Laura is the founder of SheHacks_KE, a group of women cyber security professionals and enthusiasts in Kenya.
She is also a Mozilla Open Leader and an advocate for Internet Freedom, having worked on various projects around digital rights across Africa.
Her journey started when she was at Daystar University where she studied for a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Computer Science.
“I started researching more on cyber security and tried to build a foundation for myself in the field. I was lucky enough to have found mentors who guided me through the process as I was trying to gain foundational skills. Once I got the foundation, I decided that this is the career I want to pursue and started building my skills more.”
"I have been lucky to take part in several successful projects and events. I’ve attended the DefCon conference in Las Vegas which is the biggest cyber-security event and undoubtedly one of the most coveted ones."
SheHacks_KE is a community of women in cyber security. The community brings together learners and experts from different backgrounds and counties.
“We did have some women who were already working in cyber security but they were always sidelined from major events and conversations. We saw the need to create a platform where women would have a voice.”
SheHacks_KE has different programmes.
“I have been lucky to take part in several successful projects and events. I’ve attended the DefCon conference in Las Vegas which is the biggest cyber-security event and undoubtedly one of the most coveted ones. I have also just recently been nominated as one of the top 50 women in cyber security in Africa which is a great feat.”
Laura and her colleague were the first Kenyans to speak at the Black Hat USA conference which was held in Las Vegas.
“Most of the people we work with are still at the beginner level, but we have individuals in Kenya and across Africa that have worked to develop tools that specifically address needs of the region.”
Hilary Kimuyu
