Ever wondered how someone from a completely different background makes it into cybersecurity? Let me share my story. As a First Nations woman who worked various jobs like fruit picking and delivery driving, and didn’t finish high school, my path to a cybersecurity career might surprise you. I found my way into this field without a technology degree or the typical background. In this presentation, I propose to take the audience through my journey—how a love for air conditioning, taking chances on new opportunities, embracing a growth mindset, and building resilience helped me grow in this field to cultivate my own version of success. I will also highlight alternative pathways to get into tech and why diversity is crucial for innovation and security. Whether attendees are just starting out or looking to pivot into cybersecurity, this session aims to provide the humorous insights, practical advice and hopefully a wee bit of inspiration needed to carve their own paths.