Zinet Kemal is an accomplished professional who has achieved great success in multiple fields.
An immigrant, mother of 4, successful career changer from the legal field, Zinet is a multi-award-winning cybersecurity practitioner and award-winning children’s book author, speaker, and community outreach leader. She is currently a Cloud Security Engineer for a Fortune 500 organization and a Board Director of a non-profit organization, Black Girls in Cyber, which aims to increase the representation of women of color in entry-level Cybersecurity, Privacy, and STEM careers.
With degrees in Computer Science and Law, Zinet is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech University. Her passion for technology and education is reflected in her work, which includes the publication of two award-winning children’s books. “Proud in Her Hijab” teaches girls empowerment and inclusivity, while “Oh, No … Hacked Again!” educates kids on online safety and inspires young readers, especially girls, to consider cybersecurity as a meaningful and exciting career option. Her next book on cyber careers for next generation releases in 2023.
Zinet’s work to close the diversity gap in the cybersecurity industry has earned her recognition and accolades. She was recently named the 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40, Ivan Allen Jr. Legacy Award honoree, 2022 SC Media Women in IT Security Cyber Advocate, 2022 CyberScoop Most Inspiring Up and Comer, and 2021 Team Women’s WaveMakers Award – Uncharted Territory Honoree, she has also been featured in media outlets such as Good Morning America, 11Alive, and CBS Minnesota – WCCO.