Welcome back to WIQC! In this episode, host Candace Gillhoolley sits down with Devinka Mehra, a software engineer at Microsoft who’s blazing a trail in quantum security. From her roots as a curious, talkative child in Delhi to her journey through engineering, cybersecurity, and a recent master’s in quantum information science, Devinka Mehra opens up about the mix of support, self-discovery, and risk-taking that shaped her career.

They discuss what it’s like to be a woman in STEM—navigating confidence, embracing vulnerability, and pushing back against narrow expectations. Devinka Mehra shares why now is the perfect time to jump into quantum, how to set yourself up for growth even if you feel “behind,” and the importance of taking small, meaningful steps on your own path. The episode is packed with insights on staying grounded when dealing with big, world-changing tech—plus practical advice for anyone, regardless of background, who wants to break into quantum computing.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about curiosity, courage, and the culture that’s shaping the future of tech.

1. Devika's LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/devika-mehra-25469494/

00:00 "Childhood Curiosity About Careers"

05:21 "Love for Max and Encouragement"

08:56 "Early Inspiration for Computing Journey"

12:55 "Inner Drive Fuels Growth"

17:03 "Master's Journey: A Risky Dream"

19:12 "Right Choices Rewarded Over Time"

21:45 "Navigating Research Decisions"

27:38 "Unity in Facing Global Challenges"

30:56 Quantum Mechanics: A Growing Field

32:45 "The Power of Curiosity"

37:53 "Discovering Hidden Potential"

38:49 Balancing Emotional and Professional Growth

44:54 "Start from the Basics"

45:45 "Start Basic, Persist, Learn"

48:56 "Connect on LinkedIn"