The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards ceremony took place at the iconic BT Tower in London on 27th February 2024, where 20 outstanding women in cybersecurity were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the field. The awards, organized by Eskenzi PR and sponsored by BT, ThinkCyber, and Plexal, aimed to celebrate the accomplishments of women in cybersecurity globally, whether through personal achievements, efforts to bridge the gender gap in the industry, or mentoring the next generation of women in cyber.
The event, which was live streamed for those unable to attend in person, also highlighted five exceptional ‘Ones to Watch’ in addition to naming Laura Reilly, Head of Digital Marketing at LT Harper, as the Cyber Marketeer of the Year. The winners were chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, including industry experts such as Eleanor Dallaway, Co-Founder of Assured Intelligence, and Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of Eskenzi PR.
During the awards ceremony, an informal panel discussion was held, covering various topics related to women in cybersecurity, from entering the industry to promoting allyship within organizations. The panel, chaired by Yvonne Eskenzi, featured prominent figures such as Stephanie Itimi, Founder and CEO of Seidea, and Zoe Mackenzie, Volunteer Affiliate President of WiCyS UK & Ireland.
Yvonne Eskenzi, Director and Co-Founder of Eskenzi PR & Marketing, expressed her delight at the event, stating, “I am continuously impressed by the achievements of women in this industry and our ability to come together as a community to celebrate and empower one another.” Dr. Andrea Cullen, CEO and Co-Founder of CAPSLOCK, one of the top 20 winners, shared her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of showcasing women’s successes in the sector.
Aurorah Cheney, Security Strategy & Growth Director at BT, highlighted the significance of diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity, stating, “Having a wide range of talent across different backgrounds enriches problem-solving and drives solutions that keep us at the forefront of cyber security evolution.” The event was also praised by Tim Ward, CEO of ThinkCyber, who commended the inspiring individuals in attendance and emphasized the importance of promoting the message of diversity and allyship within the industry.
Jessica Moffatt-Owen, Innovation Lead at Plexal, lauded the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards as a platform to champion women in the sector, recognizing the event as a crucial moment to showcase the achievements of women in cybersecurity. Valeen Oseh-Ovarah, CEO of TisOva and recipient of a ‘One to Watch’ award, expressed her excitement and commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion within the industry.
The list of winners included accomplished women such as Lisa Ventura MBE, Founder of Cyber Security Unity Limited, and Hazel McPherson, CISO of ALD Automotive and Director of 4FOX Security, among others. The awards also recognized exceptional individuals like Laura Reilly, who was named the Cyber Marketeer of the Year, and ‘Ones to Watch’ like Ellie Calver, a Cybersecurity Apprentice at BT.
Overall, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2024 celebrated the achievements and contributions of women in cybersecurity, providing a platform to acknowledge their impact on the industry and inspire the next generation of women in cyber.