Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity: A Spotlight on Kerlyn Manyi
In a commendable initiative organized by Eskenzi PR, in partnership with IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2026 has thrown the spotlight on exemplary women making significant contributions to the cybersecurity landscape. This prestigious event aims to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women in the industry, offering recognition from an esteemed panel of judges that has curated a list of the Top 20 women for the year. Among these trailblazers is Kerlyn Manyi, an ethical hacker with a passion for nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
Sponsorship for the 2026 awards came from notable organizations including BT, Bridewell, Plexal, and Fidelity International, indicating a robust commitment from the industry to uplift the representation of women in tech. Additionally, community partnerships with organizations like WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), and Seidea reflect a collaborative effort to foster diversity in the field.
A Day in the Life of an Ethical Hacker
At Nucleus Systems, Kerlyn operates as an ethical hacker — a role that requires a unique mindset, often adopted from a criminal perspective but with ethical considerations in play. Her responsibilities encompass performing vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, identifying weaknesses in applications, networks, and systems, and ensuring these vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Kerlyn actively engages in testing systems in controlled environments, where simulating attacks helps documentation of potential threats. This meticulous approach allows her to collaborate with development and engineering teams, ensuring that security enhancements are implemented early in the development process—a concept known as DevSecOps, which emphasizes the importance of integrating security considerations from the onset of software development.
In addition to her technical responsibilities, Kerlyn has also taken the initiative to lead the CyberFoundHer Initiative. This platform is dedicated to increasing women’s representation in cybersecurity across Africa by offering mentorship, training, and resources to empower women to thrive in the industry.
The Journey to Cybersecurity
Kerlyn’s entry into the cybersecurity field was not linear but marked by deliberate actions. During her Master’s program in Telecommunications and Networking, she took the initiative to explore cybersecurity through online courses, such as an introductory course on Coursera. It was here that her curiosity began to blossom into a focused interest.
A pivotal moment arrived at HackerHalted 2020, where a talk by Philip Wylie provided her with the clarity and direction she had been seeking. This experience propelled her further into the cybersecurity realm, leading her to acquire hands-on technical training at HackTales Academy and participating in a one-year internship that solidified her foundational skills. Kerlyn’s persistence and eagerness to learn eventually led to being selected for Google Summer of Code 2023, where she successfully conducted a penetration test on the Mifos X application.
Reflecting on her journey, Kerlyn acknowledges how every step has been interconnected and purposeful, contributing to her current role in cybersecurity.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Kerlyn has faced considerable challenges as a woman in the largely male-dominated tech and cybersecurity sectors. Growing up in Buea, Cameroon, within the supportive Silicon Mountain community, she was used to a collaborative and inclusive environment that fostered growth. However, upon stepping into the cybersecurity industry, she quickly observed a stark contrast; the communal spirit she cherished seemed limited.
Determined not to succumb to feelings of isolation, Kerlyn took proactive steps to cultivate her own network by attending virtual conferences, engaging with peers, and learning from seasoned professionals, effectively finding a way to create a sense of belonging out of isolation. This passion for building a community formed the bedrock of her CyberFoundHer Initiative, aimed at ensuring that no woman in cybersecurity struggles to find her place in the field.
Empowering Women in Cybersecurity
Through her initiative, Kerlyn works tirelessly to bridge the gender gap in cybersecurity across Africa by developing accessible pathways for women to enter and excel in the field, entirely cost-free. The CyberFoundHer Initiative encompasses mentorship programs, hands-on training, boot camps, and virtual events, all aimed at equipping women with the skills and confidence they need. Collaborations with NGOs and nonprofit organizations further enhance the initiative’s reach, allowing women at various stages of their cybersecurity journey to receive vital support.
Moreover, Kerlyn is committed to challenging the notion that women belong only rarely in the cybersecurity domain. She passionately shares her message through speaking engagements, outreach to universities, and social media, advocating for representation and visibility within the industry. Her goal is not only to increase female participation but to create an environment where women feel empowered to thrive.
Inspirational Figures
Kerlyn draws inspiration from a trio of influential figures: Philip Wylie, Rachel Tobac, and her mother. Philip’s insights at HackerHalted validated her aspirations, while Rachel’s technical expertise inspires her pursuit of excellence in social engineering. Beyond the professional sphere, Kerlyn’s mother stands as a beacon of resilience, demonstrating unwavering strength in the face of adversity, shaping Kerlyn’s approach to tackling challenges in her own life.
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2026 is more than just a recognition; it signifies a movement toward inclusivity and diversity in tech, highlighted by the extraordinary contributions of dedicated individuals like Kerlyn Manyi. As she continues her journey, she invites others to join in opening doors for women in cybersecurity, reinforcing the ethos that they can grow together, just as she has throughout her remarkable career.