Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Safety Guru, the Most Inspiring Ladies in Cyber Awards purpose to make clear the outstanding ladies in our trade. The next is a characteristic on one in every of 2026’s Prime 20 ladies chosen by an esteemed panel of judges. Offered in a Q&A format, the nominee’s solutions are written in their very own phrases.
In 2026, the awards have been sponsored by BT, Bridewell, Plexal and Constancy Worldwide. Group companions included WiCyS UK & Eire Affiliate, Ladies in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH) and Seidea.
What does your job function entail?
My function sits on the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and world telecommunications. I deal with designing and advancing modern approaches to safe next-generation networks akin to 6G. This entails conducting analysis, and contributing these options to worldwide requirements our bodies akin to Open Radio Entry Community (O-RAN) ALLIANCE. I contribute to safety working teams in addition to to 6G analysis.
One thrilling matter we’re researching presently is Agentic AI safety and the way it might impression 6G networks, and I used to be honored to have the chance to current this analysis at a worldwide O-RAN ALLIANCE assembly which is attended by numerous members within the trade, academia, and authorities.
Along with technical innovation, I work intently with trade, academia, and authorities stakeholders to contribute to safety requirements, white papers, and reviews. My work consists of figuring out rising threats, proposing mitigation methods, and shaping requirements contributions that affect how telecom networks are standardized and guarded globally.
I additionally play a task in thought management and group impression and publish analysis, educate, converse at trade boards, and mentor the subsequent era of execs in cybersecurity and AI.
How did you get into the cybersecurity trade?
I received into cybersecurity throughout my time as a pc science pupil, after I was required to decide on a focus via elective programs. I discovered myself naturally drawn to cybersecurity after taking early lessons in digital forensics and knowledge and utility safety. I used to be fascinated by the hands-on features—studying the way to get better knowledge from units, use forensic instruments, and perceive how methods could possibly be compromised and guarded.
One of many defining moments for me was a undertaking the place I performed penetration testing on actual Web of Issues (IoT) units. I demonstrated how an IP digicam could possibly be exploited, which made the dangers very tangible and confirmed me how impactful this work could possibly be in the true world.
On the identical time, I used to be additionally growing a powerful curiosity in AI. That led me to discover the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, which finally formed the route of my profession.
What is among the greatest challenges you might have confronted as a lady within the tech/cyber trade and the way did you overcome it?
One of many greatest challenges I’ve confronted has been maintaining with the tempo of change in cybersecurity, particularly as the sector evolves quickly with developments in AI. For me, the problem has been much less about being a lady and extra about making certain that I repeatedly study and keep updated with the most recent developments. New threats, applied sciences, and methods are always rising, and staying present requires constant effort.
Whereas this may be demanding, I’ve overcome it by actively partaking with the broader cybersecurity group by attending meetups and conferences. Being a part of teams like Ladies in Cybersecurity, Ladies of Safety, and native tech meetups has been extremely helpful. These communities have given me the chance to study from friends, change concepts, and keep updated on the most recent developments within the area.
What are you doing to help different ladies, and/or to extend variety, within the tech/cyber trade?
I help different ladies in tech and cybersecurity primarily via mentorship, group engagement, and visibility. I actively mentor ladies, college students, and profession changers, serving to them navigate profession paths in cybersecurity and AI, establish alternatives, and construct confidence in tech. I additionally take part in and interact with communities akin to Ladies in Cybersecurity, The Cyber Guild, and different native tech teams, the place I share information and help different ladies as a mentor.
As well as, I hope to encourage different ladies by publishing analysis, talking at conferences, and sharing insights on rising areas like AI safety and 6G. Illustration issues, and I attempt to be seen in areas the place ladies are sometimes underrepresented, notably in extremely technical and standards-driven discussions.
Who has impressed you in your life/profession?
I’ve been impressed by a number of individuals all through my journey, beginning with my mom, who has at all times been extremely supportive and inspiring of my profession. Her perception in me gave me the boldness to pursue alternatives and push myself in a difficult area.
I’ve additionally been deeply influenced by my professors and mentors. My professors first sparked my curiosity in cybersecurity via hands-on studying—whether or not it was utilizing digital forensics instruments or conducting penetration testing on IoT units. That early publicity made the sector really feel each thrilling and impactful. Since then, my mentors have performed an necessary function in guiding me via totally different phases of my profession and serving to me navigate key selections.
There are additionally so many wonderful ladies within the cybersecurity area to be impressed by! All of my fellow Inspiring Ladies in Cyber, the good ladies who share their information at cybersecurity occasions, and the ladies who educate and advise the subsequent era.
