A Q&A with Ponnia Muyen – Glasswall Cloud/DevOps Engineer

Can you tell me about your career background and what led you to join Glasswall?

My career journey has been shaped by a passion for innovation and building impactful solutions. I began my academic journey at the University of Virginia, initially majoring in Neuroscience with plans to go to medical school. However, after summers spent shadowing doctors and participating in medical internships, I realized I was more drawn to problem-solving and technological advancements. This led me to switch my major to Computer Science, laying a solid foundation for a rewarding career in tech.

Over the past four years as a DevOps Engineer, I’ve developed a robust skill set in infrastructure provisioning, leveraging tools like Terraform, and managing secure, highly available environments across cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. My experience also includes building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, managing containerized applications, and implementing monitoring solutions to ensure optimal performance and high availability for critical systems. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for automation, scalability, and continuous improvement.

Glasswall’s innovative CDR solution and commitment to cybersecurity first caught my attention, offering the chance to work on cutting-edge technology while continuously expanding my skills. The company's strong Women in Tech community also resonated with me, as it reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Finally, the welcoming and positive interview experience made it clear that Glasswall would be a place where I could both grow and contribute meaningfully to its mission.

What excites you most about working in the cybersecurity industry?

Glasswall is the first cybersecurity company I’ve worked for, and nearly a year in, it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of this vibrant and innovative sector. One of the things I find most exciting about working at Glasswall is its cutting-edge CDR solution and the company’s commitment to leading cybersecurity innovation. The chance to work on technology that actively makes a difference in the cybersecurity industry is highly motivating.

The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity is also a major draw for me. Every day presents new challenges as the landscape shifts with emerging threats and advancing technologies. As a DevOps engineer, this dynamic environment keeps me on my toes, pushing me to stay up-to-date with innovative practices, tools, and frameworks to enhance resilience and security automation. Cybersecurity also fosters a highly collaborative culture where it’s common to work with cross-functional teams and engage in industry forums to exchange insights, new findings, and best practices. This collaborative spirit supports ongoing professional growth and creates a shared mission of building a safer digital world—a mission that’s deeply inspiring given the profound impact of cybersecurity on people and businesses worldwide.

What are your goals for Glasswall as we continue to grow in the US?

As a DevOps engineer at Glasswall, I’m focused on driving operational excellence and supporting the company's growth in the U.S. by ensuring our products and processes are scalable, resilient, and efficient. Personally, I have a well-defined set of goals to deepen my understanding of Glasswall’s product, enabling me to confidently present it from a technical perspective and even discuss it from a sales standpoint. I believe that developing this rounded skill set is essential for contributing to Glasswall’s success as we expand in the market.

My career goals at Glasswall are equally ambitious. I aim to build on my experience, leverage the professional development resources available, take advantage of opportunities to pursue research initiatives and explore new tools that enhance our capabilities. Glasswall has supported my journey from the beginning by setting clear, outcome-focused objectives, aligning my daily work with both company goals and my career ambitions. This structure has been invaluable, providing a clear sense of purpose and progress in my role.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to leverage the continuous support and resources at Glasswall to advance my career, make impactful technical contributions, and drive our growth in the U.S. market. By staying at the forefront of innovation, streamlining operations, and enhancing our product’s resilience, I’m committed to ensuring Glasswall is well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our customers as well as our internal teams as we scale.

Where do you see the cybersecurity industry heading over the next few years?

In the coming years, the cybersecurity industry will be shaped by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and more sophisticated zero-trust security. AI and ML will enhance threat detection, allowing real-time analysis of massive data volumes to identify sophisticated threats proactively. At the same time, zero-trust architectures—where every user and device is continuously verified—will bolster security for cloud and remote environments, ensuring no access is assumed safe without verification.

As cloud adoption grows, cloud-native security measures will become essential, embedding protections within cloud infrastructure to safeguard data and applications. Likewise, the rise in connected devices will make Internet of Things (IoT) security critical, demanding robust authentication and encryption to secure increasingly complex networks. Additionally, the potential emergence of quantum computing could disrupt current encryption methods, highlighting the need for quantum-resistant cryptography to future-proof data protection.

Together, these advancements will not only redefine cybersecurity standards but also underscore the industry's mission to stay agile, resilient, and ahead of evolving threats. As we face new challenges, the cybersecurity industry will be indispensable in safeguarding the digital landscape and building a future where security is seamlessly integrated, adaptive, and proactive.

‍Can you tell me a little about the Glasswall Women in Tech committee? Why is it important to the business?

Our Women in Tech (WIT) committee is a cornerstone in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women at Glasswall. Beyond representation, it provides real opportunities for advocacy, development, and celebrating women’s contributions. Through intentional efforts, the WIT committee ensures that female voices are heard and achievements are highlighted, especially in our male-dominated tech industry. This initiative reflects Glasswall’s commitment to inclusivity, one of the qualities that drew me to the company.

The committee is essential to our business because it encourages participation in training and development, empowering women to take on leadership roles and drive innovation within their teams. Each member has the opportunity to lead our monthly meetings, making space for diverse ideas and open discussions in a relaxed setting. This allows us to collaboratively tackle challenges and explore new initiatives, which strengthens the sense of community and mutual support. Glasswall’s commitment to such inclusive practices promotes a workplace culture that values everyone’s contributions.

Having talented female colleagues in visible roles also adds a tremendous depth of mentorship and inspiration to the Glasswall culture. Their presence motivates all of us to pursue our goals with confidence and ambition. The Women in Tech group, therefore, not only enhances employee experience but also reinforces a culture of excellence, collaboration, and forward-thinking—a culture that helps Glasswall thrive and adapt in a dynamic industry.

‍Outside of work, how do you like to spend your spare time?

Outside of work, I have a variety of interests and hobbies, but traveling is one of my passions. I love the excitement of exploring new cities, experiencing different cultures, and meeting people from all walks of life. In addition, outdoor activities like hiking and camping are also close to my heart, as I find spending time in nature incredibly peaceful. Also spending time with friends and family is equally important to me, especially when we gather over delicious Cameroonian dishes—a tradition I always look forward to. It’s the perfect way to stay connected and share great food and memories with loved ones.

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