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?
As the CEO of Sitehop, a cutting-edge cybersecurity company, I lead our team in revolutionizing data protection with our innovative solutions. Sitehop offers a faster, better, and greener alternative to traditional encryption options. Our flagship product, the SAFE Series, utilizes hardware-based encryption to safeguard critical data with high-speed, high-grade security.
Unlike conventional software-based encryption solutions that often introduce latency or require complex hardware replacements, the SAFE Series stands out for its ultra-low latency and seamless integration with existing tech stacks. This means enhanced protection for your business without sacrificing performance or efficiency.
At Sitehop, we prioritize customer satisfaction and innovation. My role involves setting the strategic direction of the company, driving product development, and fostering relationships with clients and stakeholders. With a focus on delivering super-fast encryption that aligns with our clients’ needs and values, we empower businesses to stay ahead of cyber threats while minimizing operational disruptions.
Join us at Sitehop as we redefine cybersecurity, offering not just protection, but a transformative solution that enhances your technology stack, safeguards your business, and contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
My journey into cybersecurity was driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to addressing pressing technological challenges. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and security, and it was this interest that led me to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
I come from a telco background, and one of the key issues with 5G was latency. So when I met my co-founder Ben Harper, and he told me that he had an algorithm on an FPGA chip that was faster and lower power than the lowest latency, I knew immediately it would solve an important problem with a wide application for telecom but also for any industry that needs secure, high-speed data transfer.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
It’s utterly thrilling to be a woman in cybersecurity amidst this exhilarating era of technological progress and digital innovation. The cybersecurity industry is witnessing unparalleled growth and importance, rendering it an immensely exciting period for all those engaged.
As a woman immersed in this realm, I am brimming with a deep sense of pride and excitement, cognizant of my role in safeguarding our digital domain. Each day presents new opportunities to confront challenges directly and enact palpable change in fortifying our digital infrastructure.
And I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a guiding light for future generations of female cyber professionals.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
Surrounding yourself with people you can trust is crucial. Seek advice because while you may have great ideas and have tapped into a niche market, acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers is crucial. Look for a network of people who are interested in cyber and share your values.
What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?
I tell my daughter that the only way to move forward is to try. And trying sometimes means you’re going to fail. But what I focus on is: what did I learn? How can I refocus? How can I make sure I don’t do that again? Like we say in Texas, “when you fall off the horse, you gotta dust yourself off and get back on.” It’s about resilience and determination, not letting setbacks define you but using them as stepping stones toward success. So, I tell women to embrace failure as part of the journey, because it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you rise back up, stronger and wiser than before.
