We were lucky to catch up with Zinet Kemal recently and have shared our conversation below.
Zinet, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
The genesis of my publishing sprouted from a deeply personal journey, one that intertwines the with motherhood, and a newfound passion for empowering young minds through storytelling.
As a mother of four, my understanding of the significance of nurturing young minds was grounded in my own experiences. Having immigrated to the US a decade ago, I found solace and inspiration in the tradition of taking my kids for read-aloud sessions at a nearby public library at least twice a week. The vibrant array of colorful books and the access to knowledge became a captivating spectacle, laying the foundation for what would later become a transformative venture.
The enchantment within those library walls planted the seeds of possibility. Little did I know that six years later, I would transition from being an avid library-goer to a published author with award-winning children’s books cataloged in the very same library that once fueled my children’s imagination.
Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, I taught myself the intricacies of self-publishing out of necessity to answer questions i keep getting from my own children about their hijab or hair types. Balancing a demanding full-time role in cybersecurity at a Fortune 500 organization with the responsibilities of being a mother to four young children, I took on a creative journey that resulted in the publication of my first children’s book, “Proud in Her Hijab.” This was just the beginning, followed by “Oh, No … Hacked Again!” and “See Yourself in Cybersecurity.”
My children’s books are not mere narratives; they are powerful tools for empowerment. Each story addresses issues close to my heart, such as girls’ empowerment, online safety, and the vast array of cyber careers awaiting the next generation. They serve as conversation starters for parents and educators, bridging the gap between storytelling and real-world lessons.
The journey was not without its challenges. Juggling a demanding professional career in cybersecurity and the responsibilities of motherhood required resilience and dedication. Yet, it was precisely this delicate balance that fueled my belief in the importance of the stories I was telling – stories that could resonate globally and inspire children to be empowered or explore cybersecurity and online safety.
What started as a personal endeavor has now transcended geographical boundaries. My books are no longer confined to local shelves; they are available globally, reaching young minds around the world. Through my words, I aspire to instill a sense of curiosity and empowerment, breaking barriers and encouraging children to dream beyond conventional boundaries.
I was also fortunate enough to give my first TEDx talk based on my children’s books that went live just days ago Hack- Proofing Childhood: Ensuring our Children’s online safety (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J61K1Gu97jM)
My journey is a proof that dreams are within reach, regardless of one’s starting point. It is a story I am eager to share with the world – a narrative that emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling with the intention of solving a real world problem, and the impact it can have on shaping the dreams and aspirations of the younger generation.
Zinet, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Zinet Kemal. I am an immigrant from Ethiopia, mother of four, and career changer from legal field to cybersecurity. I am multi-award-winning cybersecurity practitioner, TEDx Speaker, and a 4 X best selling Author. I am a graduate of Georgia Tech University with a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, i also hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science f and a Bachelor of Law (LLB).
Currently i am working as a Cloud Security Engineer at a Fortune 500 organization and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. I am also the recipient of the 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40, the 2023 Ivan Allen Legacy Awards, and the Women Who Code Applaud Her Awards in the security category. Additionally, received the 2022 SC Media Women in IT Security Cyber Advocate award, CyberScoop’s Most Inspiring Up & Comer recognition, and the 2021 Team Women’s WaveMakers Award in the Uncharted Territory category.
I am also fortunate to be featured on medias such as Good Morning America, 11Alive, BBC, VoA and CBS Minnesota – WCCO.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my life occurred a decade ago when I made the life-altering decision to immigrate to the United States from Ethiopia. I was 7 months pregnant with my second child and an almost 3 year old toddler when i made the move. At that juncture, I found myself at the crossroads of my career, transitioning from the legal field to an entirely new field. Embarking on this transformative journey, I recognized the need for a comprehensive shift in my skill set. Despite lacking prior exposure to the tech world and facing the challenges of not having a background conducive to success in technical classes, I decided to pivot towards a future in technology. Soon after delivering my second child, I enrolled in school, diligently earning both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in computer science, eventually culminating in the achievement of a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Georgia Tech University.
This pivotal moment wasn’t just about a career change; it represented a complete reimagining of my professional trajectory. What made this shift even more extraordinary was the concurrent responsibility of raising four young children. The journey, spanning a decade of continuous education while nurturing a growing family, demanded an extraordinary commitment.
Throughout this period, I faced the daunting task of starting from scratch in an unfamiliar field. However, the challenges were outweighed by the immense personal and professional growth I experienced. Over the course of a decade, I not only achieved academic milestones but also accomplished feats that seemed unimaginable at the outset.
From the initial pivot, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution—advancing in my career, publishing not one but four books, stepping onto the prestigious TEDx stage to deliver a talk, creating a LinkedIn Learning course, and receiving multiple awards in recognition of my contributions.
This journey, though demanding, has been profoundly rewarding. The power of perseverance, resilience, and the belief that with dedication, any hurdle can be overcome.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My primary social media is LinkedIn—an unconventional choice, perhaps, for a millennial, but one that has proven to be an extraordinary platform for me. Since mid-2020, LinkedIn has transformed into my digital haven, where I established online presence, nurturing both my career and personal brand. In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, establishing a personal brand and thought leadership demands patience and strategic investment of time. My journey began on LinkedIn, where I not only found a space to share my insights but also discovered the incredible power of community building. I often find myself advising students to jump onto the LinkedIn bandwagon early in their academic pursuits. Why? Because the dividends it pays are beyond measure.
On LinkedIn, the key isn’t merely chasing opportunities; it’s about creating a magnetic force that draws opportunities toward you. As I diligently shared my experiences, insights, and perspectives, I witnessed a paradigm shift. The platform became a catalyst for opportunities to find me—from my current role to invitations to deliver a TEDx talk, media appearances, speaking engagements, and even the recent panel and keynote I had the honor of speaking in Dubai and Montreal.
LinkedIn, for me, is more than just a social media platform; it’s a dynamic ecosystem where connections flourish, ideas spark, and possibilities unfold. The lesson is clear: cultivate your online presence, share your journey authentically, and watch as the opportunities organically gravitate toward you. In the cybersecurity industry and beyond, LinkedIn has proven to be a powerhouse, and my story is extraordinary possibilities it offers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zinetkemal.com/
- Instagram: @zinet_kemal
- Facebook: @zinet_kemal
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinetkemal/
- Twitter: @zinet_kemal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J61K1Gu97jM
Image Credits
I own the rights to all the pictures