In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, few individuals stand out quite like Tolulope Onasanya, a rising star in the global tech industry. As an accomplished Enterprise Account Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Tolulope has carved out a distinguished career path in cloud computing and cybersecurity, gaining recognition for her innovative solutions and impactful projects. During our exclusive interview, she shared insights into her impressive journey from Nigeria to the forefront of cloud technologies, her technical achievements at AWS, and her vision for the future of cloud security and artificial intelligence.
Tolulope’s expertise is not only evident in the transformative projects she has led at AWS—such as the development of an automated AMI distribution pipeline that improved security compliance by 40%—but also in her contributions to academic research. Her publications, including “The Impact of Cloud Computing in Promoting Economic Growth through SMEs in the United States” and “Enhancing Cybersecurity through Cloud Computing Solutions in the United States,” reflect her deep understanding of the strategic value of cloud technology. These works explore how cloud computing can drive economic empowerment and enhance security across industries, adding an intellectual dimension to her hands-on technical experience. Furthermore, her paper, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Reducing Waste,” demonstrates her forward-thinking approach to applying AI in critical sectors, showcasing her ability to intersect technology with practical, real-world solutions.
Recognized by Bridge Africa Technologies as one of the Nigerians excelling abroad, Tolulope exemplifies the global impact of Nigerian talent in the tech sector. Her journey is evidence of the power of innovation, resilience, and continuous learning, and her work is paving the way for future advancements in cloud computing and cybersecurity. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in her field, Tolulope remains focused on using technology to drive meaningful, lasting change both in Nigeria and around the world. This interview captures her inspiring story, highlighting her significant contributions and her vision for the future of technology. Here is the round table discussion with one of Nigeria’s brightest minds.
BAT Most Influential Women In Tech In Nigeria 2024 -Awards
Bridge Africa Tech Round Table Talk with Industry sensation~ Tolulope Onasanya
1. Can you tell us about your journey into the tech industry and what motivated you to specialize in cloud computing and cybersecurity?
Tolulope: “My journey into the tech industry began with my deep curiosity about how technology can transform businesses and solve real-world problems. I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria, where I developed a solid foundation in programming, network security, and front-end development. During my undergraduate studies, I became increasingly interested in the power of cloud computing and how it could enhance scalability and efficiency for organizations across different sectors. This curiosity led me to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science at North Carolina A&T State University in the United States, where I specialized in cloud services and cybersecurity.
The world of cloud computing fascinated me because of its ability to provide flexible and scalable solutions to businesses of all sizes. What truly sparked my interest in cybersecurity, however, was realizing the importance of securing the data and systems in this vast cloud ecosystem. As businesses rely more heavily on cloud infrastructure, ensuring the security of their operations has become even more critical. Working at AWS has allowed me to combine both of these passions—helping enterprises optimize their cloud infrastructure while keeping their systems secure from ever-evolving threats.”
2. What have been the most significant achievements during your time at Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
Tolulope: “At AWS, I have had the opportunity to work on several impactful projects, but two of my most significant achievements stand out. The first was designing an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) architecture using AWS EC2 Image Builder, which resulted in a 30% reduction in image build time. This was a game-changer for the project as it drastically improved efficiency and allowed our team to roll out updates more quickly.
The second major achievement was implementing an automated AMI distribution and deprecation pipeline. This system leveraged AWS Organizations, CloudWatch, Systems Manager, and Amazon Inspector, which enhanced our security compliance by 40%. This pipeline not only streamlined operations but also ensured that our AMIs were continuously monitored for vulnerabilities, providing greater security for our enterprise clients. These projects were complex and required extensive collaboration, but seeing their successful implementation and the measurable impact they had on both efficiency and security was incredibly rewarding.”
3. Could you walk us through a project you are particularly proud of and explain the technologies you used?
Tolulope: “One of the projects I’m particularly proud of is the development of an automated Amazon Machine Image (AMI) distribution and deprecation pipeline. The project’s goal was to streamline the process of building and distributing AMIs while ensuring that the images complied with stringent security requirements. To achieve this, I used a combination of AWS services, including AWS EC2 Image Builder, Amazon CloudFormation, Amazon CloudWatch, AWS Systems Manager, and Amazon Inspector.
Amazon Machine Image (AMI) is like a blueprint for a virtual computer in the cloud. It contains all the software, settings, and configurations that you need to launch a server (EC2). Instead of setting up a server from scratch, an AMI lets you quickly create a new one with everything already installed and ready to go.
