Meet the Scholars: Incredible Voices Shaping the Future of Tech
- 24 hours ago
- 13 min read
From Dallas to the world - sharing stories, ambitions, and journeys into IT.
Introduction
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting this incredible group of scholarship recipients in Dallas at the Workplace Ninjas US conference, and I left feeling inspired, energized, and hopeful about the future of tech.
Each of them comes from a unique background, with different stories, ambitions, and paths into IT - and that’s exactly why I wanted to create this space. This blog is my way of sharing my platform with them, amplifying their voices, and giving them a place to tell their stories in their own words.
Some are looking for new job opportunities, some are just starting out, and others simply want to share what they’ve learned and what excites them about the future. However, they choose to show up, I’m proud to feature them here.
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Meet the Scholars (featured participants)
Ashley H.
Name
Ashley
Where to find me (Social Media)
Twitter/x: https://x.com/thehelpdeskgirl
Finding my way Into IT
My path into IT hasn’t been linear, and that’s something I’ve learned to appreciate rather than apologize for. I transitioned into IT during a major life change - moving to Germany with my husband while he was serving in the Army. That move forced me to think differently about my career and what I needed long-term.
I was looking for work that was portable, resilient, and not tied to a single location. IT stood out as a field where skills could travel with me, no matter where life or military orders took us. What started as a practical decision quickly became something more meaningful. I found myself drawn to the problem-solving, the constant learning, and the way technology quietly supports everything around us.
Breaking into the field meant learning to be comfortable with not knowing everything, asking questions, and building confidence through hands-on experience. The more I learned, the more I realized that tech isn’t just about tools or code - it’s about people, communication, and creating solutions that actually help.
What I enjoyed most about the conference
The conference was a reminder that community is just as important as skill. What stood out to me most was being surrounded by people who were honest about their journeys—the challenges, the imposter syndrome, the pivots, and the wins. There was something incredibly grounding about seeing so many different versions of “success” in one place.
I also loved the conversations that happened between sessions. The real value wasn’t just in the talks themselves, but in the connections, shared experiences, and the feeling that there’s room in tech for many different paths and voices.
What I’m working on now
Right now, I’m focused on rebuilding and tapping back into the part of me I think of as thehelpdeskgirl—my social media persona version of myself that loves solving problems, staying curious, and helping people feel less intimidated by technology. I’ve always enjoyed being the person who can break things down, troubleshoot calmly, and make tech feel more approachable instead of overwhelming.
I’m especially interested in helping others learn basic troubleshooting skills and understand how to get into the field, particularly for people who don’t come from traditional tech backgrounds. IT can feel opaque from the outside, and I want to help demystify those first steps—what to learn, how to think through problems, and how to build confidence early on.
At the same time, I’m continuing to grow my own skills and refine what kind of work energizes me most, with an eye toward roles that balance technical problem-solving with mentorship, communication, and real human impact.
Looking ahead: the next five years
In the next five years, I see myself settled into work that feels both challenging and sustainable. I want to grow thehelpdeskgirl in a meaningful way.
Long-term, I hope to be someone who can look back and say I didn’t just “get into tech,” but that I helped shape a culture of openness, growth, and support for others finding their way in too via my social media presence.
What I’m proud of
If there’s one thing I’m proud of, it’s showing up even when I didn’t feel fully ready. Choosing to learn, to take up space, and to keep going—even when the path wasn’t clear—has been its own kind of success.
I’m excited about what’s ahead, and grateful to be part of a community that reminds me I don’t have to do it alone.
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Athina Thomas
Name
Artist
Bio
When people ask who I am, I used to freeze. Over the past year, I’ve learned to answer that question more honestly and with more ease. At my core, I’m a loved human being. I work in a field many people aspire to be in, I have a supportive family, a dog who meets me with unconditional love, and a life that continues to ground me as I grow. I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia, originally from New York, and I currently work as an Associate Consultant. Professionally, I’m drawn to Cloud Security, DevSecOps, and Security Automation, where I’m focused on building systems that are intentional, resilient, and secure by design.
