Meet Denzell Kelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denzell Kelly.

Hi Denzell, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was born and raised in Southeast Raleigh, NC. Growing up, I enjoyed playing sports & always wanted to work with sports in some capacity, but it’s crazy how life has its way of working out. Fast forwarding to when I graduated from NC A&T with a Public Relations Degree, I wanted to pursue Sports PR but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I felt my introverted personality didn’t align well with this field. Upon this realization, I began to consider what other career paths could be a good fit, and here came the pivot into tech. Through a connection, I got an entry-level position for a technology company focused on IT & Business training. This position was the foundation of my affinity for tech because I could get certifications outside of work and immerse myself in any aspect of technology I found interesting. Over the past 8 years, I’ve specialized in Cybersecurity Consulting for a Fortune 100 company and helped businesses leverage the cloud to increase their security posture. I’m always learning because the Cybersecurity landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, but I’m passionate about the work and look forward to a longstanding career in Cybersecurity.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path has certainly had its obstacles, especially when you consider that less than 5% of people of color are working in tech. Companies are doing much better these days with diversity & inclusion initiatives, but there is still much more work. I want to be a resource for anyone seeking career help or general guidance to pivot into tech, and I have a responsibility to do so. I think recent grads should strongly consider a career in Cybersecurity because it’s low-to-no unemployment and one of the most in-demand career paths.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Cloud Security professional, I identify problems, evaluate security issues, assess risk, and implement solutions to defend against threats to companies’ IT environment. We deal with many variables when evaluating security systems and help craft layers of protection in a fast-changing IT landscape. I think what’s helped set me apart is my excitement for the combination of problem-solving & technology. It’s gratifying knowing you’ve played a part in protecting businesses from potentially disastrous breaches.

Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
Ultimately, what I enjoy most is spending time with family/friends and traveling. Those moments are priceless, and life is all about memories.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dizzy2x/