The 20 winners of the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards were honored at a prestigious ceremony held at the renowned BT Tower in London on the 26th of February, 2025. Recognizing the achievements of women in the cybersecurity field on a global scale, the awards not only celebrated personal accomplishments but also acknowledged efforts to bridge the gender gap in the industry and mentor the next generation of female cyber professionals. The event was meticulously organized by Eskenzi PR and generously sponsored by KnowBe4, BT, Bridewell, Mimecast, Varonis, Certes, Pentest-Tools, and AI Dionic.
This year marked a significant milestone for the awards, as they received the highest number of submissions since their inception in 2020. The surge in nominations can be attributed to enhanced community partnerships with WiCyS UK&I, WiTCH, InClusive InCyber, and CyBlack, organizations dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the cybersecurity domain.
Given the international scope of the awards, the event was live-streamed to enable virtual participation for those unable to attend in person, ensuring that the impact of the ceremony resonated across borders. The evening also saw the recognition of six exceptional ‘Ones to Watch,’ including two volunteers from The Cyber Helpline, exemplifying the diversity and talent present in the cybersecurity landscape.
An esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry stalwarts, was tasked with the arduous responsibility of selecting the winners from a pool of over 250 accomplished female professionals. Their collective expertise and discernment ensured that the most deserving individuals were rightfully acknowledged.
One of the highlights of the evening was an insightful panel discussion moderated by Yvonne Eskenzi, delving into the experiences and perspectives of key figures in the cybersecurity realm. The panelists shed light on their career trajectories, the challenges they faced, and strategies for promoting allyship and empowerment within organizations. The discourse was invigorating and enlightening, offering valuable insights for aspiring professionals in the industry.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of women in cybersecurity, the event also demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the community. A total of £345 was raised for the NSPCC, underscoring the industry’s dedication to supporting charitable causes and making a positive impact beyond professional realms.
As participants reflected on the evening’s proceedings, sentiments of awe and inspiration reverberated through the venue. Notable awardees like Didar Gelici, Former Head of Risk Compliance and Data Security at Just Eat, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of such events in fostering a sense of camaraderie and achievement within the cybersecurity community.
Michelle Corrigan, Director at the Digital Care Hub, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the honor of being acknowledged and reaffirming her commitment to advancing cybersecurity and fostering diversity within the sector. The testimonials of award recipients underscored the transformative power of recognition and mentorship in nurturing talent and driving innovation in the field.
Danu Sivapalan, Senior Product Manager at Sainsbury’s and Head of Partnerships at WiCyS UK&I Affiliate, emphasized the transformative impact of the awards in recognizing the contributions of women in cybersecurity and fostering collaborative initiatives to empower future generations of professionals.
The list of winners for the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025 showcased the depth of talent and expertise within the industry, encompassing a diverse range of professionals making significant strides in cybersecurity. The top 20 winners, including individuals like Dr. Eirini Anthi, Jennifer Odogwu, and Michelle Corrigan, exemplified excellence and leadership in their respective domains, setting a benchmark for aspiring professionals to emulate.
The ‘Ones to Watch’ category highlighted emerging talent and showcased individuals like Kiranjit Kaur Shergill and Sochima Okoye, who are poised to make significant contributions to the cybersecurity landscape in the future.
In conclusion, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025 not only celebrated the achievements of women in cybersecurity but also served as a platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and mentorship within the industry. The event was a testament to the resilience, talent, and dedication of female professionals in cybersecurity, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the field.