Eskenzi PR is pleased to announce that KnowBe4, Mimecast, Varonis, Bridewell, Certes, and Pentest Tools have all signed on as sponsors for the upcoming Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards, alongside BT. The prestigious event, now in its 5th year, is set to take place on February 26th, 2025, at the iconic BT Tower. The awards aim to honor trailblazers in the cybersecurity industry who are making significant contributions and accomplishments. Media partners for the event include IT Security Guru and Security On Screen.
In an effort to make the awards more inclusive and diverse, Eskenzi PR has partnered with various women in cyber and diversity-focused groups, such as WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), CyBlack, and Inclusive InCyber (LT Harper). By collaborating with these organizations, the hope is to attract a more global and diverse group of inspirational women to participate in the event.
The cybersecurity industry, as highlighted by research from ISC2, struggles with a lack of diverse representation, with estimates showing that only 20% to 25% of the workforce consists of women. This scarcity of talent is particularly concerning as the industry faces a shortage of skilled professionals and increasingly complex threats. The importance of role models and encouragement cannot be understated, as visibility is crucial in inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aims to bring together women at all stages of their cybersecurity careers to empower them and facilitate lasting connections within the industry. Nominations for the awards are currently open and will close on January 22nd, 2025, at 5 pm. A panel of esteemed judges will review the submissions and select the Top 20 finalists, who will be featured on IT Security Guru. Additionally, five women will be recognized as ‘ones to watch.’
The physical awards ceremony will be held at the BT Tower in London on February 26th, 2025. The event will include a welcome address, a panel discussion with industry leaders, the presentation of certificates and trophies to the finalists, and networking opportunities. The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of Eskenzi PR, expressed her excitement about hosting the event at the BT Tower and emphasized the importance of supporting diversity in the cybersecurity sector. Anne Dolinschek, Senior Manager of Public Relations (EMEA) at KnowBe4, highlighted the significance of diversity and inclusion initiatives in strengthening the cybersecurity industry.
Yasemin Mustafa, Security Portfolio Director at BT, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of diversity in driving innovation and resilience in cybersecurity. Kiri Addison, Senior Manager of Product Management at Mimecast, emphasized the critical role that women play in cybersecurity and Mimecast’s commitment to empowering them.
Rebekah McAdams, VP of Global Field & Channel Marketing at Varonis, also reiterated the importance of celebrating and encouraging women in cybersecurity through events like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards. The sponsors’ support aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity while recognizing the achievements of those already making a significant impact in the field.
In conclusion, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025 is set to be a celebration of the exceptional women in the cybersecurity industry who are paving the way for future generations. Through the support of industry leaders and sponsors, the event aims to empower, uplift, and inspire women in cybersecurity, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and diverse industry landscape.