Bold, Authentic, Driven: One Year of Tech She Secures
One year ago, I took a leap and pressed “publish” on the very first Tech She Secures blog post. At the time, it was just an idea, a small corner of the internet where I could share my voice, my journey, and the stories of others who inspire me.
I created Tech She Secures because it was more than a platform; it was a reflection of who I am. A Pakistani woman in the U.S. who secures tech. Someone who wants to build a space to uplift diverse voices from around the world, especially those that too often go unheard. What began as a way to amplify others’ voices also became a way to rediscover my own.
Looking back now, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. What started as a single post has grown into a thriving community of voices and conversations that mean more than I ever imagined. From personal reflections to interviews with incredible leaders, each story has reminded me why I started: to create space for others and celebrate the power of our shared journeys.
Over the past year, we have shared 16 stories, each one unique, honest, bold, and full of heart. Together, they have painted a picture of what courage, leadership, and authenticity look like across cybersecurity, technology, and beyond.
The Stories That Started It All
When I launched Tech She Secures last October with “Finding My Voice: A New Journey Begins,” it was more than a blog post; it was a statement of courage. Since then, I have had the privilege of sharing stories that span industries, geographies, backgrounds, and experiences.
Leaders who carved unconventional paths.
Women who built careers while balancing culture, family, and resilience.
Friends and mentors who reminded me of the power of connection.
Each interview and reflection has been its own lesson. I have learned and shared about the importance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of working across borders, the evolving role of AI and emerging technologies in our fields, and the courage it takes to share your story openly. Perhaps the greatest surprise has been how deeply these stories resonate beyond cybersecurity or tech. They speak to universal themes of growth, belonging, and possibility.
Impact and Community
This past year has shown me that Tech She Secures is more than just a blog. It is a movement of community and connection. Every comment, every message, every person who said, “This inspired me,” has reminded me that storytelling bridges worlds.
What started as me writing alone at my desk has turned into a shared journey. It has amplified voices that might not have otherwise been heard. It has sparked conversations about leadership, diversity, innovation, risk, and resilience. And it has brought me closer to people who share the same dream: making space in tech and beyond for every voice to be seen, heard, and valued.
The power of this community lies not just in the stories we tell, but in the ripples they create, the mentorships, collaborations, and friendships that continue long after each feature is published.
Behind the Scenes of the Journey
Building Tech She Secures while balancing a full-time leadership role has been both humbling and transformative. I’ve learned that creating something meaningful doesn’t require perfection; it requires presence. I worked on it almost every weekend, and many weekdays too, often in the quiet moments after my morning meditation or late in the evenings after long days of meetings and work. Whenever inspiration showed up, I made space for it. And sometimes, I paused completely to listen and realign.
This year taught me that authenticity is a form of courage, the kind that does not always roar but quietly persists. It is showing up with intention, even when the path is not fully clear. It is believing that our stories, no matter how different, carry the power to inspire others to step into their own.
The Next Chapter
If year one was about finding my voice, year two will be about strengthening it and lifting up even more voices along the way.
Tech She Secures is just getting started. I will continue to share stories of leadership, courage, and innovation, and explore new ways to bring those stories to life while deepening connection with this growing community. I want to keep diving into themes like the role of tech in our lives and careers, the power of mentorship, how diverse teams shape outcomes, and the many paths people take to find their place in tech and beyond.
Above all, I want Tech She Secures to remain a space that feels safe, inspiring, and boldly human for anyone who comes across it. A place where stories evolve into experiences, and where every voice can find new ways to be heard, seen, and celebrated.
Full Circle
As Tech She Secures turns one, I feel both proud of how far it has come and inspired by what’s next. This platform has never just been about me; it has always been about us. The voices, the stories, the lessons, and the connections that breathe life into this space.
To everyone who has read, supported, shared, or trusted me with their story, thank you. You’ve made this first year unforgettable.
Here’s to the next chapter.
To continuing to amplify voices.
And to building a future that is, in every sense, bold, authentic, and driven.
Maliha
Disclaimer: The content on this blog and website reflects a combination of my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights, as well as interviews and contributions from other individuals. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.