To automate this process, I used EC2 Image Builder and AWS CloudFormation to model and set up the resources automatically. EC2 Image Builder is a tool that helps automate the creation of customized AMIs (or templates). AWS CloudFormation is a service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that enables users to model and manage infrastructure resources in an automated and secure manner by writing scripts.
For additional management and security, the pipeline was integrated with an automated deprecation feature using AWS Systems Manager to retire outdated AMIs while keeping the latest versions active. Amazon CloudWatch was used to monitor the pipeline, and Amazon Inspector performed continuous vulnerability scanning to ensure security compliance.
This project was particularly satisfying because it resulted in a more efficient, secure, and scalable solution for managing AMIs. The pipeline reduced build time by 30%, improved security compliance by 40%, and ensured that our clients always had access to the most up-to-date, secure machine images. It was a technically challenging project, but it highlighted the power of AWS technologies when used in a coordinated way.”
4. You’ve published research on cloud computing and cybersecurity. Could you tell us more about your publications and their relevance to the industry?
Tolulope: “I have published several research papers that focus on the intersection of cloud computing, cybersecurity, and economic development. My first publication, ‘The Impact of Cloud Computing in Promoting Economic Growth through SMEs in the United States,’ explores how cloud services can empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with scalable, cost-effective IT infrastructure. This is especially relevant today as more businesses, particularly startups, are leveraging cloud technology to innovate and grow.
Another publication, ‘Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Reducing Waste,’ delves into the role of AI in optimizing supply chains, particularly in the healthcare sector. AI has the potential to improve resilience and reduce operational waste, which is crucial for ensuring the efficiency of supply chains, especially in times of crisis.
Finally, ‘Enhancing Cybersecurity through Cloud Computing Solutions in the United States’ addresses the increasing need for robust cybersecurity measures as organizations shift more of their operations to the cloud. In this paper, I highlight various cloud-native security tools and strategies that organizations can adopt to safeguard their data and applications. These publications are relevant because they tackle pressing issues faced by businesses today—scalability, security, and operational efficiency—and offer solutions that can have a real-world impact.”
5. How has your role as an Enterprise Account Engineer at AWS helped you grow professionally?
Tolulope: “My role as an Enterprise Account Engineer at AWS has been instrumental in my professional growth. It has given me the chance to work directly with a diverse range of enterprise clients, each with unique cloud computing needs. This has allowed me to deepen my understanding of various AWS services and how they can be tailored to address specific challenges.
I’ve learned to provide strategic insights and customized support to clients, which has sharpened my problem-solving skills. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the role, where I work closely with technical account managers and AWS engineers, has helped me develop strong communication and teamwork skills. This exposure has significantly broadened my technical and operational knowledge, and I feel more confident in my ability to handle complex cloud infrastructure projects and provide high-level support to enterprise clients.”
6. Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a particularly complex customer issue? How did you approach it?
Tolulope: “One instance that stands out involved a client who was experiencing severe security vulnerabilities with their Amazon Machine Image (AMI) configurations. The vulnerabilities were putting their data and applications at risk, and they needed a solution quickly.
My approach started with a thorough audit of their AWS setup, which allowed me to identify the root causes of the issue. I collaborated with their internal teams to understand their specific security requirements and then designed a customized AMI build pipeline using AWS Systems Manager, CloudWatch, and Amazon Inspector. This pipeline automated the vulnerability scanning process and ensured continuous monitoring of their AMIs.
By automating the security checks, we were able to resolve the vulnerabilities and implement a system that provided long-term security for their cloud infrastructure. This was a complex and time-sensitive issue, but by staying focused and leveraging AWS tools effectively, we were able to deliver a solution that significantly improved the client’s security posture.”
7. You’ve gained hands-on experience with a wide range of AWS technologies. Which AWS service do you find most valuable, and why?
Tolulope: “One of the AWS services I find most valuable is Amazon EC2, primarily due to its versatility and scalability. EC2 serves as the backbone for many cloud architectures and can be customized to fit a variety of workloads. It’s particularly useful for running applications that require flexible compute capacity.
In many of the projects I’ve worked on, such as the development of AMI architectures, EC2 played a critical role in allowing us to automate and optimize processes. Its integration with other AWS services, such as Lambda, CloudFront, and CloudWatch, makes it a powerful tool for building robust, secure, and scalable solutions. EC2’s flexibility is one of the reasons it continues to be a go-to service for so many businesses, including the ones I’ve supported at AWS.”
