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Recognizing Outstanding Women in Cybersecurity
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025 celebrated the achievements of 20 remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the cybersecurity industry. The awards ceremony took place at the historic BT Tower in London on February 26, 2025, and was organized by Eskenzi PR, with sponsorship from major cybersecurity organizations including KnowBe4, BT, Bridewell, Mimecast, and others.
This year marked a record-breaking number of nominations since the awards’ inception in 2020, thanks to growing partnerships with advocacy groups such as WiCyS UK&I, WiTCH, InClusive InCyber, and CyBlack. The event was globally accessible via live stream, enabling a wider audience to celebrate these exceptional women.
In addition to the top 20 winners, six individuals were honored as ‘Ones to Watch’ for their emerging impact in the field, including two volunteers from The Cyber Helpline. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges from leading organizations like Barclays, BT, and KnowBe4, who faced the challenging task of selecting from over 250 accomplished nominees.
The evening featured an engaging panel discussion on career progression, mentorship, and allyship within cybersecurity. Esteemed professionals such as Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele, Aymun Lashari, and Dr. Runli Guo shared their insights on fostering inclusivity in the industry.
Furthermore, the event raised £345 for the NSPCC Childline, a charity supporting vulnerable children. The winners expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their commitment to mentorship, innovation, and shaping a more diverse cybersecurity landscape.
Full List of Winners
Top 20 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2025:
1. Dr. Eirini Anthi (Cardiff University)
2. Jennifer Odogwu (Mimecast)
3. Marine Ruhamanya (Accenture)
4. Michelle Corrigan (Digital Care Hub)
5. Vladlena Benson (Aston University)
6. Annabel Turner (CyberSafe Scotland)
7. Jess Matthews (Acacium Group Ltd.)
8. Lisa Landau (ThreatLight)
9. Rafah Knight (SecureAI)
10. Katie Beecroft (Fidelity International)
11. Helen Oluyemi (Pollinate International Limited)
12. Eva Benn (Microsoft)
13. Danu Sivapalan (Sainsbury’s)
- Anastasiia Ostravska (National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine)
15. Esther Edonkumoh (Bank of England)
16. Didar Gelici (SHe CISO Exec)
17. Tammi Robson (The Labour Party)
18. Dr. Mamoona Asghar (University of Galway)
19. Sophia McCall (NCC Group)
20. Stephanie Itimi (Seidea)
Ones to Watch:
- Katie McGuire & Kirsti Price (The Cyber Helpline)
– Kiranjit Kaur Shergill (Barclays)
– Sochima Okoye (CSA Cyber)
– Rhiannon Fairweather (Cyber Women CIC)
– Caroline Kamper (SecAlliance)
What Undercode Say:
The Growing Influence of Women in Cybersecurity
The 2025 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards serve as a testament to the growing presence and influence of women in cybersecurity. Over the past decade, there has been a concerted effort to bridge the gender gap in this historically male-dominated industry. Initiatives such as WiCyS, CyBlack, and WiTCH are actively working to provide women with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to thrive.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Despite significant progress, women still account for only about 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce. The women honored at this year’s event have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of female cybersecurity professionals. Their contributions are crucial in shifting industry norms and making cybersecurity a more inclusive profession.
The Role of Mentorship and Advocacy
A key takeaway from the awards is the impact of mentorship. Many of the winners, such as Danu Sivapalan and Michelle Corrigan, emphasized the importance of guiding young talent and fostering an environment where women feel empowered to take on leadership roles. Organizations like The Cyber Helpline further highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives in cybersecurity.
Corporate Responsibility and Industry Support
The fact that major companies such as BT, Mimecast, and KnowBe4 sponsor this event underscores the increasing corporate commitment to diversity in cybersecurity. However, while sponsorships and awards are important, sustained industry-wide change requires actionable policies such as equitable hiring practices, pay transparency, and leadership development programs for women.
Recognizing Non-Traditional Cybersecurity Roles
One of the most inspiring aspects of this year’s awards is the recognition of professionals who don’t fit the conventional cybersecurity mold. For example, Michelle Corrigan, who leads cybersecurity efforts in Adult Social Care, proves that cybersecurity extends beyond tech companies and government agencies. The inclusion of diverse career paths highlights the expanding opportunities for women across different industries.
The Future of Women in Cybersecurity
The awards not only celebrate achievements but also serve as a call to action. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, the industry needs a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and leadership styles. Encouraging more women to enter and excel in cybersecurity isn’t just about equity—it’s about strengthening global cybersecurity resilience.
Final Thoughts
While the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025 is a step in the right direction, the real challenge lies in sustaining this momentum. Continued investment in education, mentorship, and workplace inclusivity will be crucial in ensuring that the next generation of women in cyber is even more empowered.
Fact Checker Results:
- Growing Female Representation: Women now make up approximately 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, a notable increase from just 11% in 2013.
- Industry Gender Pay Gap: Studies indicate that women in cybersecurity still earn 10-20% less than their male counterparts in similar roles.
- Cybersecurity Skills Shortage: With an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, increasing diversity is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity.
References:
Reported By: https://www.itsecurityguru.org/2025/03/03/winners-of-most-inspiring-women-in-cyber-awards-2025-revealed/
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