Beginner to Builder: Shaping the Conversation in Open Source Security

In this episode of What's in the SOSS, Yesenia Yser interviews cybersecurity analyst Ejiro Oghenekome about her journey from UI/UX design to becoming a key contributor to the OpenSSF. Ejiro shares the inspiration behind her public "100 Days of Cybersecurity" challenge, which has helped her maintain discipline and consistency while making the field less intimidating for beginners. She discusses how connecting with the OpenSSF community led her to the BEAR Working Group, where her authorship of the "Beginner to Builder" blog series has allowed her to move from consuming content to actively shaping the open source security conversation. Ejiro also offers advice to the next generation, emphasizing that open source contribution is not just about coding but is a welcoming space for anyone to learn and grow, regardless of their current expertise.

Episode links:

Ejiro (Sonia) Oghenekome LinkedIn pageEjiro’s GitHub pageBEAR Working GroupEjiro’s OpenSSF Beginner to Builder Blog Series:
Blog #1: From Beginner to Builder: Understanding OpenSSF Community and Working GroupsBlog #2: From Beginner to Builder: Your First Code ContributionBlog #3: From Beginner to Builder: Free OpenSSF and Linux Foundation Education Courses
Get involved with the OpenSSFSubscribe to the OpenSSF newsletterFollow the OpenSSF on LinkedIn

Chapters:

00:00 - Music, Promo clip, & Welcome01:11 - Ejiro details her transition from UI/UX design to cybersecurity and connecting with OpenSSF.03:39 - Ejiro explains her motivation for starting the 100-day challenge, including receiving advice to learn publicly and a previous rejection from an internship.06:49 - Ejiro shares that she is currently on day 44 and expects to complete the challenge around April.07:50 - Ejiro discusses her biggest personal lesson: understanding consistency and discipline, and learning from the community.10:45 - Ejiro describes her authorship of the "Beginner to Builder" blog series, which shifted her from consuming content to shaping the open source conversation.15:47 - Ejiro shares the impact of her work, noting that it has made cybersecurity feel less intimidating for beginners and helped her grow in confidence.18:22 - Rapid Fire Questions: Ejiro shares her preferences on books, cooking, social media, and more.21:13 - Ejiro offers advice to the next generation, emphasizing that open source is welcoming, not just about coding, and provides great opportunities for learning and growth.24:46 - Yesenia concludes the interview, thanking Ejiro for her time and contributions