Shakera Rolle is the latest leading lady in the Spotlight as the Cable Bahamas Group Celebrates Women in Technology
Shakera Rolle serves as the IT Security and Compliance Manager at REV and she is the first person to ever hold that position. This is one of the many distinctions that she boasts over her flourishing career of more than 15 years in the field of Information Technology. As part of the Cable Bahamas Group of Companies’ Women in Technology campaign, she shared a few of the highlights and key lessons along her journey in a recent interview.
“I started my career in IT as a Helpdesk Agent. I was offered a position as a Security & Compliance Analyst, and without having the qualifications and not even fully understanding the nature of the role, I accepted. It’s now almost 15 years later, and I am one of the top cybersecurity professionals in the country, holding several internationally recognized information security certifications including CISSP, CISM, CISA and CRISC. I took the leap of faith not knowing that I was embarking on what has turned out to be a successful and rewarding career.”
Ms. Rolle and her team of IT professionals is responsible for the development and implementation of the company’s enterprise-wide security program, which entails the constant monitoring of internal and external threats and implementation of preventive measures, to identify and mitigate cyber-security incidents while also managing audits and regulatory compliance. She noted, “The security threat landscape changes daily and there is always a new, unexpected event or issue that has to be addressed.”
When asked about her feelings about working at a managerial level in a field historically dominated by men she had this to say. “Being a woman in this male-dominant field is powerful, we belong here! This sector is a great for women interested in an industry focused on breaking new ground.”
Of the ingredients in her recipe for success over her more than decade long career she prized these as the most critical. “I would attribute my success in this field to my unshakeable optimism and confidence, along with hard work, support from peers, underpinned by my passion to be the best in my field. Continuous education is extremely important to be effective in this role. Over the years, I have been committed to building my professional credibility. I also do not look to external sources to validate my value and skills.”
When asked about her thoughts on being featured as part of the companies “Women In Technology” campaign she had this to say, “This is a humbling experience and I am honored to be given the opportunity to inspire other women to pursue a career in technology. I hope that my story serves as an inspiration for other women and girls to keep pushing past their doubts and unlock their potential. Women need to see a pathway for their progression in tech. They need to see female representation in order to feel welcomed in the industry. By celebrating our successes, the Cable Bahamas Group is making a positive impact in the lives of all female technology practitioners in the company thereby positioning both the women in technology, and the company for success.”
The Women in Technology campaign will run through to early March 2022.