- What does your job role entail?
- How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
- What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
- What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
- Who has inspired you in your life/career?
Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2026’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words.
In 2026, the awards were sponsored by BT, Bridewell, Plexal and Fidelity International. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH) and Seidea.
What does your job role entail?
My role sits at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and global telecommunications. I focus on designing and advancing innovative approaches to secure next-generation networks such as 6G. This involves conducting research, and contributing these solutions to international standards bodies such as Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) ALLIANCE. I contribute to security working groups as well as to 6G research.
One exciting topic we are researching currently is Agentic AI security and how it would impact 6G networks, and I was honored to have the opportunity to present this research at a global O-RAN ALLIANCE meeting which is attended by various members in the industry, academia, and government.
In addition to technical innovation, I work closely with industry, academia, and government stakeholders to contribute to security standards, white papers, and reports. My work includes identifying emerging threats, proposing mitigation strategies, and shaping standards contributions that influence how telecom networks are standardized and protected globally.
I also play a role in thought leadership and community impact and publish research, teach, speak at industry forums, and mentor the next generation of professionals in cybersecurity and AI.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
I got into cybersecurity during my time as a computer science student, when I was required to choose a concentration through elective courses. I found myself naturally drawn to cybersecurity after taking early classes in digital forensics and data and application security. I was fascinated by the hands-on aspects—learning how to recover data from devices, use forensic tools, and understand how systems could be compromised and protected.
One of the defining moments for me was a project where I conducted penetration testing on real Internet of Things (IoT) devices. I demonstrated how an IP camera could be exploited, which made the risks very tangible and showed me how impactful this work could be in the real world.
At the same time, I was also developing a strong interest in AI. That led me to explore the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, which ultimately shaped the direction of my career.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been keeping up with the pace of change in cybersecurity, especially as the field evolves rapidly with advancements in AI. For me, the challenge has been less about being a woman and more about ensuring that I continuously learn and stay up to date with the latest developments. New threats, technologies, and techniques are constantly emerging, and staying current requires consistent effort.
While this can be demanding, I’ve overcome it by actively engaging with the broader cybersecurity community by attending meetups and conferences. Being part of groups like Women in Cybersecurity, Women of Security, and local tech meetups has been incredibly valuable. These communities have given me the opportunity to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and stay up to date on the latest developments in the field.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
I support other women in tech and cybersecurity primarily through mentorship, community engagement, and visibility. I actively mentor women, students, and career changers, helping them navigate career paths in cybersecurity and AI, identify opportunities, and build confidence in tech. I also participate in and engage with communities such as Women in Cybersecurity, The Cyber Guild, and other local tech groups, where I share knowledge and support other women as a mentor.
In addition, I hope to inspire other women by publishing research, speaking at conferences, and sharing insights on emerging areas like AI security and 6G. Representation matters, and I try to be visible in spaces where women are often underrepresented, particularly in highly technical and standards-driven discussions.
Who has inspired you in your life/career?
I’ve been inspired by several people throughout my journey, starting with my mother, who has always been incredibly supportive and encouraging of my career. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities and push myself in a challenging field.
I’ve also been deeply influenced by my professors and mentors. My professors first sparked my interest in cybersecurity through hands-on learning—whether it was using digital forensics tools or conducting penetration testing on IoT devices. That early exposure made the field feel both exciting and impactful. Since then, my mentors have played an important role in guiding me through different stages of my career and helping me navigate key decisions.
There are also so many amazing women in the cybersecurity field to be inspired by! All of my fellow Inspiring Women in Cyber, the brilliant women who share their knowledge at cybersecurity events, and the women who educate and advise the next generation.
