Celebrating Women in Cyber: A Spotlight on Laura Price
Organized by Eskenzi PR in collaboration with IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to highlight the outstanding contributions of women in the cybersecurity industry. The 2026 awards, which featured sponsorships from prominent organizations such as BT, Bridewell, Plexal, and Fidelity International, serve as a platform for recognizing the accomplishments of women who are shaping the future of cybersecurity. The event also enjoyed strong support from community partners including the WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), and Seidea.
Among those honored as one of the Top 20 women by a distinguished panel of judges is Laura Price, who serves as BT’s Cyber Skills & Partnership Lead. Her feature presents insights about her remarkable journey within the cybersecurity realm, articulated in a Q&A format that showcases her voice and experiences.
Professional Role and Passion for Diversity
Laura Price’s role is intricately connected with enhancing the breadth and diversity of the talent pipeline entering the cybersecurity sector, particularly at the entry level. Her commitment to fostering opportunities for individuals who may not have previously considered cybersecurity as a career is evident in her actions. Laura emphasizes that a variety of perspectives solidifies the industry’s foundation, making it more resilient and better equipped to address the multifaceted security challenges that arise.
Her efforts also extend to promoting BT’s standing as a reputable security employer, as she indicates that many people remain largely unaware of the expansive cybersecurity capabilities that BT possesses. Through strategic relationship-building and outreach, Laura works tirelessly to introduce potential talent to an inclusive environment where they can develop their cybersecurity careers.
The Journey into Cybersecurity
Laura’s entry into the cybersecurity field is described as organic, occurring before the mainstream recognition of "cyber." She recalls a time when the world was navigating the implications of the internet for businesses. Her initial foray began while assisting clients in recruiting for roles centered around information and digital security. Rapidly, her fascination deepened as she observed an industry in constant flux, replete with new roles and evolving threats. This dynamic landscape fueled her desire to engage in work that undoubtedly mattered.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field
Reflecting on her experiences as a woman in the cybersecurity sector, Laura acknowledges that while the challenges have shifted over her two-decade career, they have not vanished entirely. She draws attention to the existence of lingering biases such as “mansplaining,” where women often find themselves talking over or underestimated in discussions. Laura’s solution to these hurdles involves mastering the art of resilience, asserting her perspective, and letting her achievements speak volumes.
She further highlights the importance of representation and the creation of inclusive environments. The visibility of women leading initiatives, shaping strategies, and driving innovation is crucial in altering the industry’s culture for future generations. Laura is particularly proud of BT’s initiatives, noting that soon, half of its executive leadership roles will be held by women—a significant milestone worth celebrating.
Support for Women and Diversity in Cyber
Laura actively pursues efforts that help make cybersecurity accessible to all, as she believes that the industry thrives on diverse experiences and backgrounds. Her collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre’s CyberFirst programme exemplifies her dedication to opening up genuine career pathways for young individuals who may not have envisioned a future in cybersecurity.
In addition, her involvement with community organizations such as CyberWomen Groups CIC and the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge showcases her commitment to uplifting women and underrepresented talent. These societal spaces create environments where individuals feel confident and connected, often determining their willingness to enter the field.
Within BT, Laura emphasizes her efforts to elevate the company’s profile as a security employer. She works diligently to make BT more visible and approachable, reinforcing the message that cybersecurity is a field rich with opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds.
Inspiration and Legacy
When asked about the sources of her inspiration, Laura passionately discusses the gratification she derives from witnessing the growth of talent she has helped mentor. Celebrating contributions from her colleagues, particularly those who benefitted from BT’s internal reskilling program, she highlights that inspiration is not solely about title or status. Rather, it is about the collective effort and perseverance shown by everyday individuals who, despite facing challenges, continue to make extraordinary contributions.
As the conversation surrounding diversity in tech continues to evolve, leaders like Laura Price remain at the forefront, advocating for an inclusive future in cybersecurity that offers equal opportunities for all.