Stacy Alwanga: Pioneering Change in Cybersecurity and Mentorship

Stacy Alwanga’s journey into the world of cybersecurity is a testament to the power of unexpected paths and the transformative impact of mentorship. Raised in a family of medical professionals, her early aspirations were rooted in engineering and medicine. However, at just 22 years old, Stacy has carved out a niche for herself as a cybersecurity engineer at CyberGuard Africa, where her passion extends beyond securing systems to empowering the next generation of women in technology.

A Serendipitous Shift

Reflecting on her early ambitions, Stacy recalls, “I started out thinking I would follow in my parents’ footsteps.” Yet, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic opened her eyes to a realm she had never considered. “Everything changed when I began learning about cybersecurity during the pandemic. I realized there was a whole new world beyond what I had imagined.” This revelation marked the beginning of her self-taught journey into cybersecurity, driven by curiosity and a desire to make a difference.

Stacy’s initial foray into the field was largely facilitated by online resources. She began with coding tutorials on YouTube, gradually immersing herself in the intricacies of hacking and system defense. “I thought, how can I help prevent the damage hackers cause? That curiosity led me into cybersecurity, and I haven’t looked back,” she shares.

The Power of Mentorship

While Stacy’s technical skills have flourished, it is her commitment to mentorship that truly fuels her passion. “Mentorship has been key to my own development, and I see it as a way of giving back and paying it forward,” she explains. Through her involvement with AfricaHackon, a cybersecurity community dedicated to excellence in Africa, she has found a platform to inspire and guide young minds.

“I chose AfricaHackon as a platform to offer mentorship as I am a beneficiary myself,” she notes. “I joined the community to be mentored, and as I grew and excelled in the field, I now joined the mentors’ league.” Her focus is primarily on school-going children, where she actively engages in sensitizing them about the world of technology. “My goal is to inspire young women, to show them that cybersecurity isn’t just about hacking — it’s about defending systems and keeping data safe,” she emphasizes.

Broadening Perspectives on Cybersecurity

Stacy is keen to dispel the common misconception that cybersecurity is solely about breaking into systems. “I want the people I mentor to understand that it’s much more. It’s about protecting networks, securing data, and thinking ahead to prevent attacks,” she explains. Her own mentors, including Fraizer Kilonzo and Dr. Bright Gameli from CyberGuard Africa, have played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of the field. “They didn’t just teach me the technical skills; they helped me see how to approach problems differently and think strategically,” she reflects.

In her mentorship, Stacy emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. “It’s not enough to read about it. You have to practice, test systems, and try things out. That’s where real learning happens,” she advises. She also instills resilience in her mentees, reminding them that failure is a part of the learning process. “Cybersecurity is challenging. You’re going to fail at times. What’s important is how you get back up and solve the problem,” she asserts.

Transformative Experiences

Stacy’s mentorship efforts have already begun to yield positive results. She recalls a young woman she mentored who initially found the field daunting. “She was overwhelmed at first, thinking it was too technical. But by the end of our sessions, she had developed a real interest in the field,” Stacy beams. Witnessing such transformations is what keeps her committed to mentoring. “That’s the reward for me—watching someone grow and realize their potential.”

Despite her growing impact, Stacy remains humble about her role as a mentor. “I’m still learning myself,” she admits. “Every time I mentor someone, I discover something new. It forces me to deepen my own understanding of the subject.” This reciprocal nature of mentorship enriches both the mentor and the mentee, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

A Vision for Gender Diversity

Stacy’s vision extends beyond her personal career aspirations; she aims to create a network of female cybersecurity professionals who can support one another and elevate the presence of women in tech. “We need more women in this field,” she asserts. “It’s still largely dominated by men, but that’s changing. My goal is to speed up that change.”

Her message to young girls is clear and empowering: “You don’t need to follow the conventional path. Cybersecurity, and tech in general, is open to anyone with curiosity and determination. If you’re passionate about it, don’t be afraid to jump in.”

Overcoming Challenges

Stacy’s approach to mentoring is deeply rooted in her own experiences of breaking into the industry. “When I started, I didn’t even know how to properly use emails,” she laughs. “But I kept pushing, kept learning. That’s what I want others to take away—don’t give up just because something seems difficult at first.”

The impact of her mentorship is evident in the confidence and skills of those she has guided. As a young woman in a field still grappling with gender diversity, she understands the importance of representation. “It’s important for young girls to see women succeeding in tech. It shows them that it’s possible,” she says.

Building the Future of Cybersecurity

Stacy Alwanga’s journey is a beacon of what can be achieved through mentorship, persistence, and the determination to defy expectations. “My work is not only about protecting systems but about building the future of cybersecurity—one mentee at a time. We’re shaping the next generation of women in tech,” she states proudly.

With a focus on the future, Stacy plans to continue her mentorship efforts, hoping to inspire even more young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. “The field is always evolving, and so should we. The more we learn, the better we become. And the more women we bring into cybersecurity, the stronger our industry will be,” she concludes.

Stacy Alwanga’s story is not just about personal success; it is a powerful narrative of empowerment, resilience, and the vital role of mentorship in shaping the future of technology.