Where to find me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athinat/
GitHub: https://github.com/ArtistYay
Website: https://artistuniverse.tech/
What made you get into IT?
My journey into tech began after a significant pivot. I was denied entry into the Air Force due to a medical condition, which forced me to rethink my path. I decided to pursue a life as a “hackerman,” leaning into a curiosity I’d had since childhood. I’d always been drawn to technology. I got my first laptop at age seven and never stopped exploring. I reached out to a brother from church who helped guide me toward the Security+ certification and a career program called Year Up. The moment I knew this path was right for me came while studying for Security+. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, everything clicked, and for the first time, learning felt intuitive and exciting.
What did you enjoy most about the conference?
Everything. Lol, I wrote a (pretty long) article on my blog about my experience -> Workplace Ninjas US 2025 Summit. The one thing that stood out to me, though, was the fact that I could book time with a speaker. I took advantage of that feature because not many conferences offer it.
Your goals & where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years
Honestly, I see myself as a successful businesswoman in various fields. I've got multiple ideas but haven't chosen one yet. I envision traveling the world, vlogging my experiences, being an F1 driver (I believe I can make it happen), and streaming from my yacht on Twitch, among many other things. My goal is to live life with joy and freedom. I want it, and I pursue it. Professionally, within five years, I aim to be in a senior position, doing work that not only makes me feel impactful but also influences others' lives. Whether through YouTube videos, writing articles, or other creative outlets, I’m just letting my life be Art(ist).
Anything else you’d like to share?
What you’re excited or proud of right now – I’m proud of my mom. My family is from Jamaica, and she came to America with nothing, building her life from the ground up. I believe I inherit my drive and ambition from her because, honestly, nothing has ever stopped her from achieving her goals. So, I see no reason why it should stop me. I’m excited about what life has in store, as I have many desires, and I’m simply trusting the process.
Roles you’re currently looking for (if job hunting) – currently looking for roles in cloud security, devsecops, and security automation. Those are the three fields I want to niche in.
Types of opportunities you’re open to – anything, honestly, if it’s positive and helps me grow, I’m open to change.
A message to others starting out in tech – don’t get caught up in the negative people online. Just believe in yourself, no matter what (imposter syndrome, gatekeeping, etc.), remember prayers without actions are just dreams.
Hobbies & interests
I play video games (PC and PlayStation, but mostly on PC). In 2026, I said I would love to start taekwondo classes, learn music theory to produce beats, and do some weekend twitch streaming of me playing video games. Get my motorcycle license. Oh, I also have a tower server I’m just labbing on to get deeper in the niches I mentioned above.
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Elijah Smith
Name
Elijah Smith
Bio
My name is Elijah Smith, and I’m a 22-year-old IT student based in the Dallas- Fort Worth area. I recently completed NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program earning multiple certifications including my CompTIA A+ and now I’m beginning my Cloud Computing degree at Western Governors University. I’m especially interested in Cloud Security and the role it plays in protecting modern systems as more people move to the Cloud.
Where to find me
Linkedin : elijahdsmithjr (linkedin.com/in/elijahdsmithjr)
Github: elijahdsmith (github.com/elijahdsmith)
Twitter/x: elijahatwork (x.com/elijahatwork)
What made me get into IT?
Growing up I've always been passionate and interested in technology. I was one of those kids obsessed over tech specs and review videos every time a new device launched from phones to IOT devices. I was fascinated by the sheer pace of innovation but for the longest time, it was just a hobby. I felt the pressure to follow the 'you should go to school for computer science path' path, but because I didn't see where I fit, I spent a lot of time pivoting between different careers thinking maybe technology as a career isn't for me. Everything changed when I found NPower. I originally joined thinking I was just trying to get help finding a job but they helped me go from being just a tech enthusiast to becoming a professional. They reminded me how much I love the learning process, and through the community I met there, I realized I found the path for me.
What did I enjoy most about the conference?
