Eskenzi PR are proud to announce that KnowBe4, Mimecast, Varonis, Bridewell, Certes, and Pentest Tools have joined BT as sponsors for this year’s Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards. The 5th annual event, held at the iconic BT Tower on the 26th February 2025, aims to celebrate trailblazers from across the cybersecurity industry who are doing exceptional things. The event is also supported by media partners IT Security Guru and Security On Screen.
Additionally, organisers Eskenzi PR have sought the expertise and guidance of some of the industry’s leading women in cyber and diversity focused groups to make the awards more inclusive and intersectional than ever. We have partnered with WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), CyBlack and Inclusive InCyber (LT Harper). It is hoped that the 2025 event will reach a wider range of inspirational women from across all corners of the globe.
Cybersecurity is an industry that, in many ways, lacks diverse representation. Research by ISC2 estimates that the percentage of women in the industry is likely in the range of 20% to 25%. The industry desperately needs talent, especially as we face a skills shortage and increasingly complex threats. However, role models and encouragement is critical. We cannot be what we cannot see.
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aims to bring together and empower incredible women (both established and those starting out their careers) and make long lasting connections.
Nominations can be submitted via this link and will remain open until 5pm on 22nd January 2025. An esteemed panel of judges will then review the submissions and narrow the list down to the Top 20, each of whom will be profiled on the IT Security Guru. There will also be five women crowned ‘ones to watch’. This year’s judging panel includes:
- Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of Eskenzi PR
- Holly Foxcroft, Head of Neurodiversity in Cyber Research and Consulting, Stott and May Consulting
- Anne Dolinschek, Senior Manager of Public Relations (EMEA) at KnowBe4
- Yasemin Mustafa, Security Portfolio Director at BT
- Rachel Downs, Principal Consultant at Bridewell
- Kiri Addison, Senior Manager of Product Management at Mimecast
- Iretioluwa Akerele, Co-Founder of CyBlack
- Julie Osborne, Director, Global Security Control Frameworks at Barclays and Vice President of WiCyS UK and Ireland Affiliate
- Illyana Mullins, Founder of WiTCH (Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub)
- Aymun Lashari, Community Manager at LT Harper
On the 26th February 2025, a physical awards ceremony will be held in London at the iconic BT Tower. The event will include a welcome address and an informal panel discussion with a Q&A featuring industry leaders. Then, the finalists will be awarded their certificates and trophies. The event will conclude with networking over food and drinks at the top of the tower. Finalists, judges, and guests are welcome to attend in person and the public can tune in to the ceremony via a live stream. More information to be provided soon.
The award’s founder, Yvonne Eskenzi, said: “We are privileged to once again host this prestigious event supported by industry heavyweights, like KnowBe4. It’s an honour to be back at the dazzling BT Tower too. At Eskenzi, we’re passionate about supporting and fostering diversity in the sector through action. The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards, in collaboration with leading industry women’s networks and forward thinking organisations, strives to empower and uplift women within the cybersecurity sector and foster enduring connections among attendees.”
Headline sponsor, Anne Dolinschek, Senior Manager, Public Relations (EMEA) at KnowBe4, said: “We’re proud to once again be supporting this prestigious event that honours the incredible work women do in cyber and continues to shine a light on the need for diversity and inclusion. DEI initiatives are so important to the development of not only stronger and happier workforces, but to the overall cybersecurity industry as whole and the ability to protect businesses from emerging and maturing cyber threats.”
Yasemin Mustafa, Security Portfolio Director at BT, says: “At BT, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation and resilience in cybersecurity. Our support for the ‘Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards’ is a testament to our commitment to breaking down barriers and showcasing the incredible talent and leadership of women in this field. By celebrating these role models, we hope to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, helping to create a more inclusive and dynamic industry. Together, we can redefine the future of cybersecurity.”
“We’re proud to be sponsoring this year’s Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards,” said Kiri Addison, Senior Manager of Product Management at Mimecast. “Women’s perspectives and expertise in cybersecurity are critical to overcoming the challenges set ahead of the industry today. Mimecast is committed to elevating and empowering women for the betterment of technology and for the cyber safety of people and organizations worldwide.”
“We are proud to be a sponsor of the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards. By supporting this event, we aim to encourage more women to pursue careers in security while celebrating the achievements of those who are already making a significant impact on the space,” said Rebekah McAdams, VP, Global Field & Channel Marketing at Varonis.
Nominate HERE: Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Nominations 2025 (deadline 22nd Jan 2025, 5pm GMT).
