In recognition of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the women who are integral to our Company’s operations.
Vernae Lima: IT Security Operations Analyst
Vernae has been with BELCO for two years working in the Information Technology (IT) Security department. After joining the department, she was supported in studying to obtain her IT Security Certification. She is also part of the Tech Social Committee and is known affectionately as the ‘office mama’. Vernae attended CedarBridge Academy before attending the International Academy of Design & Technology where she attained an Associate in Network Administration.
Vernae says everyday is a bit different in the IT department and that while the IT field is predominently male, more women are entering the IT field making it a fair balance. She says she has never felt held back by her gender and if anything it has encouraged her to push and work even harder. She says her greatest asset is that she is a people person with a great personality.
Outisde of work, Vernae says the most important thing is being a great role model for her son who is her pride and joy. She also volunteers for Duke of Edinburgh and enjoys travelling, reading, being out in nature and taking pictures of flowers and the ocean. One of her most memorable trips was travelling to Africa and Guinea and experiencing and embracing their culture firsthand.
As far as advice for women looking to have a career in the IT field, Vernae said not to allow the fact that IT is predominantly a male industry and profession stop you from pursuing your dream, but to push harder!
In the future, Vernae anticipates becoming more confident in her knowledge and abilities in IT security and continuing to be a valued member of the team.