56 - From Hacking Games to Cisco Firewalls: The Journey of Quetzally Meza

In this episode, we sit down with Quetzalli Meza, a Security Technical Consulting Engineer at Cisco, whose journey from a small town in Mexico to one of the biggest names in tech is as inspiring as it is powerful.Quetzalli shares how her early curiosity for computers — and even hacking childhood games — led her into the world of cybersecurity. She opens up about growing up with limited resources, finding purpose through resilience, and how she discovered her calling in penetration testing and data protection.We talk about:How poverty and perseverance shaped her path in techTransitioning from functional testing to pen testingThe emotional and technical challenges of working in cybersecurityAI, privacy, and the future of data protectionThe importance of teaching, mentorship, and empowering women in techWhy creativity is an underrated skill in cybersecurityQuetzalli’s story is a beautiful reminder that curiosity, courage, and compassion can take you further than you ever imagined.🎧 Tune in for a story that blends technical brilliance, emotional strength, and purpose-driven impact.Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💬 Show Notes:From the streets of Zimbabwe to leading conversations on inclusive innovation at Philips, Nancy’s story is one of audacity, purpose, and becoming.In this episode, Nancy shares how her early experiences during the HIV/AIDS crisis shaped her lifelong mission to bring equity into healthcare — and why she believes inclusion must be at the heart of innovation. We talk about career pivots, creating community in corporate spaces, and what it truly means to belong.Nancy also opens up about founding BsquaredC, a podcast spotlighting the journeys of Black women in corporate spaces — a platform built to amplify voices, bridge representation gaps, and redefine what leadership looks like.🎧 Listen to BsquaredC Podcast on SpotifyThis is a conversation about courage, community, and carrying your dreams — even when no one else can see them yet.🌍 Connect with us:Follow She Talks Tech Podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn for more stories of women redefining what’s possible in tech.Also follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode SummaryWhat does it mean to grow up in a world that told you who you should be — and then choose to become yourself anyway?In this episode, Hlulani sits down with Cécile Deprez, a scientific researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) working on Europe’s next-generation satellite systems. Cécile shares their journey from a childhood shaped by gender expectations in Belgium to a career designing the future of space navigation.They talk about breaking free from patriarchal norms, navigating queerness and neurodivergence in STEM, and finding belonging in spaces that weren’t built for them. This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply human — a reminder that self-acceptance can be the most radical act of all.🪐 In this episode✅ Growing up under rigid gender expectations ✅ Finding the courage to study science despite fear ✅ From geomatics to Galileo: how satellite systems shape our world ✅ Why Cécile left their PhD to protect their mental health ✅ Building inclusive workplaces and Employee Resource Groups that truly support people ✅ Challenging the “colonizing space” narrative and re-imagining exploration ✅ What real diversity and belonging look like in techMemorable quote“Belonging is not a slogan. It’s a practice.” — Cécile DeprezConnectListen now on your favorite podcast platform. Follow Cécile on LinkedIn to learn more about their work.💡 Follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast for more stories that elevate women and gender-diverse voices in tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laid Off to Lift Off: How Julia Arpag Built Aligned RecruitmentEpisode SummaryFrom being a shy bookworm to founding a thriving recruitment firm, Julia Arpag shares her journey into tech, navigating layoffs, and building Aligned Recruitment with faith, grit, and integrity. We dive into A-player teams, using AI wisely, and the skills every founder and job seeker needs today.HighlightsBreaking out of shyness and finding her voicePivoting into tech recruiting and rapid upskillingGetting laid off on maternity leave and starting her own firmWhat it really means to hire A-playersWhy communication and integrity matter more than everMemorable Quote“You can do hard things.”ConnectJulia Arpag on LinkedInAligned Recruitment https://www.alignedrecruitment.com/Follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast and on LinkedIn for more stories of women in tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of She Talks Tech, I sit down with Omotola E. Omotayo — a woman who turned her dream of becoming a doctor into a mission to build communities that transform tech.✨ What you’ll hear in this conversation:How Omotola helped She Code Africa grow from 200 to 50,000 membersWhy she believes tech thrives in communities, not silosThe pivotal moment she discovered her path in tech and community buildingHow volunteering became the launchpad for her global careerThe power of open source as an entry point for underrepresented groupsHer strategies for getting partners to say yesThe mindset that turns every challenge into a stepping stoneIf you’ve ever wondered how to create real impact in tech, Omotola’s journey will inspire you to dream bigger, start where you are, and build with people.🎧 Tune in and be inspired.