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Sandra, Regional Sales Manager

Sandra Abbas

Regional Sales Manager

EMEA | Blog | Career Development

Monday, November 24, 2025

The Courage to Evolve: My Journey into Cybersecurity


My career began in civil engineering, specializing in construction materials research, where I co-authored a published study on sustainable concrete in the Proceedings of the 2021 International Conference on Civil Engineering and Architecture.

Back then, my focus was on building structures that could withstand time and pressure. Today, I build something equally important: digital trust and resilience in a constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Transitioning into cybersecurity wasn’t just a career move; it was an evolution of purpose. Joining Palo Alto Networks marked a defining moment in my journey. I entered an environment that recognizes potential, nurtures ambition, and empowers people to grow beyond their starting point.

What made the greatest impact were the leaders who believed in me early on, those who saw my drive and curiosity as strengths, not barriers. Their guidance, trust, and encouragement gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and accelerate my growth.

From managing emerging markets to being promoted to a Regional Sales Manager in UAE, my focus remained the same, helping organizations fortify their security posture and drive business resilience through cutting edge cybersecurity solutions. By having a customer-first centric mindset and the mentors around me, I have managed to have a proven track record of accelerating sales, penetrate new markets, and expand enterprise accounts through strategic planning and execution.   

At Palo Alto Networks, I’ve learned that success isn’t defined by where you come from, but by the mindset you bring: the willingness to learn, evolve, and make an impact every day. It’s a culture that truly invests in people, and that belief has shaped both my professional and personal growth in extraordinary ways.

What continues to inspire me most is how Palo Alto Networks champions women in cybersecurity and STEM, creating opportunities for women to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Because courage isn’t just about taking a new path; it’s about growing into the person you were always meant to become.

Join Palo Alto Networks.

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