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 an Information Security manager, my role involves protecting organizations from cyber threats, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with security regulations. I develop and implement security strategies, policies, and controls to safeguard sensitive data and IT infrastructure. My responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks.
Additionally, I lead cybersecurity awareness training for employees, enhancing their understanding of security best practices. I collaborate with stakeholders across different departments to integrate security into business processes while balancing innovation and risk management. My work also extends to mentoring aspiring cybersecurity professionals, contributing to a more diverse and skilled workforce in the industry.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
I got into cybersecurity by chance when I started as a graduate security engineer at a telecom company in 2016. Although I studied Computer Engineering, I had never planned on pursuing a cybersecurity career. At the time, the most appealing option in Nigeria for someone with my academic background especially as a First-Class graduate was either becoming a graduate teaching assistant or securing a general IT role, possibly in software engineering.
The job market in Nigeria, particularly in IT, felt challenging and almost inaccessible for women. However, my first role in cybersecurity opened my eyes to the industry’s potential, and I quickly became passionate about protecting organizations from cyber threats. Over time, I embraced continuous learning, gained industry certifications, and transitioned into leadership roles, helping mentor and empower other women to enter and thrive in cybersecurity.
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 as a woman in the cybersecurity industry is breaking into and thriving in a male-dominated field. Early in my career, I often found myself as the only woman in technical teams, struggling to prove my expertise and gain recognition. There were moments when my ideas were overlooked, and I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.
I focused on continuous learning and professional development, earning globally recognized certifications like CISSP, CCSP, CISM, CRISC among others. I built a strong network of mentors (men and women) and peers who supported my growth. Over time, my expertise and contributions spoke for themselves, and I began leading major cybersecurity initiatives.
Beyond my personal growth, I have made it a mission to empower other women in cybersecurity by mentoring, training, and advocating for gender diversity in tech especially in cybersecurity. This challenge ultimately has been shaping my leadership style and overall fueled my passion for creating opportunities for women in cybersecurity.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
I am deeply committed to supporting women and increasing diversity in the cybersecurity industry through mentorship, training, and advocacy. Since 2016, I have mentored over 1000 women through organizations like TechHaven Africa, Cybergirls, Cyblack, and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), helping them transition into cybersecurity careers. Many of them have secured roles in top companies worldwide.
I also design and facilitate cybersecurity training programs tailored for women, equipping them with technical skills and career development resources. In 2022, while on maternity leave, I partnered with TechHaven Africa to organize a free cybersecurity training program, ensuring women from underrepresented backgrounds had access to quality education and mentorship.
Beyond mentorship, I actively advocate for gender diversity by speaking at conferences, writing publications, and encouraging organizations to adopt inclusive hiring practices. My goal is to help 10,000 women enter cybersecurity, and I am proud of the progress made so far. By creating safe spaces for women to learn, grow, and excel, I am working to bridge the gender gap and build a more diverse, inclusive cybersecurity industry.
Who has inspired you in your life/career?
At the start of my career, my biggest inspiration was myself. I was determined to create a different life and mindsets from the one I grew up with. I wanted to set an example for my younger siblings, nieces and cousins, showing them that fields like engineering and IT are not just for men.
As I progressed, my inspiration expanded to include the mentors and managers I worked with both male and female who guided and challenged me to grow. More recently, I’ve been inspired by incredible women leading the business and cybersecurity world, proving that leadership and excellence in tech are achievable for women everywhere.
