, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about responsibility, not titles. I’ve led group projects, organized peer study sessions, and helped classmates understand cybersecurity concepts. I also try to lead by example; staying curious, showing up for others, and staying grounded in my values. A moment that shaped me was when I first moved to the U.S. for college. I had to adapt fast; to a new culture, language pace, and academic system. I didn’t always feel prepared, but I stayed focused, asked for help, and built support around me. That experience taught me how to be resourceful, flexible, and patient with myself. Now, whenever I face something hard, I remind myself how far I’ve already come. If I’m awarded this scholarship, it would ease financial stress and allow me to invest more fully in my academic path and vision. I could afford certification programs, attend cybersecurity conferences, and dedicate more time to research and mentoring. More than anything, this scholarship would be a vote of confidence - a reminder that someone believes in my vision and wants to help me build it. I’m not just studying to enter the tech world, I’m studying to reshape it. To bring security where there is silence. To make space where others feel invisible. And to remind young girls like me that we belong in every room, even the ones we have to build ourselves.