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.
In 2025, the awards were sponsored by BT, KnowBe4, Mimecast, Varonis, Bridewell, Certes, Pentest Tools and AI Dionic. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), CyBlack and Inclusive InCyber (LT Harper).
What does your job role entail?
As the leader of Digital Care Hub, I work at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital transformation, and social care—helping care providers navigate the complex digital landscape while keeping people’s data safe. My role is a mix of strategic vision, advocacy, and hands-on problem-solving.
On any given day, I might be working with care organisations to improve their cybersecurity resilience, advising policymakers on the challenges and opportunities in digital health, or collaborating with tech innovators to bring cutting-edge solutions to social care. I also lead a brilliant remote team, ensuring we stay focused on our mission to support care providers with expert guidance and practical tools.
A big part of my job involves translating complex cybersecurity issues into actionable steps that care providers can realistically implement. Cyber threats don’t stop at industry borders, and the social care sector—handling sensitive data daily—deserves the same level of protection as other critical industries.
Beyond the technical aspects, I’m passionate about building trust in digital health. I’m currently studying for a doctorate and my research explores how transparency and control over data security can enhance trust and engagement among older adults in virtual care settings.
My role constantly challenges and excites me—no two days are ever the same! At the heart of it all, I want to empower care providers to feel confident and secure in a digital world to improve the outcomes for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
I didn’t take the traditional route into cybersecurity—I found my way here through a mix of passion, curiosity, and a drive to solve real-world problems. My background is in digital transformation and social care, where I saw firsthand how technology could be a game-changer—but also a significant risk if cybersecurity wasn’t prioritised.
Working closely with care providers, I realised that cybersecurity wasn’t just about firewalls and encryption—it was about protecting vulnerable people, ensuring trust in digital health solutions, and making sure care organisations weren’t left behind in the digital age. The more I learned, the more I saw the urgent need for accessible, practical cybersecurity guidance tailored to the social care sector.
That led me to leading Better Security, Better Care, a programme which involves cyber policy, risk management, and advocacy. I started working with national care organisations, helping to develop frameworks and resources that could make cybersecurity less intimidating and more actionable for care providers. Along the way, I built relationships with cybersecurity experts, ethical hackers, and policymakers, learning from their insights and bringing that knowledge back into the social care space.
Cybersecurity is often seen as a technical field, but at its core, it’s about people, trust, and resilience—and that’s what drew me in. I love being part of an industry where I can bridge the gap between tech and frontline care, helping organisations embrace digital solutions safely and confidently.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
Coming from social care, which is a predominantly female sector it was a real culture shock when I started spending more time in cybersecurity meetings. I was so used to being one of a majority of female leaders that the contrast was really striking when suddenly I was at tables made mostly of men and I was struggling to be heard. Early on, I found myself in meetings where my contributions were overlooked—only to hear the same points echoed later by a male colleague and suddenly gain traction. It was frustrating, but it also fuelled my determination to carve out my own space and advocate for others facing the same barriers.
I overcame this challenge by leaning into my expertise, building strong networks, and refusing to shrink myself. Luckily my personality lends itself pretty well to making myself heard. Instead of trying to fit into the existing mold of what a cybersecurity leader should look or act like, I focused on what made my perspective unique—my deep understanding of the social care sector and how cybersecurity intersects with it. I became an advocate for simplifying cybersecurity for non-technical audiences, which allowed me to connect with people beyond the traditional cyber circles.
Another key turning point was finding allies and mentors—both men and women—who championed my work. I also made it a priority to bring other women into the conversation, ensuring diverse voices were heard.
Winning the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber award is a testament to how far I’ve come, but I know there’s still work to do. Now, I focus on lifting others up, challenging outdated norms, and proving that leadership in cyber isn’t about gender—it’s about impact.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
I’m passionate about making cybersecurity more inclusive and accessible, especially for women and underrepresented groups who might not see themselves in the industry yet. Too often, cyber can feel like an exclusive club—full of jargon, gatekeeping, and stereotypes about what a “cybersecurity professional” should look like. I want to change that.
One of the ways I do this is by mentoring and supporting women who are interested in cyber but unsure how to break in. Whether it’s through formal mentoring schemes, sharing insights from my own non-traditional career path, or simply being visible and vocal, I aim to show that there’s no one “right” background for a career in cyber.
In my role at Digital Care Hub, I advocate for more diverse voices in digital and cyber policy—because the systems we build should reflect the people they serve. I actively push for inclusivity when collaborating with policymakers, researchers, and tech innovators, ensuring that perspectives from social care, women, and underrepresented groups aren’t overlooked.
I also use my platform to challenge outdated narratives—whether that’s speaking at industry events, writing about the intersection of cyber and social care, or championing women-led initiatives in tech. I want to make sure that the next generation of women in cyber sees more role models, more opportunities, and fewer barriers than those who came before.
Who has inspired you in your life/career?
I’ve always been inspired by women who lead with purpose—especially those who have driven real change in social care and the not-for-profit sector. These are the women who challenge the status quo, fight for better outcomes for vulnerable people, and bring resilience and empathy into leadership.
One of my biggest inspirations is Dame Philippa Russell, a lifelong advocate for disabled people and carers. Her work in shaping policy and support for unpaid carers has been transformative, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels. She exemplifies what it means to be a leader who drives systemic change while keeping people at the heart of everything.
Another huge inspiration is Professor Jane Cummings, who, as England’s Chief Nursing Officer, championed person-centered care and digital innovation in health and social care. Her leadership demonstrated how compassion and technology can work together to improve people’s lives.
I’m also inspired by the thousands of women working in social care leadership roles, running charities, and driving policy change—often in the face of enormous challenges. Their work is essential, yet too often overlooked. They remind me that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about service, impact, and leaving the world better than we found it.
