In a landmark initiative orchestrated by Eskenzi PR in collaboration with IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards serve as a beacon to highlight the exceptional contributions of women within the cybersecurity industry. The awards are set to spotlight the achievements of remarkable women, with the feature focusing on one of the Top 20 honorees of 2026, as evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges. What follows is an exploration of this standout individual presented in a Q&A format, where the responses remain authentic to her perspective.
The 2026 iteration of these prestigious awards enjoyed sponsorship from notable entities including BT, Bridewell, Plexal, and Fidelity International. Furthermore, community support was lent by pivotal organizations such as the WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, the Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), and Seidea.
### Understanding the Role
At the forefront of her organization, the nominee serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), tasked with an essential duty: safeguarding digital assets while encouraging innovation. Her responsibilities span the comprehensive development and integration of cybersecurity and information security frameworks across various markets. This multifaceted role ensures that risks are consistently identified, assessed, and effectively managed.
She describes her position as one of vigilance and proactivity, overseeing incident responses, regulatory compliance, technology risk, and third-party risk. Maintaining a holistic view of her organization’s cyber risk profile is paramount, involving the adoption of structured risk frameworks in collaboration with technology and business teams. Her job is not merely about risk mitigation; it is also about driving strategic initiatives that enhance security without stifling the organization’s growth.
Engagement is a cornerstone of her responsibilities. She provides invaluable counsel to executive leadership and board members, adeptly translating intricate technology and cyber risks into comprehensible insights that inform critical decisions and align with regulatory standards. She actively monitors key risk indicators and champions proactive measures to tackle emerging threats.
Her commitment extends beyond risk management. She leads efforts in cyber crisis management and cultivates resilience through regular cyber drills and the establishment of robust recovery strategies. A pivotal aspect of her role also involves fostering a security-minded culture within the organization, ensuring that cybersecurity is an integral part of everyday decision-making.
### Path into Cybersecurity
Her journey into cybersecurity is a testament to the evolving nature of career paths within the tech industry. Initially, she had no intentions of specifically pursuing a career in cybersecurity. However, her foundational knowledge stems from her educational background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with a concentration on communication systems. Her first professional experience emerged at MTN, a leading telecommunications company in Africa, where she was instrumental as an Information Systems Service Desk Engineer.
This pivotal role allowed her to engage with diverse organizational sectors, illuminating how technology underpins business operations. Her fascination with the information security realm deepened as she explored system protections, evolving risks, and the dynamics of cyber threats.
A defining moment in her career trajectory occurred during an enlightening conversation with the General Manager of her department. Seeking guidance, she expressed her aspirations to engage with substantial information security initiatives—those that promised complexity and strategic influence. The manager’s advice led her to consider joining a specialized cybersecurity and IT Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) firm. Embracing this suggestion was a turning point, catalyzing her ascent in the cybersecurity sector over nearly two decades.
### Challenges as a Woman in Cybersecurity
Throughout her career, she has encountered significant challenges, particularly as a woman in the field. Early on, she faced issues of visibility and representation, often finding herself as the sole woman in critical discussions. Such scenarios could provoke doubt about her capabilities, which she addressed through unwavering excellence and results-driven performance. Instances of bias, whether direct or subtle, were met with her resolve to demonstrate her expertise, gradually earning the respect of her peers.
Moreover, the internal struggle of balancing professional and personal responsibilities loomed at times. With the guidance of mentors and peers, she was able to redefine her work-life balance, amplifying her resilience. This journey of learning from others has become a cornerstone of her philosophy in navigating challenges.
### Commitment to Supporting Women in Cybersecurity
Her dedication to uplifting fellow women in cybersecurity is evident. She acknowledges that every woman’s journey often has humble beginnings before they can cultivate visibility and influence. Engaging in mentorship has been a priority; she fosters a supportive ecosystem where women can flourish in cybersecurity.
Through initiatives like InfoSec Amazons, she aims to build confidence among aspiring female cybersecurity professionals, aligning them with necessary skills and opportunities to navigate their careers efficiently. Additionally, her involvement extends across various organizations and initiatives advocating for diversity and inclusion, validating her commitment to empowering women throughout the industry.
She firmly believes that diversity enriches cybersecurity, enhancing problem-solving and innovation. Strengthening the cybersecurity workforce through inclusivity is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for creating resilient digital ecosystems.
As her journey continues, she finds inspiration in numerous role models who have carved paths in technology and business. These mentors have shaped her approach to leadership, reminding her that growth often comes from learning the experiences of those who have forged similar paths.
Ultimately, her essence as a leader encapsulates a vision that transcends personal achievement. She remains steadfast in her commitment to creating pathways for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, particularly women, ensuring that their contributions can transform the cybersecurity landscape for years to come.