8. How do you stay updated with the latest developments in cloud computing and cybersecurity?
Tolulope: “Staying updated in such a fast-paced industry is crucial, and I make it a priority by participating in professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). These platforms provide access to cutting-edge research, workshops, and conferences, which help me stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
I also attend industry events, which provides invaluable insights into emerging technologies and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. Additionally, I make sure to regularly review AWS whitepapers, case studies, and documentation to stay on top of new developments within the AWS ecosystem. I’m also a member of Women In Technology (WIT) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which offer a strong support network and numerous professional development opportunities.”
9. Could you share your experience working on cross-functional teams at AWS and how that has shaped your collaborative skills?
Tolulope: “At AWS, cross-functional collaboration is a big part of what we do, and I’ve had the chance to work with a variety of teams, including technical account managers, product developers, and solution architects. For example, during my internship at AWS, I worked on a project to design an AMI architecture. This required input from multiple stakeholders, and I collaborated closely with the product development team to ensure the architecture met the technical requirements, while also working with the support team to address any client-facing issues.
Working in these cross-functional teams has taught me the importance of clear communication and adaptability. Everyone brings a different perspective to the table, and it’s essential to align our goals to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. This experience has not only improved my teamwork skills but also helped me become a more effective communicator and problem-solver.”
10. What are some challenges you’ve faced in your role, and how have you overcome them?
Tolulope: “One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing the ever-evolving security threats that come with working in the cloud. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, it’s essential to stay ahead of them. One way I’ve tackled this challenge is by continuously improving my knowledge and earning certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner and Cybersecurity with Cloud Computing.
Another challenge is managing complex client requirements, especially when they involve large-scale cloud infrastructures with intricate security needs. I’ve overcome this by adopting a proactive approach, conducting regular security audits, and using tools like AWS Systems Manager and Amazon Inspector to automate security checks. These methods have helped me maintain a high level of security across all projects and meet client expectations.”
11. What unique qualities do you bring to your role, and how have they contributed to your success?
Tolulope: “I believe my ability to merge technical expertise with strategic thinking is one of my key strengths. I don’t just focus on solving technical problems—I look at how these solutions align with broader business goals. This holistic approach allows me to provide more comprehensive and effective solutions to my clients.
I’m also highly detail-oriented and thrive on solving complex problems, which is essential in cloud computing and cybersecurity. My willingness to continuously learn and take on new challenges keeps me motivated, and I’ve found that this combination of skills and mindset has contributed significantly to my success at AWS.”
12. Where do you see your career going in the next few years, and what goals are you currently working towards?
Tolulope: “In the next few years, I envision myself continuing to grow within AWS, focusing even more on cloud security and potentially taking on leadership roles within the organization. I’m also working towards earning my AWS Solutions Architect certification, which will allow me to design even more advanced cloud architectures for clients.
I’m particularly excited about the future of artificial intelligence in the cloud, especially its applications in enhancing security and operational efficiency. My long-term goal is to lead innovative cloud security projects that help organizations navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. I’m committed to continuing my journey of learning and contributing to the future of cloud computing.”
Conclusion:
In summary, the interview with Tolulope Onasanya provided an insightful look into her remarkable career as an Enterprise Account Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she has established herself as a leader in cloud computing and cybersecurity. Tolulope discussed her significant achievements, including the development of automated AMI pipelines that enhanced security compliance by 40% and her role in delivering cloud solutions that drive efficiency for enterprise clients. Her passion for using technology to solve real-world problems was evident, especially in her published research on cloud computing’s role in economic growth and cybersecurity.
A key highlight from the interview was Tolulope’s reflection on her journey from Nigeria to the global tech stage. Her academic background, combined with her hands-on experience at AWS, has equipped her with the skills to lead innovative projects that have far-reaching impacts. As she continues to push the boundaries of cloud security and AI, Tolulope remains committed to leveraging her expertise to address critical issues in the tech industry.
Recognized by Bridge Africa Technologies as one of the Nigerians excelling abroad, Tolulope’s contributions are a source of pride for the Nigerian tech community. Her accomplishments underscore the global impact that Nigerians are making in cutting-edge fields. As she continues to grow in her career, her dedication to driving positive change through technology positions her as a key contributor to both the Nigerian and global tech ecosystems.
