Before I Led Communities, They Built Me
What began as a hesitant step into tech evolved into an unexpected career in Cloud Engineering. This is a story about curiosity, community, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how the people who believed in me helped shape the leader I'm still growing into—one committed to inspiring more women to find their place in tech.
It All Started With My Brother
My introduction to technology wasn't through a bootcamp, a YouTube recommendation, or social media. It was through my older brother. Right after I finished secondary school, he introduced me to the world of tech as a Product Designer and encouraged me to learn frontend development. Initially, I wasn't interested because I simply didn't see myself in it. Almost two years later, something changed—I picked up frontend development, but consistency was a struggle. I'd learn for a while, stop, come back again, and repeat the cycle.
University Changed Everything
I got into university and decided to take learning seriously. Balancing academics, work as a research writer, and frontend development was challenging. There were overwhelming days with assignments, client deadlines, practicals, and classes, but I kept going. I wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone; I was simply trying to become a better version of myself.
Curiosity Changed the Direction of My Career
While scrolling online, I came across a post about Cloud Engineering. I had no idea what it was but became curious. I started asking questions: What is cloud computing? Why are companies moving to the cloud? What do Cloud Engineers actually do? I realized there was an entire world behind the applications I had been building—infrastructure, servers, networking, automation, security, deployment, and scalability. I knew I wanted to learn more.
I Didn’t Learn Alone, Communities Helped Me
Communities shaped my career more than anything else. They gave me access to resources, mentors, learning opportunities, events, and friends—people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. The AWS Student Builder Group FUTO (formerly AWS Cloud Club FUTO) completely changed my learning experience. Instead of figuring everything out alone, I was surrounded by people asking the same questions and solving similar problems. Communities like Google Developer Groups (GDG), NexaScale, and others invested in helping beginners grow. Every workshop, technical session, and conversation added another piece to my journey. Communities didn’t just teach me cloud—they taught me confidence.
Representation Matters
Meeting incredible women in Cloud and DevOps changed my mindset. Seeing women build amazing careers, lead technical communities, speak at conferences, and solve real engineering problems made the impossible feel possible. They reminded me that I belonged too. Today, I encourage young women entering tech, remembering how much seeing someone ahead of me mattered.
The Silent Battle With Imposter Syndrome
Like many in tech, I wrestled with imposter syndrome. I questioned whether I was learning fast enough, doing enough, or truly belonged in the rooms I found myself in. I compared my journey to others and wondered if I was falling behind. But I kept learning, building, volunteering, and showing up—even on days confidence was nowhere to be found. Over time, people began reaching out, sharing how my transition into Cloud Engineering gave them confidence. Those conversations reminded me that impact doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes, people learn from your consistency while you’re busy wondering if you’re making a difference.
Full Circle
Today, I lead the AWS Student Builder Group FUTO, a community of over 1,000 members, and the Google Developer Group (GDG) Cloud Club FUTO. Every event, beginner we encourage, and technical session we host reminds me of the girl who once didn’t know where to begin. The communities that once poured into me now trust me to pour into others. My journey taught me this: You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. Stay curious, be willing to learn, ask questions, and show up consistently. Most importantly, don’t try to do it alone—find your community. It can change your perspective, confidence, opportunities, and even the direction of your career.
To every young woman wondering if there’s a place for you in Cloud, DevOps, or tech—there is. Your journey won’t look exactly like mine, and it shouldn’t. Don’t let fear convince you that you aren’t capable. You’re stronger than you think. I’m still learning, still dreaming, and still growing. But when I look back, I’m grateful for the communities, mentors, friends, opportunities, challenges, and lessons. Most of all, I’m grateful I didn’t give up. The biggest transformation doesn’t happen when you reach your destination—it happens when you realize how far you’ve already come.