Risk Assessment, Vulnerability Management & Compliance Expert
COMPTIA Security + | CISCO Certificate
Google Professional Cybersecurity Certificate | Graduate Assistant @MSU
Yaa’s story isn’t just about career shifts—it’s about fearless reinvention. With a background in Communication Studies, she once thrived in public relations, research, and community engagement in Ghana. But something bigger was calling. She saw the growing significance of cybersecurity and recognized a gap—technology needed translators, people who could bridge the divide between technical complexity and real-world application. Instead of following the conventional path, she chose the challenge. Turning down other scholarship opportunities, Yaa leaped into the world of cybersecurity, determined to prove that communication and technology were not opposing forces but powerful allies. The transition wasn’t easy. Coming from a non-technical background, she faced a steep learning curve—coding languages, penetration testing, cryptography, risk management. But resilience became her greatest asset. With relentless dedication, she maintained a stellar 4.0 GPA while pursuing her Master’s in Cybersecurity at Montclair State University. More than just mastering the technical side, she worked to make cybersecurity more accessible, ensuring that others—especially those from non-tech backgrounds—could see a path forward. Education wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about creating impact. As a Graduate Assistant, Yaa tutored undergraduate students in Java Programming and Database Management, strengthening her technical expertise while nurturing the next generation of tech minds. Her passion for mentorship extended beyond the classroom—she served as a Global Ambassador, helping international students navigate university life, troubleshoot technical issues, and build a strong, inclusive community. Her efforts earned her the Best Student Employee Award in 2024.
Beyond academia, she took her mission to the professional world. As a Cybersecurity Compliance, Awareness, and Training Volunteer at the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), she led security awareness campaigns, designed educational materials, and trained students and professionals on cybersecurity best practices. Every role sharpened her ability to communicate complex security concepts in ways that resonated with diverse audiences.
Yaa’s expertise extends beyond cybersecurity. She’s an IT specialist, an administrator, a graphic designer, and a content creator. At Kita Kinder School in Ghana, she ensured smooth IT operations and helped faculty integrate technology into education. A self-taught designer, she uses tools like Figma to bring ideas to life, blending creativity with technical acumen.
Her passion for storytelling led her to launch a YouTube channel, where she shares her cybersecurity journey, offering guidance to those looking to break into tech from unconventional backgrounds.
Yaa’s journey is proof that career transitions are not just possible but powerful. She’s on a mission to demystify cybersecurity, ensuring that non-technical professionals, students, and underrepresented communities see a place for themselves in the field. With a CompTIA Security+ certification under her belt, she continues to expand her expertise in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, all while staying committed to mentoring, teaching, and community building.
A Message to Her Younger Self—and to Anyone Dreaming Big
“Be brave, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of learning.”
Yaa’s journey is an invitation to anyone standing at a crossroads. Whether you’re transitioning careers, overcoming self-doubt, or stepping into uncharted territory, her story proves that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn can take you anywhere. She’s not just building a career—she’s shaping the future of cybersecurity, one conversation, one student, and one breakthrough at a time.
