The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards, organized by Eskenzi PR in partnership with the IT Security Guru, seek to recognize and celebrate the outstanding women in the cybersecurity industry. Each year, a panel of judges selects the Top 20 women who have made significant contributions to the field. One of the nominees for the 2024 awards is Helen Oluyemi, an Information Security manager at Pollinate International Limited.
In her role, Helen is responsible for protecting organizations from cyber threats, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with security regulations. She develops and implements security strategies, policies, and controls to safeguard sensitive data and IT infrastructure. Additionally, Helen leads cybersecurity awareness training for employees and collaborates with stakeholders to integrate security into business processes while mentoring aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Helen’s journey into cybersecurity began by chance in 2016 when she started as a graduate security engineer at a telecom company in Nigeria. Despite studying Computer Engineering, she had not planned on pursuing a cybersecurity career. However, her first role in cybersecurity ignited her passion for protecting organizations from cyber threats. Over time, Helen embraced continuous learning, gained industry certifications, and transitioned into leadership roles, empowering other women to thrive in cybersecurity.
As a woman in the tech/cyber industry, Helen faced the challenge of breaking into and excelling in a male-dominated field. She focused on continuous learning, professional development, and building a strong network of mentors and peers who supported her growth. Helen’s expertise and contributions eventually earned her recognition, leading to her involvement in major cybersecurity initiatives. She has since dedicated herself to empowering other women in cybersecurity through mentorship, training, and advocacy for gender diversity.
Helen is deeply committed to supporting women and increasing diversity in the cybersecurity industry. She has mentored over 1000 women through various organizations and designed cybersecurity training programs tailored for women. By advocating for gender diversity and creating safe spaces for women to learn and excel in cybersecurity, Helen is working towards bridging the gender gap and fostering a more inclusive industry.
Throughout her career, Helen has drawn inspiration from her determination to create a different path for herself and set an example for future generations. She is also inspired by the mentors and managers who guided her growth and by the incredible women leaders in the business and cybersecurity world. Helen’s journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women in cybersecurity.
Helen’s story is a testament to the impact that women can make in the cybersecurity industry and serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Her dedication to mentorship, training, and advocacy for gender diversity is instrumental in creating a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce.