Check Point’s EMEA Women’s Mentorship Program is an experience designed to support women in their journey as leaders. Through one-to-one coaching, we aim to help women build confidence, develop career skills, and foster an environment of support and shared success at Check Point.
In this series, we interview program participants about their experiences and reflections. Meet Cordelia Allway, an associate security engineer based in South Africa, and get to know her as a mentee in our EMEA Women’s Mentorship Program.
Cordelia, what inspired you to participate in the women’s mentoring program?
I’d always hoped to have a mentor, even before joining Check Point, but I never had the opportunity to find a mentor who understood my personal goals and expectations. When I learned of the women’s mentorship program at Check Point, I was over the moon to know that I could find a match.
What are the skills you want to develop and the perspectives and guidance that you need?
I’m looking to develop my networking skills by being part of this mentor mentorship program. Check Point is a global company and I find that there are often people whom I may never meet or encounter because we’re spread so far across different geographical regions. Through this program, I’m able to meet and network with different mentors and different mentees and engage with women across the world to build my network.
What do you hope to gain from the mentorship experience?
I’ve set some goals for the next three months. One goal is to define my specialization in the technical field, with my mentor’s help. It’s crucial to go beyond being a generalist and find what truly resonates.
Can you share any specific challenge or obstacles that you have faced as a woman in your field?
One of my biggest challenges was finding my voice. You often assume it’s not something you have to think about until you come across an incident where you have to speak up. It’s important to set boundaries, to speak up when something makes you uncomfortable, and to communicate effectively in your role. Trusting in yourself to follow through on commitments was a significant hurdle. Standing firm in my beliefs and asserting myself was crucial to overcoming this challenge.
Can you tell us a bit about your relationship with your mentor?
My relationship with my mentor feels like a breath of fresh air. While she excels in sales, I lean towards the technical side. Despite the distance—she’s in the UK, and I’m in South Africa—we meet bi-weekly. This setup encourages open communication and fosters a strong bond. I feel comfortable sharing details with her and we have a solid relationship.
What piece of advice would you give to someone considering participating in this program?
The EMEA Women’s Mentorship Program connects women globally, fostering mentorship relationships and a sense of community. It offers a platform for women to share knowledge, support each other, and navigate the cybersecurity field, previously seen as male-dominated. Participants can find mentors or mentees across the globe, empowering each other and building confidence in a safe space.
This program offers more than mentorship; it’s about empowerment and personal growth. Whether you’re seeking guidance or offering it, you’ll find a supportive environment to learn and share experiences. Joining this program means joining a vibrant community where you can thrive professionally and personally, benefiting from the diverse perspectives and positive energy of fellow participants.
Interested in joining Check Point? Check out our open roles here!
