“WiCyS was a game-changer in my journey, offering unwavering support and invaluable resources that reshaped my entire life. Through attending conferences and founding a student chapter, my involvement with WiCyS directly led to securing my dream job at Modern Health. The organization’s dedication to empowering women in cybersecurity not only bolstered my confidence but also provided the vital connections I needed to thrive in this field.”
—Devonie Nelson, Junior Cybersecurity Engineer, Modern Health
Devonie Nelson’s entry into cybersecurity came during a particularly challenging time in her life. She had just separated from her husband, moved back in with her mother and was adjusting to life as a single parent with a three-month-old daughter. Financially strained, she relied on government assistance, navigating the difficult process of proving her need for help.
At that time, Devonie was on maternity leave from a company undergoing a series of layoffs. Just before she was due to return to work, she received the devastating news that she had been laid off. With a young child to support and bills piling up, Devonie faced a tough decision. Encouraged by a friend to explore cybersecurity, she decided to dive in headfirst, determined to overcome any obstacles in her way.
In August 2022, she enrolled in a Master’s Program at the University of Houston – Downtown, focusing on Security Management with a Cybersecurity concentration. The Last Mile Education Fund provided crucial support, helping her navigate the financial challenges of her studies. As she searched for additional resources to bolster her success, Devonie discovered WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity), which became an invaluable part of her journey.
Devonie first encountered WiCyS on LinkedIn. Intrigued by the organization’s partnerships and opportunities, she joined as a student member. Having previously encountered few
organizations that truly “talked the talk and walked the walk,” WiCyS stood out for its commitment to recruiting, retaining and advancing women in cybersecurity. For Devonie, the resources and support provided by WiCyS were invaluable in her career journey.
As a WiCyS member, Devonie participated in the 2022 ISC2 Winter Boot Camp, seeking to build her credibility in cybersecurity. Through intensive training and mentorship, she achieved her first cybersecurity certification, finishing in the top three of her cohort. This accomplishment boosted her confidence and marked the beginning of her professional journey in cybersecurity.
In March 2022, Devonie attended her first WiCyS conference on a student scholarship. There, she connected with inspiring women in the cybersecurity community who encouraged her to persevere despite her initial doubts about securing a job in the field. Devonie’s involvement with WiCyS extended to establishing a student chapter at the University of Houston – Downtown. This initiative led to a summer sales internship with Axis Communications, where she networked with professionals in the cybersecurity industry and gained valuable exposure.
During her internship, Devonie was approached by ComTec Information Systems for a network security analyst position. Initially hesitant due to her lack of experience with firewall configuration, she was drawn to the opportunity for training and growth. Devonie’s proactive approach and eagerness to learn impressed the hiring manager, leading to her securing the role. The learning curve was steep, but the experience was instrumental in advancing her career.
Two months into her position at ComTec, Devonie was contacted on LinkedIn by a manager at Modern Health, a mental health startup company. She was offered a junior cybersecurity engineer role, which felt like a dream come true. Upon starting this new role in September 2023, Devonie’s manager provided her with the time and support she needed to learn and specialize in her areas of interest within cybersecurity.
As she later learned, Devonie’s involvement with WiCyS played a significant role in her hiring at Modern Health. The manager, initially considering another strong candidate, was advised to look into WiCyS members. Discovering Devonie’s dedication to WiCyS and her leadership as a chapter president, he decided to bring her on board.
Nearly a year into her role, Devonie is thriving as a junior cybersecurity engineer at Modern Health. She has regular meetings with her manager to discuss career progression and opportunities for advancement. Feeling highly valued, Devonie sees a clear path to growth and development, reflecting on how far she has come since her challenging start. Having achieved financial stability, she is no longer reliant on government assistance and can now comfortably provide for herself and her daughter.
Devonie is deeply passionate about sharing her journey to inspire other women embarking on careers in cybersecurity. While she acknowledges that not everyone may encounter the same “pinch me” moments, she hopes her story showcases the vast possibilities within the field.
Devonie remains dedicated to paying it forward, speaking at conferences and motivating others to pursue their dreams in cybersecurity.