Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeaniffer Okugbeni
Hi Jeaniffer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Jeaniffer Okugbeni. I was born and raised in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States at 11. I’ve lived in Dallas since then, studying Political Science at Texas A&M University. Originally, I planned to attend law school, but after years of being in college (starting in high school), I took a one-year break—and that decision changed everything. During this time, I realized that Law might not align with my passions or personality. Instead, I discovered cybersecurity through my now-husband, who opened my eyes to a field I hadn’t considered but soon loved.
Though I doubted my place in STEM, especially as a woman of color, I leaned into the challenge. Driven by curiosity and determination, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Dallas with a Master’s in Cybersecurity in 2022, earning certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and AWS Cloud Practitioner. Despite having imposter syndrome at times, I’m grateful to have found my place as an information security engineer at a Fortune 500 company, where I help create safe, resilient digital spaces. Cybersecurity demands constant learning, but knowing my work contributes to our digital safety is incredibly fulfilling.
On the creative side, I’m also a fashion content creator on Instagram (@allaboutjeaniffer), where I share my love for style, personal expression, and skincare. Fashion is my creative outlet, a way to show who I am beyond my day job. It’s a refreshing contrast to cybersecurity, and I love connecting with people who resonate with my style. In all, each collaboration is a chance to explore something new and connect with my community.
A defining part of who I am is my commitment to giving back. This led me to start the Jeaniffer Foundation (@thejeanifferfoundation), a nonprofit focused on empowering underserved communities through humanitarian aid and educational support. Our initiatives—food distribution to address immediate needs, educational sponsorships to break cycles of poverty, and clean water projects to improve community health—are on our roadmap for long-term impact. In March 2024, we launched our food distribution project in Nigeria, providing food staples to 100 families in Benin City, followed by an additional 250 distributions in Lagos in June. Our foundation has made a difference locally and abroad, with ongoing projects and plans for a broader reach. You can explore more about our mission at https://jeanifferfoundation.org. Founding this foundation has been a deeply meaningful experience, giving me a legacy of positive impact and hope.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve faced several challenges along the way. For instance, pivoting to a career I knew little about was daunting, but it pushed me to learn and ultimately become adept at what I do. Plus, I’m a new mom to a 19-month-old, and juggling life as a cybersecurity professional, content creator, philanthropist, mom, and wife comes with intense mom guilt. Balancing these roles is hard, and sometimes I fall short. However, my incredible support system—especially my husband—has been a game-changer. For instance, on days I’m shooting content, he takes our son on outdoor activities so I can fully focus. Despite the difficulties, I view each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and for that, I’m grateful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started content creation in August 2024, so I’m still new to the field. In just three months, I’ve grown my account to 1.5K followers, which shows how supportive this community is. As a creator, I share Outfit of the Day (OOTD), Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos, and encourage my audience to wear what makes them feel their best. Dressing up and taking professional-style photos brings me so much joy, and I love advocating for clothing repetition to avoid overconsumption.
My passion for skincare also comes through, as I have oily, acne-prone skin and enjoy sharing products that have helped. Though my content journey is only three months in, I’m excited for what’s to come. I look forward to connecting more with my community, sharing favorite brands, and channeling my creativity in new and exciting ways! You can follow my journey on Instagram at @allaboutjeaniffer.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve always embraced the idea that a person can have many passions, and my journey as a cybersecurity professional, a fashion content creator, and the founder of the Jeaniffer Foundation is proof of that. As I grow in each area, I’m excited about blending my skills and passions in new ways. Whether it’s leading cybersecurity efforts, sharing my love of fashion, or expanding the foundation’s reach, I’m committed to making a positive impact. Every part of my journey informs the other, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to make a difference.
In all, through my journey, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability when transitioning to new fields, the value of community support in building connections, the need for self-compassion while balancing multiple roles, and the significance of continuous learning from every experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jeanifferfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutjeaniffer
- Other: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/allaboutjeaniffer
