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?
I work with Fortune 500 companies to secure their environments, leading complex security projects and engaging with executive stakeholders to deliver impactful results.
My role spans developing cyber strategies, designing cyber organisational changes, establishing cyber policy frameworks, developing cyber metrics and reporting for board and operational teams, and implementing technical security solutions. Strongly committed to Operational Technology (OT) security, an emerging field focused on securing industrial physical environments often underpinning our critical infrastructures, I advise organisations on designing and implementing robust measures to prevent cyber disruptions to essential services.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
After earning my master’s in computer science, I began my career in Tech. A few years later, I was assigned to a project focused on enhancing the processes and tooling for the information security department of a global organisation. At the time, I didn’t know anything about cyber security, so I had to quickly grasp the basics. Fortunately, I worked alongside a team of cyber experts, which allowed me to learn from their experience and develop a deep understanding of the field.
As I gained insight into the threat landscape, ranging from cybercriminals to the risks faced by organisations and individuals, I found a greater sense of purpose in cybersecurity. The ability to protect people and businesses from digital threats made the work not only about solving technical challenges but also about doing incredibly meaningful work.
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 faced as a woman in the tech and cybersecurity industry was being underestimated, especially as the only Black woman in the room. Time and again, I found myself having to prove my technical expertise, often feeling that my skills were scrutinized more than those of my peers. Fortunately, my work spoke for itself, my deliverables consistently demonstrated my capabilities, earning me the respect I deserved.
However, the challenge wasn’t just external. Culturally, I was raised to “know my place” as a girl and to always respect my elders, which made it difficult to be bold, assertive, and speak up. To thrive in my career, I had to unlearn these deeply ingrained norms and develop the confidence to take up space, share my ideas, and advocate for myself.
Additionally, mentors who saw my potential and advocated for me played a crucial role in my growth. They provided guidance, opened doors, and ensured my voice was heard in rooms where I might have otherwise been overlooked. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to push past self-doubt and step into leadership roles. Over time, I built a thick skin, learned to navigate challenging environments, and embraced my voice. Now, I no longer wait for my work to prove my worth—I own my expertise, uplift others, and ensure that no one feels invisible in this field.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a woman in the tech and cybersecurity industry was being underestimated, especially as the only Black woman in the room. Time and again, I found myself having to prove my technical expertise, often feeling that my skills were scrutinized more than those of my peers. Fortunately, my work spoke for itself, my deliverables consistently demonstrated my capabilities, earning me the respect I deserved.
However, the challenge wasn’t just external. Culturally, I was raised to “know my place” as a girl and to always respect my elders, which made it difficult to be bold, assertive, and speak up. To thrive in my career, I had to unlearn these deeply ingrained norms and develop the confidence to take up space, share my ideas, and advocate for myself.
Additionally, mentors who saw my potential and advocated for me played a crucial role in my growth. They provided guidance, opened doors, and ensured my voice was heard in rooms where I might have otherwise been overlooked. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to push past self-doubt and step into leadership roles. Over time, I built a thick skin, learned to navigate challenging environments, and embraced my voice. Now, I no longer wait for my work to prove my worth—I own my expertise, uplift others, and ensure that no one feels invisible in this field.
Who has inspired you in your life/career?
I have been fortunate to have incredible role models who have inspired me throughout my life and career, but my biggest inspirations have always been my parents.
Firstly, my father instilled in me from a young age that I was smart and capable. He never missed an opportunity to brag about my accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and always celebrated my wins. As a highly regarded figure who had achieved so much himself, his belief in me gave me the confidence to push forward, even in challenging environments.
My mother, on the other hand, showed me what it meant to balance ambition with care. As a a college graduate and a working mother, she proved that I didn’t have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling family life. I could have both. She was also incredibly entrepreneurial, street-smart, and full of creativity and empathy. Watching her navigate the world with resilience and resourcefulness shaped my own approach to problem-solving and leadership.
Together, they gave me the foundation to believe in myself, dream big, and carve out my own path in tech and cybersecurity.