👉 Also follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of She Talks Tech, I sit down with Jessica Brieger, a bold voice in ESG, social impact, and AI. Jessica’s journey is anything but linear. From her early love of biology to a career spanning automotive, mining, sustainability, and advocacy for neurodiversity, she has embraced curiosity as her compass.We talk about what it means to grow up different, to discover her autism later in life, and to navigate spaces that were not always built with inclusion in mind. Jessica opens up about the role her mother played in shaping her love for tech, her winding path across industries, and why she believes being “too much” is actually a superpower.What we cover in this episode: ✅ Jessica’s childhood in Germany and her early curiosity for science ✅ Lessons from her mother, a self-made CEO and constant source of inspiration ✅ How she discovered her neurodivergence and what neuro-inclusive workplaces should look like ✅ The beauty of being a “scanner personality” and refusing to live a linear career path ✅ Building impact across sustainability, diversity, and ESG ✅ Why AI excites her and the importance of tackling bias in technology ✅ Her letter to her younger self and the reminder that you are never “too much”Jessica’s story is a reminder that difference is strength, and that our curiosity and uniqueness can shape not just careers but entire industries.🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Jessica’s journey.Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of She Talks Tech, I sit down with Marie‑Josée Turgeon, President & CEO of C2MI — Canada’s leading microelectronics and semiconductor innovation hub. From her early curiosity as a young girl who needed to understand how things work, to leading cutting‑edge teams shaping the future of sustainable tech, Marie‑Josée’s journey is a masterclass in purposeful leadership.We talk about:✅ Why teamwork and diversity are the real drivers of innovation in semiconductors✅ Navigating 20+ years at IBM and stepping into the CEO role at C2MI✅ Making sustainability a core part of tech innovation — from product design to cleanroom operations✅ Staying grounded while leading high‑impact R&D teams✅ Advice for women in STEM: “Nothing’s stopping you — you can do it all”Whether you’re in engineering, leadership, or just curious about how semiconductors shape our everyday lives, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to embrace the challenges ahead.🎧 Listen now and discover how Marie‑Josée is shaping the future of semiconductors — with purpose, people, and planet in mind.Also follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode Title: From Consulting to CEO: Tarnia Gonzo’s Journey to Human-Centered AIEpisode Summary:In this episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with the brilliant Tarnia Gonzo — founder of TNS Consulting — whose journey from Zimbabwe to the UK, from corporate consulting to building her own tech business, is packed with lessons, honesty, and inspiration.Tarnia’s career path hasn’t been conventional — and that’s exactly what makes her story powerful. From her early days working at PwC, to navigating culture change in large organisations, to launching her own consultancy focused on AI, digital transformation, and making tech work for people — Tarnia is proof that your unique perspective belongs in tech.We unpack the realities of leading digital change, the human side of AI, and why breaking into leadership or consulting isn’t reserved for the few. She also shares how motherhood shaped her decision to start her own company, and why good work should always be paired with impact.Plus, she offers practical advice for companies navigating AI adoption — and a heartfelt letter to her 10-year-old self reminding us all to slow down, have fun, and be unapologetically ourselves.What We Talk About:✅ Growing up between Zimbabwe and the UK — and the early influences that shaped Tarnia✅ How her mother's quiet resilience became her biggest inspiration✅ From avoiding tech to running a business that helps organisations adopt AI✅ The real challenges of change management (Hint: it's always about the people)✅ How AI can both disrupt and elevate the workplace — and why reskilling matters✅ Practical tips for organisations overwhelmed by AI but ready to start✅ What it’s really like starting your own consulting firm✅ Lessons in leadership, self-confidence, and doing the work differently✅ Tarnia’s honest reflections on motherhood, perfectionism, and letting go✅ Why diversity in tech — especially in AI — is non-negotiableConnect with Tarnia:🌐 https://www.ts-consulting.co.uk/Loved this conversation?Subscribe to She Talks Tech so you never miss an episode!Share this episode to help amplify the voices of incredible women making an impact in tech.Also follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast and be part of a growing community breaking barriers and building a more inclusive tech world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with Thoko Miya, a powerhouse in community-driven innovation and creative strategy. Thoko shares how she’s building ecosystems that centre people first — blending technology, youth empowerment, and purpose-driven leadership.We unpack how her work moves beyond code to create platforms that amplify voices, support local innovators, and rethink how we define tech success.🎧 What we talk about:Building inclusive tech ecosystemsWhy community is your greatest metricCreating platforms that uplift youth and creativesLeadership rooted in listeningHow to design for people, not just usersAlso follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Show NotesIn this heartwarming episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with QA professional and lifelong learner Petronela Ramoleta. From growing up in Limpopo to navigating unexpected pivots in tech—from web development to quality assurance and now business analysis—Petronela shares what it means to lead with purpose, kindness, and curiosity.What we talk about:Making career transitions with intentionThe unplanned shift from dev to QAFinding joy and balance in life and workThe human side of working in fintechWhy being kind to yourself matters just as much as being good at your jobAlso follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.