Workplace Ninjas Dallas was my first-ever tech conference. I walked in not knowing what to expect and feeling extremely nervous. However, the amazing people I met at the Workplace Ninjas Hackathon I attended before the conference helped me calm those nerves. The highlight throughout the conference for me was honestly my interactions with the community as everyone was incredibly supportive and had unique insights they were willing to share from their own journeys in technology. Beyond just networking, I was intrigued by the sessions on Microsoft technologies like Copilot Studio and Power Automate. Seeing how people in the industry use these tools firsthand really fascinated me and made me excited to try them out myself and even figure out how I can use them to improve my own life in various ways. Honestly, the support, niceness, and extreme depth of knowledge of the professionals at the conference made me truly excited to be a part of such a cool professional community.
My goals and where i see myself in the next 5-10 yrs
Before attending Workplace Ninjas, my goal was simply to break into the field of cloud security. After seeing the passion and depth of knowledge shared by so many experts at the event, I realized I wanted to aim higher. Over the next 5-10 years, I see myself not just working in cloud security, but becoming a Microsoft MVP and a recognized leader within the Azure ecosystem. I plan to focus on mastering PowerShell and Python to automate security tasks, strengthening my understanding of core security fundamentals, and prioritizing best practices in identity and access security. My ultimate goal is to use these skills for good by helping humanitarian organizations secure their environments so they can focus on their missions without the constant threat of cyber attacks. Beyond that, I hope to reach a point in my career where I can give back by mentoring the next generation of professionals, just as others have inspired and supported me.
Anything else I’d like to share
As I wrap up my current certifications, I am excited to secure my first role in IT. I'm also excited about the projects I'm working on which include building a secure azure infrastructure and designing my first logic app using PowerShell. I’m exploring a variety of paths, from Junior System Administration to SOC Analyst and Cloud Support roles. Because I am focused on growth, I am open to on-site, remote, or hybrid roles and am willing to relocate to join the right organization. My goal is to find any position that offers a steep learning curve and challenges me to solve complex problems as I progress in Cloud/Cloud Security.
Hobbies
I have a diverse set of interests and love trying new things. I enjoy gaming, watching and reading anime and manga, and traveling to new places. I also like going on walks while listening to music or talking to friends, going to concerts, learning random new things and watching movies with friends, especially when we rate them and argue.
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Jackie Wilson
Name
Jaclyn Wilson
Bio
I am a mom to 2 beautiful toddlers, a wife to an amazing husband, a collaborative product manager in cybersecurity at BlueVoyant, and an empathetic friend and colleague. I love iced coffee, donuts and cats! I am able to quickly build meaningful connections with others and am constantly curious and willing to learn and grow personally and professionally. I am committed to servant leadership and love working with others to deliver products that add value to users. My friends and family describe me as loving, vulnerable, confident and strong. My coworkers and managers describe me as passionate, hardworking, collaborative, fun and intelligent.
Where to find me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-wilson-7b865967
Instagram: @collaborative_cyber_queen
What made me get into IT
I had been working 80+ hours a week as a small business owner of a bakery. Holidays were especially brutal. In Fall of 2021, I got pregnant with my son and wanted to take a step back and pursue a job that I could manage more easily with a family. I closed my bakery in December 2021 and landed a job as an IT admin assistant at a software development company in January 2022. This new role provided stability, rest and time with family that I desperately needed, and I was promoted 3 times within the next 3 years in that company. My Dad was a programmer and CTO my whole life so I guess it was a little bit ingrained in me. My favorite part about tech is how fast-paced and complex it can be; it's always a challenge and requires collaboration with smart, talented people to create beautiful things.
What I enjoyed most about the conference
Hands down, the best part was meeting so many different IT professionals from around the world in all different stages in their career. I gained insight from those who have been in the industry for a while, and got to give encouragement to others just starting out in IT. I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with my team for 5 hours during the hackathon and winning 2nd place together! The new connections I made were priceless and I can't wait to see everyone again next year. Keeping up with them now on LinkedIn has been so fun since the conference.
