My interest in STEM began at a very early age. I remember that when I was around 7 years old, I was already fascinated by the idea of working on a computer and creating things with it. That early curiosity gradually developed into a deeper passion for technology, problem-solving, and software development, which later guided my academic and professional path in IT.
Your organization field and mission:
Public Sector / Government Administration & Cybersecurity / Non-Governmental Sector – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria operates in the field of international relations and diplomacy, with a mission to represent national interests, maintain diplomatic relations, and promote international cooperation and security. Women4Cyber Bulgaria operates in the cybersecurity sector, aiming to empower and support women in the field, promote digital skills and cyber awareness, and contribute to building a diverse, inclusive, and secure digital society.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
I currently serve as an Information Systems Intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, where I support the administration and maintenance of governmental information and communication systems, contributing to system reliability, troubleshooting, and operational support. In addition, I am a Website Maintenance Responsible, and Young Ambassador for Women4Cyber Bulgaria, where I contribute to digital projects, support web platform upkeep, and promote cybersecurity awareness and youth engagement in the field.
Your interest in STEM
My first role models were my teachers and family members who encouraged my curiosity and supported my early interest in technology. They helped me believe that I could explore and grow in fields like STEM from a young age. At present, I am inspired by women working in cybersecurity, technology, and public service who are breaking barriers and contributing to innovation and digital security. In particular, being part of Women4Cyber Bulgaria has connected me with many inspiring professionals who actively promote inclusion, education, and empowerment in the cybersecurity field. Their work motivates me to continue developing my skills and to contribute meaningfully to both technology and society.
Your studies
One of my biggest challenges during my studies has been coming from a small town, which initially meant having more limited access to resources, opportunities, and exposure to large academic and professional networks compared to students in bigger cities. This required extra effort, adaptability, and self-motivation to seek out opportunities, develop my skills, and stay competitive. At the same time, this challenge helped me build resilience, independence, and strong problem-solving skills. It motivated me to actively engage in internships, competitions, and international programs, which ultimately strengthened both my academic and professional development.
My advice to girls and women who want to follow their studies in this sector is to never underestimate themselves. Even if you are just starting out or feel like you don’t yet belong in the field, that does not define your potential. I come from a small town, and I know what it feels like to doubt whether you are “enough” compared to others who seem more prepared or more exposed to opportunities. But those doubts should never stop you. In fact, they can become the reason you work harder, dream bigger, and prove to yourself how far you can go. You don’t need to have everything figured out at the beginning. You just need courage — to start, to learn, and to keep going even when it feels uncomfortable. The rest will come with time, experience, and persistence.
You at work
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, DEIS principles are reflected through efforts to promote equal opportunities, inclusiveness, and professional development within the institution. The organization supports diversity in its workforce and encourages equal access to training, internships, and career development opportunities, regardless of background, gender, or region. In addition, there is a strong focus on international cooperation and sustainable diplomacy, which contributes to broader sustainability goals such as responsible governance and long-term global stability. From my experience as an intern, I have observed an inclusive working environment where young professionals are given opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow, which supports both equity and professional development.
What I am most proud of in my work is having the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environments at an early stage of my career. As an Information Systems Intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, I am proud to support the administration and maintenance of governmental information systems, knowing that even small contributions help ensure the reliability and efficiency of important public services. I am also proud of my involvement as a Young Ambassador for Women4Cyber Bulgaria, where I contribute to promoting cybersecurity awareness and supporting the inclusion of women in the field. Being part of initiatives that aim to empower others and create a more inclusive digital environment is especially meaningful to me. Overall, I am proud that I am continuously learning, growing, and contributing to both technical and social impact at the same time.
Your point of view
Technology can empower women by giving them equal access to education, information, and career opportunities, regardless of their background or location. It removes traditional barriers such as geography and limited resources, allowing women to learn new skills, build careers in high-demand fields, and create their own opportunities. In addition, technology provides platforms for visibility, connection, and collaboration, helping women’s voices be heard in innovation, leadership, and decision-making spaces.
My advice is to believe in your potential even when you feel like you are at the beginning. You don’t need to know everything or come from a perfect background to succeed in STEM or cybersecurity. What matters most is curiosity, consistency, and courage to keep learning. Do not let self-doubt or where you come from define your limits. Every expert was once a beginner. Take opportunities even when they feel intimidating, and trust that growth comes through experience, not perfection.
By 2030, I would like to see DEIS principles fully integrated into the technology and cybersecurity sectors, where diversity is not only encouraged but naturally present at all levels. I hope for equal representation of women in technical and leadership roles, especially in cybersecurity, as well as greater inclusion of young people from different regions and backgrounds. I would also like to see stronger awareness and education around digital skills starting from an early age, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities in the digital world. Ultimately, I hope for a sector where inclusion is not an initiative, but a standard.
To finish with
My core values are integrity, curiosity, and responsibility. I believe in doing my work with honesty and dedication, even when no one is watching. I value continuous learning and staying open-minded, as I see growth as a lifelong process. I also deeply value inclusion and respect for others, believing that diverse perspectives make both people and teams stronger.
One of my future challenges will be continuing to grow from an early-career professional into someone who can take on more responsibility and make confident, independent decisions. I expect to face situations where I will need to balance technical depth with leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. Another challenge will be staying adaptable in a fast-changing technological environment, especially in fields like cybersecurity and information systems.
By 2030, I hope to have evolved into a well-rounded professional in the field of information systems and cybersecurity, with both strong technical expertise and experience in real-world impact projects. I aim to take on roles with greater responsibility, ideally contributing to national or international-level initiatives. I also hope to continue my engagement in initiatives like Women4Cyber, helping to support and inspire the next generation of women in tech. Most importantly, I want my career to reflect continuous growth, purpose, and meaningful contribution to society.
The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/