A Passion for Technology: Winnie McKenzie’s Story

Winnie McKenzie, a 20-year-old student from Ghana, is currently studying Information Technology at Methodist University. Her passion for the seamless interaction between humans and technology led her to pursue this field. Motivated by the fast-paced nature of tech, she aspires to innovate solutions for real-world challenges. In addition to her studies, Winnie is an avid reader, constantly exploring tech-related topics to stay up to date. With the support of Methodist University and her determination, she is excited to bridge the gap between theory and practice and contribute to the global tech community.

Her journey into the world of technology began in Junior High School in 2015, where her enthusiasm for computers and their influence on the world grew. Since then, her tech journey has been progressing smoothly as she learns something new every day. Winnie proudly boasts of knowledge in cybersecurity and coding and has yet to encounter any significant challenges in her tech journey.

Her Tech4Dev journey started with a friend’s recommendation of the Women Techsters Bootcamp Cohort 2.7 training. Intrigued by the program’s reputation, she decided to apply for the Cybersecurity learning track. The online curriculum, guided by her facilitator, Madam Mercy, proved to be well-structured and invaluable. Working collaboratively on group projects was both challenging and rewarding, and Winnie formed meaningful connections with her peers and other professionals. This experience strengthened her cybersecurity knowledge and boosted her confidence, setting her on a path for future success.

Although Winnie is still a student and hasn’t started working professionally, she believes every skill she has learned will be useful in her future endeavours. The training at Tech4Dev presented numerous highlights for her like learning from her facilitator’s guidance was invaluable, and working on the group project, although challenging, fostered teamwork and yielded exceptional results.

Also, engaging with peers and professionals expanded Winnie’s network and enriched her learning experience. Overall, the training significantly deepened her cybersecurity knowledge and boosted her confidence.

As a result of the training, Winnie has developed a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, including threat detection, prevention, and risk management. She has also learned about work protocols, configurations, and security measures to protect digital communication. Furthermore, she has become familiar with encryption methods and how they safeguard sensitive data.

The trainers and facilitators at Tech4Dev made a lasting impression on Winnie. Their dedication to the program’s mission and their commitment to the participants’ learning experience were evident throughout the training. Their engaging teaching methods, patience in addressing questions, and genuine enthusiasm for sharing expertise were memorable for her. In particular, Winnie’s facilitator stood out with her deep knowledge of cybersecurity and her ability to simplify complex concepts. She created a supportive and inclusive learning environment, fostering collaboration and open discussions among participants. Her mentorship and guidance greatly contributed to Winnie’s understanding of the subject matter.

The trainers’ passion for both technology and community impact was apparent in their efforts to instill a sense of volunteerism in the participants. Their emphasis on giving back and using their skills to make a positive difference was inspiring. Winnie is grateful for the valuable insights and experiences they shared during the training.

Winnie is committed to making the most of the knowledge she gained from the training. She plans to continue her learning journey by staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends, attending webinars, reading research papers, and exploring relevant online courses. Additionally, she aims to apply her knowledge by working on personal projects, such as setting up secure networks or practicing ethical hacking in controlled environments. Winnie also intends to pursue relevant certifications to validate her skills and enhance her credibility in the field of cybersecurity.

Winnie applied for the Women Techsters Fellowship class of 2024, and we are so proud of her for securing her space in the program. We are excited about this new phase targeted towards her career growth and we are looking forward to the impact she will undoubtedly make in the months ahead.