Female Cyber Leaders Advocate for Enhanced Visibility and Inclusion Across All Levels
As International Women in Cyber Day approaches, prominent female leaders in cybersecurity highlight both the progress made and the challenges that remain for women pursuing careers in the sector. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on increased visibility and the tangible ways to create more equitable and supportive environments for women at all levels of the security field. Stephanie Aceves, Senior Director of Product Management at Tanium and a proud Latina and former ethical hacker, has dedicated her career to empowering minorities in technology. For nearly a decade, she has awarded an annual scholarship to support Latinas pursuing education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), underscoring her commitment to breaking down barriers within the industry.
Aceves states that International Women in Cyber Day is a chance to celebrate progress while recognising the gaps that still exist. She points to recent research indicating that globally, women comprise almost 30% of entry-level STEM roles but only 12% of C-suite positions, according to AllianzCare. This gap is significant, yet it also presents an opportunity. Aceves believes the cybersecurity sector is particularly well-suited for addressing these imbalances due to the unique strengths that diversity brings. She asserts that in cybersecurity, where diverse perspectives enhance innovation and the ability to defend against threats, increasing representation is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for progress.
Offering advice to women at the start or mid-point of their cybersecurity careers, Aceves emphasises the critical role of visibility. She advises women in cyber to be visible, stating that visibility is not self-promotion but rather a form of leadership. By participating in panels, mentoring early-career talent, or sharing their stories, women can create a ripple effect that inspires others and clarifies the path for those who follow. Aceves also highlights the importance of support from leaders, advocating for active sponsorship for high-impact assignments and leadership opportunities. She believes that while mentorship is valuable, true change occurs when women are actively sponsored for stretch assignments and high-impact projects.
Aceves adds that cybersecurity thrives on curiosity, grit, and resilience, qualities that women possess in abundance. She asserts that the task now is to ensure women have every opportunity to lead the future of this industry. Caroline Soo, Vice President of Customer Success for APJ at KnowBe4, echoes this commitment to fostering inclusive leadership. Soo’s entry into the cyber field was motivated by a childhood desire to tackle problems and protect others, interests first sparked by reading detective stories.
Categories: Empowerment of Women in Cybersecurity, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities
Tags: International Women in Cyber Day, Cybersecurity, Women, Diversity, STEM, Leadership, Mentorship, Visibility, Inclusion, Opportunities