In a field that changes by the minute, where threats grow more sophisticated and resilience is built through collaboration, cybersecurity is about more than technology. It is about people. It is about ideas, perspectives and the courage to challenge the norm.
Today, on International Women in Cyber Security Day, I would like to reflect on what it means to be a woman in tech – and why showing up authentically is one of the greatest strengths we have.
A career built on solutions, strategy, and human connection
With over 25 years of experience in identity and access management (IAM), my journey has been anything but linear. I have worn many hats – from implementation consultant to project leader, and now Principal Solution Architect. I have led global projects, shaped IAM strategies from concept to execution, and transitioned into pre-sales, where every customer presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to listen, learn and solve.
Pre-sales taught me the power of empathy and adaptability. No two organizations are the same, and understanding their unique needs is key. I love the holistic, cross-departmental nature of IAM projects and the constant need to stay ahead of market trends.
Today, I lead pre-sales Enablement across EMEA, author expert articles, speak at conferences and train our One Identity partners. I am also proud to be part of the global team behind our flagship customer and partner event, UNITE.
And still, I learn every single day.
Your power lies in learning and leading authentically
If I could share one message with women entering – or thriving – in cybersecurity, it would be this: Be who you are. Stand tall. Keep learning. Own your strengths.
Do not feel pressured to mirror the behaviors of your male colleagues. You bring something different and incredibly valuable to the table. Diversity isn’t a checkbox; it’s a business imperative. The perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking that women bring to tech drive innovation and make teams stronger.
Cybersecurity is a team sport. The better the team, the better the solutions. And the best teams listen, understand and collaborate.
On prejudice and progress
Challenges do exist, of course. I remember when first meeting with some customers and propects in my early pre-sales roles, some would direct technical questions to my male sales colleagues, assuming I wasn’t the technical expert. Convincing them otherwise was always satisfying. Those moments reminded me that perception can be changed – but it takes presence and persistence.
While I have been fortunate to work in environments where gender didn’t define opportunity, I know that’s not universal. Nevertheless, the cybersecurity industry is full of companies that recognize the value women bring – not for performing administrative tasks, but for driving insight, empathy and excellence.
Collaboration is key
Success in cybersecurity depends on collaboration. Seek out workplaces where ideas are respected, voices are heard and people lift each other up. Contribute to building those environments. And never underestimate the ripple effect of your presence.
International Women in Cyber Security Day isn’t just a celebration – it’s a call to action. To keep learning. To keep leading. To keep lifting others up.
Let’s continue to shape a future where every voice counts, and where every woman in cybersecurity knows she belongs.
