The recognition of women in technology has been a pivotal factor in encouraging diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field. In 2024, several remarkable women were honored with the title of Most Inspiring Women in Cyber. Their journeys and accomplishments not only highlight their contributions to the industry but also serve as an inspiration for future generations. The distinguished winners include Lisa Ventura, Dr. Andrea Cullen, Zinet Kemal, Rosie Anderson, and Hazel McPherson. Each of these women has significantly impacted the cybersecurity landscape through their leadership, dedication, and innovation.
Lisa Ventura: Unifying the Cybersecurity Industry
Lisa Ventura, the Founder of Cyber Security Unity, has been a force in unifying the cybersecurity industry through her relentless efforts and innovative initiatives. Post-award, her mission has been focused on creating enhanced collaboration within the industry. She has launched several key initiatives, such as Neuro Unity, which addresses the importance of neurodiversity, and AI Unity, concentrating on advancements in artificial intelligence. Ventura’s dedication is not only evident in her project launches but also in her presence as a thought leader at various cybersecurity events and her contributions to numerous publications.
Her commitment to fostering new talent in the industry is exemplified by her spearheading of the Generation Cyber Campaign, an initiative aimed at attracting diverse individuals to the field. Ventura also continues her literary contributions with her work, “The Rise of the Cyber Women: Volume 3,” published last year. Additionally, she is working on separate campaigns for Generation AI and Generation Neurodiversity. Her upcoming book on AI and cybersecurity, expected in February 2026, will add to her extensive portfolio, reflecting her ongoing passion for creating inclusive and collaborative environments in the tech world.
Dr. Andrea Cullen: Expanding CAPSLOCK and Inspiring Women
Dr. Andrea Cullen, co-founder of CAPSLOCK, has demonstrated significant progress in expanding her business presence, particularly in the B2B sector. Since receiving her award, Cullen has dedicated herself to participating in numerous industry events, thereby boosting CAPSLOCK’s visibility and influence. She has been an ardent advocate for inspiring more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, positioning herself as a mentor and role model. Her involvement in panels and discussions across various forums has allowed her to share invaluable insights and motivate aspiring professionals.
Cullen’s work at CAPSLOCK has seen remarkable growth, with the company advancing in providing comprehensive cybersecurity education and training. Her strategy has revolved around equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this fast-evolving field. By focusing on creating educational resources, she has significantly contributed to demystifying cybersecurity and making it accessible to a broader audience. Cullen’s efforts in the sector underscore her dedication to fostering a community that values diversity and continuous learning in cybersecurity.
Zinet Kemal: Empowering the Next Generation
Zinet Kemal, Cloud Security Engineer at Best Buy, has used her recognition to push forward her mission of empowering the next generation in cybersecurity. She has been particularly focused on launching initiatives that emphasize children’s online safety, creating a safe digital environment for youth. Kemal has also made notable strides in publishing cybersecurity-themed children’s books available in various formats and languages, aiming to educate young minds about the importance of cyber safety from an early age.
Her commitment to education goes beyond books; she has also developed educational courses for LinkedIn Learning on cloud security, making expert knowledge more accessible. Kemal’s work has earned her multiple awards, including the 2024 Visionary Community Leader Award and the 40 Under 40 Georgia Tech alumni award. Her advocacy efforts continue to shine a light on the importance of diversity and representation in cybersecurity, inspiring women and underrepresented groups to consider careers in this critical field. Kemal’s dedication has had a lasting impact, encouraging the young and the underrepresented to take bold steps in cybersecurity.
Rosie Anderson: Raising Cybersecurity Awareness
Rosie Anderson, Head of Strategic Solutions at Th4ts3cur1ty.Company, has become a prominent voice in raising cybersecurity awareness through her public speaking engagements. Since her award recognition, she has actively participated in numerous events, including the globally renowned Defcon conference. By stepping into the spotlight and sharing her insights on various panels, Anderson has aimed to inspire and educate the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
Her journey reflects a significant shift from her comfort zone, emphasizing her commitment to spreading knowledge and raising awareness about cybersecurity issues. Anderson’s work has not only increased her visibility but also underscored her role as a thought leader in the industry. Her contributions in this area have been instrumental in inspiring others to follow her lead, highlighting the importance of representation and visibility for women in cybersecurity. Anderson’s dedication to her cause has established her as a key figure in fostering a more inclusive and enlightened cybersecurity community.
Hazel McPherson: Leading with Excellence
Hazel McPherson, a distinguished Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), has experienced several professional milestones since her award win. She has expanded the BSides Bristol event into a two-day gathering, notably increasing the participation of female speakers and enhancing the event’s overall impact. McPherson also initiated a networking brunch for women in the South West, creating a platform for female professionals to connect and share their experiences. Her achievements have been acknowledged with two CSO30 UK awards, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the industry.
Beyond events, McPherson has been actively involved in shaping industry policies through her discussions with the UK government. She also served as a judge for the SW Awards and provided advisory roles for significant events such as The Hacking Games and the InfoSecurity Europe Conference 2025. Her leadership continues to inspire many, as she remains a vocal advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity in cybersecurity. McPherson’s unwavering dedication and influence have made her a role model, reflecting her commitment to excellence and her passion for mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Conclusion
The recognition of women in technology has been instrumental in advancing diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity arena. Emphasizing this progress, several extraordinary women achieved the honor of being titled the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber in 2024. These women’s stories and successes not only underscore their significant contributions to the sector but also act as motivational examples for upcoming generations of professionals. The notable awardees include Lisa Ventura, Dr. Andrea Cullen, Zinet Kemal, Rosie Anderson, and Hazel McPherson. Through their unwavering commitment, innovative approaches, and leadership, each of these women has left an indelible mark on the cybersecurity field. Their achievements reflect the growing importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, crucial for driving the future of technology and cybersecurity. By celebrating their accomplishments, we pave the way for more brilliant women to join and enrich this dynamic field.
