Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.
In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.
What does your job role entail?
Management of the Cyber Security, Security Operations, GRC, and IT Risk Management teams for the UK entity of a global financial services organisation.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
Have been in IT for over 20 years but moved exclusively into cybersecurity in 2017 after being selected to trial a course from ISC2 looking at how the NHS could bring more security skills into UK healthcare. Shortly after that I completed a Masters degree in cybersecurity and started my current role part way through that.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is getting the same level of respect that my male colleagues are given, without being repeatedly questioned. The way I handle this is by spending more time preparing and backing up my work with data and evidence. I don’t think there is any overcoming this at the moment sadly.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
I’m currently mentoring a cohort of women looking to move into cybersecurity through an organisation called ‘Women in Tech and Cyber Hub’ – I am also taking all opportunities to raise awareness through podcasts, events, and conferences. As part of the BSides Bristol board, I am also actively encouraging more women to be visible and take part.
What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?
Find a mentor!
