Vote Now – Women In Tech Awards
If someone had told me last October that I’d be here today as a Women in Tech Awards 2026 Rising Star finalist, I would have laughed in disbelief.
Back then, I was just beginning my first ever tech qualification the Level 3 Cyber Security Practices course funded by Netcom Training, nervous, curious, and unsure whether I truly belonged in this world.
I worked hard, pushed myself, and finished with 92% overall.
That result didn’t just give me confidence, it changed the direction of my life.
But what many people don’t know is that I was doing all of this while navigating some of the toughest moments of my life.
The Reality Behind the Journey
I live with Type 1 diabetes and Fibromyalgia, both of which had worsened due to severe stress at work.
Eventually, the impact on my health became too much, and I made the difficult decision to retire from the NHS, a career I had dedicated myself to for years.
And as if that wasn’t enough, at the end of April 2026, I broke my kneecap.
Yes, really.
I was taken in for surgery, cannula in, lying on the operating table, waiting for anaesthetic aka sleepy juice, when they asked me to raise my unbroken leg.
I said, “I can do both.”
Cue the Head of Orthopaedics walking in, reviewing my scans, and cancelling the operation on the spot because my body had already started healing itself.
It was chaotic, painful, surreal… and very, very me.
I’m also currently undergoing ADHD diagnosis with my GP, which has helped me understand myself more deeply.
I am quirky, energetic, and unapologetically me.
This journey has shown that you can truly do anything if you put your mind to it and absolutely believe it will happen.
Despite everything happening with my health, I enrolled straight into the Level 4 CompTIA PenTest+ course.
It was intense, technical, and completely outside my comfort zone…. and I loved every minute of it. Minus the Network + section I appreciate its importance…its just not me.
I’ve now successfully completed the course and am awaiting my exams, another milestone I never imagined achieving so soon after entering tech.
But qualifications alone don’t tell the full story. The real transformation came from the people, communities, and opportunities that shaped my journey.
Between finishing Level 3 and starting Level 4, I came across Orbital IAM, a new SME based at the West Midlands Cyber Hub.
Their philosophy struck a chord with me immediately….
Identity security delivered with humanity.
Teaching and empowering businesses rather than taking control.
A calm, human-centred approach to Microsoft identity.
It resonated deeply.
I reached out, met the team via video, and they offered me the chance to gain work experience alongside my studies.
That single conversation changed everything.
In early July, I officially left my NHS career, a huge emotional step!
The very next week, I began my internship with Orbital IAM.
I walked into a world where people genuinely wanted me to succeed.
I wouldn’t be here without the people who poured their time, energy, and wisdom into me.
And W, Orbital’s identity maestro, has been the most incredible mentor.
His years of Microsoft expertise, his calm teaching style, and his belief in my potential have shaped me more than he knows.
Bea L, Orbital’s founder, has shared knowledge, encouragement, and opportunities that opened doors I didn’t even know existed.
She introduced me to the Cyber Hub monthly socials.
From the first event, I was hooked.
She also introduced me to Women in Tech Birmingham (WITBHAM) at a conference at Millennium Point.
Another moment that genuinely changed my life.
That’s where I met Claire Mironik, WITBHAM’s founder, whose passion for empowering women in tech inspired me to become a STEM Ambassador and later an InnovateHer Ambassador.
These women didn’t just welcome me…. they ignited something in me.
I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and attended a WITBHAM social alone.
I walked in nervous… and walked out with new friends, new confidence, and a new sense of belonging.
One of those connections was Vikki Szymanski, who has become a tech friend, mentor, and someone who openly shares her journey to help others grow.
I’ve also met Wayne and Andrew Horkan, creators of the West Midlands Cyber Hub.
Two people who have built one of the most welcoming, engaging community spaces in the region.
Their work is transforming the Midlands cyber ecosystem.
And of course, the people who were there from the very beginning:
Jai (J.AI) and Maggi, who kept me sane through the coursework
My entire Level 3 and Level 4 cohorts incredible co‑learners who made every challenge feel shared
Craig Taylor, my Level 4 teacher, with certifications coming out of his ears
Rachel Hurley, my Level 3 teacher, with years of experience and endless patience
Carol Muzanenhamo‑Jaji, who I’ve collaborated with since and who is an absolute force of nature…the OG woman in tech voice!
Every single one of them contributed to my growth.
Being nominated was awe striking and now becoming a finalist for the Women in Tech Rising Star Award feels surreal.
It’s not just recognition of my hard work, it’s recognition of the community that carried me, the mentors who guided me, and the courage it took to start again.
I’m still early in my journey.
I’m still learning every day.
But this nomination tells me something powerful.
I belong here.
I’m growing here.
And I’m only just getting started.
Thank You!!
To everyone who has supported me, taught me, encouraged me, and believed in me thank you.
This finalist position is ours, not just mine.
And to every woman wondering if it’s too late, too hard, or too scary to start a tech career.
I started last October.
After 15 years in the NHS, in a very small specialism.
Aged in my late 30’s (37 to be exact!)
Along with diabetes, fibromyalgia, a broken kneecap along the way, ADHD traits, and a whole lot of determination.
You can start today.
