Editor’s note: ISACA’s Career Catalyst Stories showcase how members have been supported by ISACA throughout all stages of their careers. Today, we profile Abigael Bada, founder, Fortini Tech. Find out more about ISACA membership here.
Abigael Bada is only a few years into her professional career, and already she has developed comprehensive information security policies, provided strategic guidance on technology adoption in various consulting roles, founded a sustainability-focused tech start-up and served as a delegate to the United Nations for sessions focused on gender equality.
Bada said the promising start to her career has been accelerated by her relationship with ISACA.
“ISACA has been a cornerstone of my professional development, providing invaluable resources, networking opportunities and support throughout my career,” she said.
Abigael and ISACA: early career
Bada joined ISACA in 2021 after being introduced to the organization by a family friend. She began participating in local events in the London area, including ISACA’s CommunITy Day of volunteering, where she met Allan Boardman. Boardman, a past president of the ISACA London Chapter and an inductee to the ISACA Hall of Fame, eventually became a valuable career mentor to Bada.
Recognizing the importance of professional certification, Bada pursued the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential through ISACA. She credits her CISA certification as a key springboard in her early career while working on Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) projects.
“The knowledge and skills I gained from the CISA training and subsequent certification were instrumental in completing several key projects,” she notes. “The impact of my CISA certification was profound, elevating our GRC capabilities within my team and earning the trust of our stakeholders.”
This success, Bada says, was a turning point in her career and laid the foundation for future opportunities, including the eventual founding of her tech startup.
What’s happening now?
Early in her career, Bada noticed a significant gap in how small and medium-sized enterprises approached technology adoption, particularly in relation to sustainability and security, due to limited resources and expertise.
Bada was inspired to create a company that could bridge this gap – one that would empower businesses to harness the power of technology while also promoting environmental responsibility and robust security practices. In 2022, Bada founded Fortini Tech, a sustainability-focused tech company that collaborates with SMEs and government agencies. By focusing on sustainability and secure technology adoption, she saw an opportunity to help organizations build a better future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote ethical practices.
Again, Bada’s CISA credential provided a boost.
“As a tech startup founder, the principles and practices from my CISA certification have been invaluable,” Bada says. “They have guided me in establishing robust governance, risk management and compliance frameworks from the ground up. This foundation has not only protected our company from potential security threats but has also built trust with our clients and investors.”
Even as her career has rapidly progressed, Bada remains deeply involved with ISACA. Her engagement with the ISACA London Chapter has provided her leadership experience and a network of like-minded professionals.
“Serving in leadership roles within my chapter has greatly enhanced my leadership skills and deepened my engagement with colleagues,” she says. “The friendships I've built through these roles have also led to numerous career-advancing opportunities.”
Bada has also taken advantage of ISACA’s Mentorship Program, supported the SheLeadsTech initiative and authored thought leadership articles for ISACA’s global community.
“Through these connections and opportunities, ISACA has played a crucial role in my career growth,” Bada says. “The mentorship, the publication and the leadership roles have all been instrumental in my professional development.”
What’s next for Abigael?
As Bada looks to the future, she is focused on several key goals that will shape the next phase of her career.
By leveraging her GRC expertise, she aims to position Fortini Tech as a leading provider of sustainable technology and cybersecurity solutions for a broader range of industries.
“One of my top priorities is to expand Fortini Tech’s reach, both geographically and in terms of the services offered,” she said.
Additionally, Bada is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends. To achieve this, she plans to pursue additional ISACA certifications and actively participate in continuing education programs.
“These efforts will not only enhance my professional capabilities but also equip me to better lead my team and deliver innovative solutions to our clients,” she said.
Bada is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of tech leaders, particularly women in technology. She intends to increase her involvement in the SheLeadsTech program and explore opportunities to speak at industry conferences and events. By sharing her experiences and insights, Bada hopes to inspire others to pursue careers in technology and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the field.
An array of ISACA resources will continue to propel her toward her goals.
“To continue my career development, I plan to actively engage with ISACA’s continuing education programs, ensuring my skills stay current and relevant,” Bada says. “I will regularly read ISACA’s SmartBrief on Cybersecurity to stay informed about industry developments. Also, attending ISACA workshops and webinars is crucial for my keeping up with trends and new technologies. The ISACA Journal is also invaluable for deepening my knowledge.”