For Rudina Tafhasaj, Senior Software Engineer at Rapid7, a journey sparked by curiosity and shaped by perseverance unfolded. Rudina’s early fascination with technology—driven by a childhood spent sneaking peeks at her brother disassembling computers—grew into a career defined by embracing change, advocating for inclusivity, and stepping confidently into leadership. As Rudina puts it, “Leadership wasn’t something I pursued for recognition; it was something I grew into by doing what was needed.” In this interview, she shares insights into her career transitions, mentorship experiences, and practical advice for those eager to advance into tech leadership.
I could say I was lucky to get involved in technology early in my career—especially considering that my childhood dream was actually to become an actress! My story is a good example of when strict parental advice turns out to be a blessing. My parents weren’t too keen on the idea of me going to an arts university to study acting, so I had to step back and ask myself: What else could bring me joy? Where else could I see myself playing a similar kind of role? That’s when I began exploring technology more seriously. My passion for tech started when I was young, largely thanks to my older brother. He was fascinated by computers and was constantly taking apart our bulky PC at home. I’d sneak in to watch what he was doing, completely intrigued. That curiosity never really left me. Over time, I came to understand how central technology would be to our everyday lives—and that realization solidified my desire to pursue it as a career. That’s why I chose to study Informatics at the University of Tirana in Albania. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made—it set me on a path I’ve come to love deeply.
Working in a male-dominated industry like IT has actually been a positive experience for me. I've been fortunate to work alongside colleagues who have consistently supported me—people who are always willing to help, listen, offer feedback, and encourage growth. Of course, I’ve faced challenges throughout my career—just like anyone else. As a junior developer, there were moments when I struggled to keep up with the learning curve, and later, I faced challenges when transitioning between roles. But none of these obstacles were ever tied to the fact that I was a woman in tech. In fact, many of my closest friends today are former colleagues, which I think says a lot about the kind of environment I’ve been part of. I’m very aware that not every woman in tech shares this experience, and I recognize the importance of continuing to advocate for more inclusive and supportive workplaces. If I had one piece of advice for women entering this field, it would be this: Position yourself as part of the team—not as a woman among men. That mindset shift can make a world of difference. It always starts with us.
One of the best things about my role at Rapid7 is change. While many people find change challenging or even unsettling, I thrive on it. Whether it’s shifting projects, collaborating with different teams, or adapting processes to make things better—change is what keeps me energized and motivated. As a Senior Software Engineer, my role goes beyond just writing code. I also support and mentor other developers on the team, help guide technical decision-making, and ensure we’re always moving toward the most effective solutions. The most fun part of my job? The technical challenges, hands down. I genuinely enjoy those moments when I have to push my brain to the limit to figure something out—that’s when I’m in my element. As for the company culture at Rapid7… I honestly have no words to describe it exactly as it is. It’s a truly safe, inclusive environment filled with nonjudgmental, supportive people. And what stands out the most is how much leadership values and recognizes hard work. It’s empowering to be in a place where you’re not only heard but celebrated.
While ego often pushes us to chase titles for the sake of growth, I made a conscious choice to set mine aside and wait until I truly felt ready. Over time, I gradually started taking on more core responsibilities within my team—owning projects, making key decisions, and stepping into leadership moments organically. Eventually, the only thing missing was the formal title. So when I officially transitioned into a manager and team lead role, it didn’t feel like a dramatic shift. I had already been acting the part. I saw gaps within the team and took the initiative to fill them, creating my own version of an “upgraded” role before it even existed on paper. For me, that was the biggest sign I was ready—when I no longer needed the title to do the work. Leadership wasn’t something I pursued for recognition; it was something I grew into by doing what was needed.
One resource that truly made an impact on me was Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. It was actually a gift from a former male colleague, and he included a note that said, “The more I read this book, the more I saw a clear picture of you.” That meant a lot to me—and it made me even more curious to dive in. Now, I’ll admit—I’m a terrible bedtime reader (I usually fall asleep by the fifth sentence!), so I had to intentionally carve out time to read it. And I’m so glad I did. Sheryl shares her own experiences in leadership in such an honest, practical way. She addresses both internal and external challenges women face and offers real, actionable advice. One quote that stuck with me—and became a personal mantra—is: “Sit at the table.” Sandberg encourages women to take initiative, speak up, and claim their space in decision-making conversations, rather than waiting to be invited. That simple mindset shift can be transformative. Books, mentorship, podcasts—they’re all valuable tools. But it’s also important to remember that everyone writes their own story. Don’t be afraid to try your own path. Confidence doesn't always come first—sometimes, you build it as you go.
