Heidy Khlaaf, a Research Consultant at Adelard LLP, plays a pivotal role in evaluating safety-critical systems and developing standards for safety and security applications. Despite facing early challenges as a woman of color in computer science, she found support through organizations like the Computing Research Association's Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research, which provided her with essential research opportunities. Her notable work includes the TIGARS project, which addresses the assurance of autonomous vehicles and seeks to influence policy and regulatory standards. Khlaaf's career journey involved a significant risk when she changed advisors during her PhD due to mental health concerns, ultimately leading to a successful defense and a role in industry research. Passionate about climbing, she values work-life balance and plans a six-week climbing trip to South Africa. Her story is highlighted during Women's History Month as an example of women making history in tech.