February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout the history of the United States. The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and Collins Chibonga, a local IT professional, recently connected to discuss his career, advice for aspiring technology and cybersecurity professionals, and how embracing individuals’ unique history, ethnicity, and culture creates a stronger workplace.
Q: Tell us about your career. What do you do, and what company do you work for?
A: My expertise is in information security on diverse platforms such as cloud (aws, azure, gcp), data center, and web applications. I have over 10 years of experience working as a security officer and leading companies to more secure IT infrastructure. I have worked in the healthcare space, retail, and in the financial services industry.
Q: Share your career pathway journey. How did you end up in your current role?
A: I went to school for a Management Information Systems (MIS) degree. After graduation, I landed a job working as a system administrator. I have worked in multiple IT roles since. Security has always been a passion, and this was a natural fit.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring technology and cybersecurity professionals?
A: Keep going after what you know in your heart interests you. Study, learn, and research. If you can find a mentor that will help guide you in your career, it will accelerate your career and prevent you from making mistakes. You can find a mentor by using LinkedIn and connecting with people who are in the field you want to pursue. (If they live in your city, options could be asking them to lunch or sending them a LinkedIn chat asking for career guidance. Etc)
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: It is a time to remember and appreciate the impact of black culture.
Q: How can we celebrate Black History Month in the workplace?
A: By being intentional in educating ourselves about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Examples could be companies offering mandatory training on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Also encouraging people to volunteer in their communities and go out of their comfort zone and having a conversation with someone who does not look like them, comes from a different economic background etc.
Q: How does embracing everyone’s unique history, ethnicity, and culture create a stronger workplace, and more broadly, a stronger Arizona workforce?
A: It creates an environment that allows for people to see differences as a strength and be accepted as they are. This in turn leads to a diverse workforce where people bring their unique experiences and perspectives and ideas flow unhindered.
The Greater Phoenix Chamber and Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the Greater Phoenix region through its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program & Toolkit. Employers are encouraged to take advantage of our DEI Toolkit found here.
Curious to learn more about the origins and purpose of Black History Month? Check out this article by the History Channel.