Goals and where I see myself in the next 5-10 years
I really love product management. I think it really suits my skill set well and I think I will stay in product for a while, but who knows?...I went to school for personal training then opened up a bakery then got into IT where I have done 4 different roles within this industry, so you know I am open to whatever comes my way as long as I am using my skills, challenged to grow, and able to collaborate with others. I got into cybersecurity only about a year ago so I am excited to continue to learn and grow in this space. I plan to earn my SC-900 certification within the next couple of months. I am a natural leader so I definitely see myself as a Director of Product Management or even a Chief Product Officer in 5-10 years.
Most excited/proud of right now
1. The conference actually inspired me to create my own brand. I am really excited to lean into my new brand of the "Collaborative Cyber Queen" where collaboration meets cybersecurity. It's all about inspiring other kings and queens in tech to collaborate with others to create beautiful things or enhance the quality of their life through meaningful connection. I am excited to share ongoing collaboration tips and cyber selfies with others in the community on my socials.
2. In a short amount of time, I have made a huge impact in my role as product manager at BlueVoyant. I have made significant improvements to many areas of the business and services that have made others' lives a lot easier. I am known at work as someone who can get stuff done and do it excellently, all while being a good friend in the process. I am proud of the achievements I have made at my company this year and the meaningful connections I have built.
Opportunities open to
Not actively looking but totally open to product management roles in tech and cybersecurity if it's a perfect fit.
Message to others starting out in tech
If you are feeling that you are "not ____ enough" in one or more areas (for me it's often "not technical enough"), or a little different from others, or struggling with imposter syndrome...just know that you are not alone. I am a personal trainer and baker who is now a thriving product manager in cybersecurity; life is wild and fun! You have something to offer those around you; really lean into your strengths and receive strength from those around you and trust me, you will do great things!
Hobbies and Interests
Iced coffee, cats, weightlifting, cleaning and organizing, baking and cooking, planning parties and vacations, spending time with family, singing, dancing, oh and daytime naps!
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Maral Taleb Beidokhti
Name
Maral
Bio
I’m Maral a cybersecurity graduate, network nerd, and someone who genuinely enjoys figuring out how things break… and how to stop them from breaking again.
I moved to the U.S. from Iran to pursue my Master’s in Cybersecurity and Networks, and somewhere between configuring VLANs at 2AM and troubleshooting switches that refused to cooperate, I realized something: I don’t just like technology I like understanding the invisible architecture that holds everything together.
Right now, I’m focused on network security, cloud environments, and building systems that are secure by design not secure as an afterthought.
Where to find me
Website: maraltb14.wixsite.com/mysite
What made you get into IT?
Curiosity. And maybe a little stubbornness.
When I first started learning networking, I didn’t want to just “use” technology I wanted to understand it. What happens when you send a packet? Why does a broadcast storm crash a network? How does a single misconfiguration open the door to an attack? The deeper I went, the more fascinated I became.
Cybersecurity felt like the natural evolution of that curiosity. It’s not just about defence. it’s about thinking like an attacker, anticipating risk, and building smarter systems. Also, I’ll admit it I like solving problems that make other people say, “Wait… how did you fix that?
What did you enjoy most about the conference?
Two things:
1. Realizing that everyone even the experts once felt unsure.
2. The energy.
There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who are building, experimenting, failing, learning, and trying again.
The scholarship meant a lot to me. As an international woman in tech, sometimes you question if you belong in certain rooms. That conference reminded me that I absolutely do.
And honestly? The hallway conversations were just as valuable as the sessions.
Your goals & where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years
Designing secure infrastructure at scale.
I want to work at the intersection of networking, cloud, and security building systems that are resilient, monitored, and intelligently defended.
Long-term, I’d love to lead security initiatives on projects that matter especially in areas involving accessibility or emerging technologies.
And I want to mentor. Because I know how isolating this path can feel in the beginning
Hobbies & interests
I love sports and movement badminton, skating, and anything competitive. It clears my head.
I also enjoy deep conversations, growth, and pushing myself into rooms that feel slightly intimidating because that’s usually where the growth is.
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Wrap Up
I’m so grateful to each of these scholars for trusting me with their stories. If something you’ve read resonates, please connect with them, support them, and help amplify their journeys. This is what community in tech should look like.
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