Ellen Kekana
Cloud Infrastructure and Security Specialist
Pretoria,GP
Summary
Driven and passionate Cloud Infrastructure Consultant with over five years of progressive experience in IT support, risk management, and cloud infrastructure consulting. Possesses a robust technical foundation in designing, deploying, and managing secure Microsoft Azure environments. Expertise includes Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Exchange Online migrations, cybersecurity, automation, and disaster recovery. Multiple Microsoft certifications in cloud and security demonstrate a consistent track record of delivering scalable, cost-efficient, and secure solutions for enterprise clients. Eager to leverage deep technical skills while transitioning into a role that integrates business development, program alignment, and Microsoft cloud adoption strategies.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
9
9
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
Altron Digital Business
06.2022 - Current
- Designing, deploying, and managing Azure resources, including virtual networks, virtual machines, storage accounts, and resource groups.
- Monitoring and optimizing Azure environments for performance, cost efficiency, and scalability.
- Setting up and configuring Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments to provide secure remote access for end-users.
- Optimizing AVD performance by configuring host pools, scaling solutions, and session management.
- Troubleshooting and resolving AVD-related issues to ensure seamless user experiences.
- Planning and executing migrations from on-premises Exchange servers to Microsoft Exchange Online.
- Performing mailbox migrations, ensuring minimal disruption to end-users.
- Configuring and managing hybrid Exchange setups when required.
- Implementing security best practices, including role-based access control (RBAC), network security groups (NSGs), and Azure policies.
- Ensuring compliance with industry standards and organizational governance policies.
- Configuring Azure Backup and Site Recovery to safeguard critical data and applications.
- Performing periodic testing of disaster recovery plans to validate system resilience.
- Providing technical expertise to clients in designing cloud solutions tailored to their business needs.
- Offering post-migration support, addressing issues, and implementing performance improvements.
- Automating routine tasks using Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, and ARM templates.
- Streaming cloud operations through cost optimization and resource management strategies.
- Using tools like Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights to track performance and identify potential issues.
- Resolving incidents related to cloud infrastructure and virtual environments proactively.
IT Risk Intern
Momentum Metropolitan Holding
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Gained a comprehensive understanding of various business units and their operational objectives.
- Identified critical systems, applications, and technologies essential to each business unit.
- Conducted interviews and information-gathering sessions with stakeholders across departments.
- Assessed and documented key risks specific to each business unit’s operations and environment.
- Developed Risk Registers and conducted Risk Assessments aligned with the Center
IT Support Intern
Gijima subcontracted at Gauteng Department of Education
03.2021 - 02.2022
- Installation and configuration of new PCs, laptops, and other IT hardware.
- Configuration and deployment of network switches and port settings.
- Installations of transversal systems such as PERSAL, and SAP through CITRIX mainframe.
- Network setup and configuring network and standalone printers.
- Establishing and supporting VPN connections for secure remote access.
- Creating and configuring new user profiles, email accounts and access permissions.
- Generating technical and operational reports as required.
- Logging, tracking, and resolving incidents and service requests using BMC Remedy.
- Installing and configuring Microsoft Office and other productivity applications.
- Performing Windows OS updates and patch management.
- Testing, implementing, and supporting new ICT hardware and software solutions.
Digitization Assistant
University of Pretoria
04.2019 - 02.2021
- Assisted academic departments in the preparation, formatting, and digitization of curriculum-aligned learning materials.
- Supported the creation and archiving of academic content for undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
- Collaborated with lecturers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with university content standards.
- Engaged with Learning Management Systems (LMS) to structure and upload digital learning resources.
- Participated in the quality assurance process for digitized course materials and metadata.
- Scanned various academic materials including theses, research papers, and coursework documents.
- Edited and enhanced scanned content using Adobe Photoshop, Abby FineReader, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Managed repository metadata and uploaded finalized documents into the institutional repository.
- Updated digitization project progress reports and statistics using Microsoft Excel.
Education
Masters in Information Science - Research
University of Pretoria
08.2025
Bachelor of Information Science Honours - undefined
University of Pretoria
01.2020
Bachelor of Information Science - undefined
University of Pretoria
01.2018
Grade 12 - undefined
Phateng Comprehensive School
01.2015
Skills
AI, Cloud and Computer Science
Microsoft Office
Cloud Infrastructure and Security
Incident management
IT Support & System Administration
Academic Content and Digitization
Certification
Microsoft Certified:
References
Lidia, Swart, 012 420 5874, University of Pretoria
Accomplishments
- Finalist, Top 5 Rising Star in Cloud Technology (2025) – Wired4Women Forum
Timeline
Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
Altron Digital Business
06.2022 - Current
IT Risk Intern
Momentum Metropolitan Holding
04.2022 - 06.2022
IT Support Intern
Gijima subcontracted at Gauteng Department of Education
03.2021 - 02.2022
Digitization Assistant
University of Pretoria
04.2019 - 02.2021
Bachelor of Information Science Honours - undefined
University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Information Science - undefined
University of Pretoria
Grade 12 - undefined
Phateng Comprehensive School
Masters in Information Science - Research
University of Pretoria
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