For me, stepping into a managerial role hasn’t meant stepping away from technical growth—in fact, I’ve tried to make it a tool for gaining more technical knowledge. When I first became a line manager, I set a shared goal with my team: we all decided to study for a technical certification together. During our 1:1s, we would discuss not only team goals but also the technical challenges we were facing individually. It became a collaborative learning experience that kept us all sharp and engaged. I believe it’s about making the resources around you work for you. It just takes a bit of creativity and finding the most efficient way to balance both sides. My advice for anyone worried about moving away from hands-on work: focus on what you can control, and don’t get stuck dwelling on what you can’t. Find ways to stay involved technically, whether it’s through mentoring, architectural discussions, or hands-on side projects. Leadership and technical growth don’t have to be mutually exclusive—it’s all about how you approach the opportunity.
Beyond my role at Rapid7, I actively participate in volunteering projects and attend meetups whenever I can. These experiences not only help me expand my network but also strengthen my reputation within the company. While external recognition is always nice, I focus primarily on building my personal brand with the people I work with day-to-day. These colleagues are the ones who truly experience my work ethic, my problem-solving style, and how I show up as a teammate. Their perception, to me, holds the most weight. Maintaining a personal brand outside of Rapid7 can be more challenging—especially when time outside of work is often reserved for friends, family, and personal interests. But I’ve found that over time, the internal brand you build naturally begins to extend outward. As you change roles or companies, people remember how you worked, how you contributed, and how you carried yourself. The tech world is small, and word travels. My main approach? I focus on doing great work and being consistent in my values. When your work speaks for itself, your brand builds organically—both inside and out.
I was lucky to experience one of the best coincidences in my career—getting promoted to team lead at the same time I started a formal mentorship program. That timing couldn’t have been better. Through that program, I learned valuable lessons about focus, fair delegation, and—most importantly—building trust within a team. Having a mentor has been incredibly impactful for me. It helped me stay aligned with my goals, kept me motivated through tough moments, and gave me a safe space to reflect and grow. I genuinely believe that mentorship is a game-changer, especially when navigating transitions or stepping into new roles. When it comes to mentoring others—especially women and underrepresented groups in tech—I approach it with intention and empathy. I try to create the kind of space I once needed: encouraging, judgment-free, and filled with practical guidance. Whether it's through 1:1s, informal chats, or structured mentorship programs, I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege to help lift others up as they move forward in their careers.
I see the role of companies like ours as twofold in bridging the gender gap in tech: first, we have to name the gap and then intentionally work to close it. That means investing in relationships, showing up in spaces where gender diversity exists, and being deliberate in how we hire, grow, and support talent.
We’ve taken steps like signing the ParityPledge and the 100% Talent Compact through the Boston Women’s Workforce Council. Those are just part of a larger commitment: building and sustaining a culture rooted in respect, driven by diverse perspectives, and aligned with our core values.
Achieving our vision of a secure, prosperous, digital future for all means creating an ecosystem where multiple lived experiences can thrive. For us, that means adhering to the concept of the “Global Cybersecurity Citizen.” Being a global cybersecurity citizen requires not only technical excellence, but also the social responsibility to shape an industry that truly includes everyone.
While there are many ways we can support women’s growth in tech, one of the most impactful initiatives I’ve experienced at Rapid7 is women sharing their personal stories. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing firsthand experiences of success, challenges, and growth—it’s inspiring, relatable, and deeply motivating. Now imagine those personal stories woven into a workshop. These sessions don’t just deliver insights, they create a space for genuine connection. During the various workshops we organize, we often get to engage with colleagues from around the globe, exchanging experiences and opening up about the hurdles we've faced along the way. And the most important thing that comes out of it? That sense of “you’re not alone.” Hearing others voice the same doubts or struggles you’ve had makes a world of difference. It builds confidence, fosters community, and reinforces that growth in tech is a journey we can take together.
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