Anastasiia Ostrovska, the Co-founder & CEO of the Women’s Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Foundation (WLSIF), was selected as one of the Top 20 most inspiring women in cybersecurity in 2024. In a recent interview, Ostrovska shared insights into her journey in the cybersecurity industry and her efforts to empower women and promote diversity.
Ostrovksa’s job role as the Co-founder & CEO of WLSIF involves leading initiatives that empower women in leadership, innovation, cybersecurity, and strategic decision-making. She develops and implements programs, fosters international partnerships, advocates for gender inclusivity in cybersecurity, and drives strategic initiatives to enhance women’s representation in key industries. Her dedication to empowering women and promoting diversity in cybersecurity shines through her work at WLSIF.
When asked about how she got into the cybersecurity industry, Ostrovska shared a compelling story. Before the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated, she served as an advisor to the Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. However, when the war reached her home, she felt compelled to make a greater impact in the security and defense sector. Subsequently, she joined the team at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, where she focused on strengthening Ukraine’s cyber resilience. Her transition into the cybersecurity field reflects her commitment to making a positive difference in challenging circumstances.
One of the biggest challenges Ostrovska faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry was breaking stereotypes and overcoming sexism in a traditionally male-dominated field. In cybersecurity, women often have to prove their expertise and leadership abilities more than men. To overcome this challenge, Ostrovska focused on delivering results, demonstrating strategic thinking, resilience, and the ability to lead complex projects in high-pressure environments. Her dedication to strengthening Ukraine’s cyber resilience has not only shifted perceptions but also inspired more women to pursue leadership roles in cybersecurity.
To support women and increase diversity in cybersecurity, Ostrovska founded the Women’s Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Foundation (WLSIF). Through WLSIF, she creates projects and initiatives such as leadership training, mentorship programs, strategic workshops, and advocacy campaigns. One of the recent initiatives launched by WLSIF is the SheCyber Hub project, a monthly meetup series aimed at inspiring and supporting students pursuing cybersecurity careers. Additionally, as the owner of the Ostrovska Consulting Agency, Ostrovska organizes some of Ukraine’s largest cybersecurity events, focusing on involving more women as speakers and participants.
Throughout her life and career, Ostrovska has been inspired by strong, resilient women who challenge stereotypes and lead by example, especially during difficult times. The courage, professionalism, and extraordinary resilience displayed by Ukrainian women during the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been particularly inspiring to Ostrovska. Their bravery motivates her to innovate, make impactful changes in cybersecurity, and continue empowering women in leadership roles.
In conclusion, Anastasiia Ostrovska’s journey in the cybersecurity industry and her efforts to empower women and promote diversity exemplify her passion for making a positive impact. Her leadership at WLSIF and dedication to creating opportunities for women in cybersecurity are truly inspiring. Through her work, Ostrovska continues to drive change and shape a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity industry.