Celebrating the Trailblazers: The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards

2025-01-21

The cybersecurity industry has long been a male-dominated field, but over the past five years, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards have shone a spotlight on the incredible women breaking barriers and driving innovation in this critical sector. From students and new entrants to CEOs and CISOs, these awards celebrate women at every stage of their careers, recognizing their contributions and inspiring the next generation of talent.

As nominations open for the 2025 awards, we take a closer look at the achievements of some of the 2024 winners. These women are not just leaders in their field—they are role models, advocates, and changemakers who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity.

Highlights from the 2024 Winners

Lisa Ventura, Founder of Cyber Security Unity, has been a whirlwind of activity since her win. She’s expanding her initiatives to include Neuro Unity and AI Unity, aiming to bring neurodiversity and artificial intelligence under one umbrella. Lisa is also penning a book on AI and cybersecurity, set for release in 2026, and continues to champion her Generation Cyber Campaign to attract more talent to the industry.

Dr. Andrea Cullen, Co-Founder of CAPSLOCK, has focused on growing her business and serving as a role model for aspiring professionals. She emphasizes the importance of visibility and mentorship, attending events to inspire others to pursue careers in cybersecurity.

Zinet Kemal, a Cloud Security Engineer at Best Buy, has been a powerhouse of creativity and advocacy. She’s launched initiatives to promote online safety for children, published cybersecurity-themed books in multiple formats, and created LinkedIn Learning courses to educate professionals. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Visionary Community Leader Award.

Rosie Anderson, Head of Strategic Solutions at Th4ts3cur1ty.Company, has embraced public speaking, sharing her expertise at major events like Defcon and PA Conference. Her journey from a career changer to a cybersecurity thought leader is a testament to her determination and passion.

Hazel McPherson, an esteemed CISO, has been equally prolific. She’s expanded BSides Bristol into a two-day event, launched networking initiatives for women, and contributed to industry policy discussions with the UK government. Her work has earned her multiple CSO30 UK awards, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field.

What Winning the Award Meant to Them

For these women, the award was more than just recognition—it was a validation of their hard work and a catalyst for further impact.

– Lisa Ventura described the win as “deeply humbling,” reinforcing her commitment to advocating for equitable opportunities in cybersecurity.
– Andrea Cullen felt “genuinely thrilled” to be recognized, spurring her to inspire more women to join the sector.
– Zinet Kemal saw the award as a validation of her efforts to break barriers as a woman, immigrant, and mother in cybersecurity.
– Rosie Anderson was “super surprised” by the nomination, which motivated her to continue representing career changers and working mothers in the industry.
– Hazel McPherson called the award a “boost” after 25 years in the industry, reaffirming her belief in the importance of perseverance and hard work.

What Undercode Say:

The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards are more than just a celebration of individual achievements—they are a reflection of the growing influence of women in cybersecurity. These awards highlight the importance of diversity in an industry that is critical to global security.

The stories of the 2024 winners underscore several key themes:

1. The Power of Visibility: Many of the winners emphasized the importance of being visible in the industry. By sharing their journeys, they inspire others to pursue careers in cybersecurity, particularly women and underrepresented groups.

2. Mentorship and Advocacy: From Lisa Ventura’s Generation Cyber Campaign to Hazel McPherson’s networking initiatives, these women are actively working to create opportunities for others. Their efforts demonstrate the ripple effect of mentorship and advocacy in building a more inclusive industry.

3. Breaking Barriers: Zinet Kemal’s story, in particular, highlights the challenges faced by women, immigrants, and career changers in cybersecurity. Her success is a testament to the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles.

4. Continuous Learning and Innovation: The winners’ achievements also reflect the dynamic nature of cybersecurity. Whether it’s Rosie Anderson’s public speaking or Zinet Kemal’s educational resources, these women are constantly evolving and adapting to the changing landscape of the industry.

5. Collaboration and Community: The awards themselves are a celebration of collaboration, with sponsors and community partners playing a key role in supporting the initiative. This spirit of collaboration is echoed in the work of the winners, who are united in their mission to drive positive change.

As the cybersecurity industry continues to grow, the need for diverse perspectives and talent has never been greater. The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards serve as a reminder of the incredible contributions women are making to the field—and the importance of continuing to support and celebrate their achievements.

Nominations for 2025 Are Open!

If you know an inspiring woman in cybersecurity, don’t wait—nominate her for the 2025 awards! Sponsored by industry leaders like KnowBe4, BT, and Mimecast, these awards are a unique opportunity to recognize the talent and dedication of women in the field.

Nominations close at 5pm on 22nd January 2025. Submit your nomination here: [Nomination Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYSY6YZhZmIYbx-0aT__3XYzWvRXrWozlh-FbfNfvB-0FShg/viewform).

Let’s continue to celebrate the women who are shaping the future of cybersecurity!