Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Marielle.
Hi Jada, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and my introduction to technology started at a young age. I was fortunate to have some incredible educators who made it a point to bring new trends and tools into the classroom, which planted the seed for my interest. At that stage, it was more of a spark than a full commitment, but the exposure stayed with me.
Everything changed in high school when I enrolled in a program at the Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy. That experience opened my eyes to the many career paths in tech and gave me hands-on opportunities I hadn’t seen before. I still remember sitting in a class with only two or three other girls. It became clear early on that being a minority in this space could feel isolating, but instead of discouraging me, it motivated me. I saw it as both a challenge and an opportunity to stand out, to carve my own path, and to one day help others who looked like me feel like they belonged here too.
That decision set me on a journey that has taken me far from where I started. My career in tech and cybersecurity has given me the chance to work for companies across Memphis, Atlanta, and now Dallas. Along the way, I’ve built expertise in governance, risk, and compliance, led projects that introduced AI-driven tools and process improvements, and continued to grow as both a professional and a mentor.
What has remained consistent through it all is my “why.” I’ve always believed that technology isn’t just about systems and processes, it’s about people. For me, the joy comes from using my platform and my career to create access for others, whether that’s mentoring young professionals, recruiting at HBCUs, or sharing advice with my 25,000-plus followers on TikTok as “Your Fav Black Girl in Tech.”
Looking back, it’s surreal to think how a spark from my hometown classrooms grew into a career that’s taken me across cities and into spaces I once only dreamed about. But the through line has always been the same: stay curious, stay resilient, and always leave the door open for the next person coming behind me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being a Black woman in tech means I’ve often been one of only a few in the room, which can feel isolating. I’ve had to prove myself twice over just to be seen at the same level, and imposter syndrome has been a real challenge—especially when leadership tables don’t reflect people who look like me.
On top of that, many of us aren’t taught how to “play the corporate game.” Navigating politics, networks, and unspoken rules can be exhausting, especially while also trying to build opportunities or businesses outside of work. Balancing both worlds has been rewarding, but far from easy.
I’m the first in my family to graduate college and step into a career like this, so making them proud motivates me every day. I’m also driven by representation—I want to see more people who look like me in this space, because technology impacts our communities more than any other. That perspective matters, and having a seat at the table is critical.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
work in cybersecurity, specializing in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Over the years, I’ve built my career with leading Fortune 100 companies—proving not just my expertise, but my ability to thrive in high-impact, competitive environments. I’ve led projects that streamlined exception management, created vendor risk models, and even launched AI tools that make security more accessible. These are highlights I’m proud of because they show cybersecurity can be both innovative and people-focused.
Through my work, I recruit at HBCUs to help build pipelines for future talent, and outside of work I’m known for being authentic in my mentoring. My TikTok platform, “Your Fav Black Girl in Tech,” reaches over 25,000 people where I share real advice, encouragement, and resources designed to help minorities of all backgrounds see that breaking into tech is possible. I show up as my authentic self, I’m relatable and I even share my life outside the office. I also make myself accessible—my booking link is always in my bio for those who want to connect directly.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just work in tech—I connect people to tech. My background in communication, my first-generation journey, and my perspective as a minority in this space allow me to bridge the gap between technical solutions and real people, making me both effective in my career and impactful in the community.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to not put myself in a box. I do it all! Early in my career, I thought I had to follow a narrow path or show up in a certain way to be taken seriously in tech. But I’ve realized my uniqueness is my power. Being a Black woman in this space, my perspective and experiences allow me to see things differently and bring value in ways others might overlook.
Not boxing myself in has also taught me that I don’t have to choose just one lane. I can thrive in cybersecurity, create content, mentor others, and build opportunities outside of my 9-to-5—and all of those pieces make me stronger, not scattered.
Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of community and representation. Having mentors and peers to lean on is essential, and it’s taught me to pay it forward or lift as I climb. At the end of the day, my journey isn’t just about advancing myself—it’s about creating space where more women and minorities can see themselves in tech and know they belong here too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jadamarielle.com
- Other: All my links; https://linktr.ee/jadamarielle
