By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Juliet Agocha, APU Graduate
Growing up in Africa, Juliet Agocha’s village life was simple but rich with community spirit. Despite limited resources, her parents fostered her education by sending the ambitious Juliet to the United States to study. She envisioned a future where a child from Africa could uplift any community and use her voice to inspire change.
Juliet now gives back to the University community. For two years, she has been a mentor for the University alumni community. She provides guidance and leadership to others to help them advance their skillsets.
“My mentoring experience has been amazing. The best part for me was sharing my knowledge and assisting my mentees in reaching their personal and professional goals,” Juliet says.
In addition, Juliet has worked to foster a more cohesive environment for all students. Since September 2024, Juliet has served as the vice president of the African American Learning, Inclusion, and Guidance Network (AALIGN), a student organization dedicated to serving the various needs of African American students and alumni.
Juliet is kept busy with serving other communities. Last year, she started the Juliet Agocha Foundation to improve people’s lives in underprivileged communities in Africa and became the Assistant Vice President of Education for Toastmasters International.
Discovering Her Passion for Technology
Juliet’s passion for technology was sparked at a young age when she first encountered a computer. For her, the ability to create, solve problems and create innovative materials fascinating. She was drawn to using technology to improve lives and drive change.
After migrating to the United States, Juliet started working in the healthcare industry. However, this field was never a comfortable place for Juliet, and she realized that she needed a change.
“The challenge of constantly learning and adapting in a fast-paced environment motivated me to pursue a career in tech,” Juliet notes. “I could combine my creativity and analytical skills to make a meaningful impact. I love what I do; working in the IT field makes me forward-thinking and results-oriented.”
Over the years, Juliet has worked as an application support engineer for The World Bank, a Security Operations Center (SOC) Operation Monitoring Analyst for Booz Allen Hamilton and a Senior Technical Monitoring Engineer for Accenture Federal Services. In 2016, Juliet entered Oracle University to earn an associate degree in database administration and learned Structured Query Language (SQL) programming as well.
Furthering Her Education
Later, Juliet decided to continue her education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in information security and cybersecurity from Columbia Southern University in 2018 and went on to complete a master’s degree in cybersecurity studies from American Public University in 2020. Juliet was attracted to the field of cybersecurity because she loves the ability to make a direct impact, work with a diverse team and provide creative solutions to others.
Juliet credits the University’s online courses and assignment format for her success. “For me, the University was a great fit for my busy life,” Juliet says. “Especially the self-paced approach. I would complete my assignments whenever I chose.
“Also, the curriculum was straightforward and easy to follow. I knew what to expect from each class by going through the syllabus and I knew what was expected of me.”
Advice for Other Cybersecurity Professionals
“My advice to anyone seeking to follow my career path is to find your own passion. Follow what works for you,” Juliet says. For her, finding the right organization, workplace and job was important to her long-term plan for success.
“There are many areas in IT. So explore different areas within technology, whether it’s software development, data science, monitoring, project management, cybersecurity or UX design.”
Future Goals
Juliet aspires to eventually become a professor, so that she can teach and inspire the next generation of students. “I believe in the power of education to transform lives, and I love to give back to my community by sharing my knowledge and mentoring students.”
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 15 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.
If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.
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