Next month, the annual Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards will take place at The BT Tower, London, celebrating some of the industry’s most inspirational – and oftentimes unsung – women.
Sponsored by Fidelity International, BT, Plexal and Bridewell, and proudly supported by industry-leading diversity groups WiTCH, WiCyS UK&I and Seidea, the 2026 event is set to be bigger than ever. To make sure everyone has had the chance to nominate, we’ve extended the nomination deadline until the 16th January 2026, 5pm GMT.
For now, it’s time to introduce our 2026 judges, who have the exceptionally hard task of picking this year’s top 20 and five ones to watch…
- Yasemin Mustafa, Director of the Cyber Security Portfolio at BT
- Adam Haylock, Head of Global Cyber and Information Security Department at Fidelity International
- Rebecca Taylor, Co-Author of Co-Author of Securely Yours: An Agony Aunts’ Guide To Surviving Cyber, and Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager and Researcher at Sophos
- Adaora Uche, GRC Lead at THG (representing Seidea)
- Joanne Elieli, Cyber Lead and Litigation Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP
- Diane Gilbert, Senior Lead for Programmes at Plexal
- Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of Eskenzi PR and Founder of The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards
- Jennifer Cox, Director of Solutions Engineering, EMEA and APAC, at Tines (representing WiCyS UK&I)
- Hannah Arnold, London Ambassador for WiTCH – Women in Tech & Cyber Hub
The Gurus spoke to some of our judges about the 2026 awards and what they’re looking for in a good application.
Adaora Uche, GRC Lead at THG
Why are initiatives like this so important?
Initiatives like this matter because visibility changes possibility. Cybersecurity is still an industry where many women don’t see themselves reflected in leadership, technical authority, or decision-making roles. By intentionally spotlighting women who are doing impactful work, we challenge outdated perceptions of who belongs in cyber and what success looks like.
Beyond recognition, these initiatives create role models, momentum, and community. They validate the work women are already doing – often quietly and behind the scenes, and help open doors for others who are earlier in their journeys. Representation is not just symbolic, it is a powerful driver for inclusion, retention, and long-term change in our industry.
Why should people nominate?
People should nominate because inspiration often goes unrecognised unless someone speaks up. So much impactful work in cybersecurity happens behind the scenes. Particularly in governance, risk, privacy, and security leadership, where success often looks like problems prevented, risks mitigated, or the right questions being asked early. This kind of impact does not always attract attention, but it is critical.
A nomination is more than an accolade; it is an act of recognition and encouragement. It tells someone that their work matters, that they are seen, and that their journey can inspire others. Nominating also helps broaden the narrative of cybersecurity by showcasing diverse paths, backgrounds, and contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?
First and foremost, I believe every woman in cybersecurity is inspiring. Simply showing up each day to help make the digital world safer, often in complex, high-pressure environments, is truly heroic.
An inspiring woman in cyber creates impact while lifting others as she progresses. She may be a technical expert, a strategist, a leader, or an educator, but what sets her apart is purpose, resilience, and a commitment to making the space better than she found it. She does not just respond to challenges, she anticipates them, questions the status quo, and contributes to safer, more ethical, and more inclusive digital environments.
She does not need to dominate the room to lead. Her credibility comes from consistency, thoughtfulness, and sound judgement. It also stems from her unwavering commitment to building systems and teams that are secure, resilient, and future-ready. Importantly, she uses her voice, whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or communities to share knowledge, mentor others, and make cybersecurity more accessible and human.
Adam Haylock, Head of Global Cyber and Information Security Department at Fidelity International
Why are initiatives like this so important?
I often find myself in meetings counting the number of male versus female attendees. Too often, there are only one or two women in the room, surrounded by many more men.
In cyber, many men take for granted that they don’t have to overcome that initial sense of standing out before even contributing to the discussion or holding their ground. While we are making some progress in addressing the gender imbalance, initiatives like this are vital in keeping the spotlight on an issue that still matters deeply. They help encourage more women to put themselves forward, particularly where they may previously have hesitated, and to feel recognised and valued for the outstanding work they do, inspiring others along the way.
Why should people nominate?
Nominations reinforce the value that female talent brings to our field. Diversity of thought, approach and communication is critical in cyber, a discipline that is as much about culture and behaviour as it is about technology.
Recognising and celebrating female talent strengthens that value proposition, especially when nominations come from male colleagues who see first-hand, and rely on, the expertise and impact that women bring to our teams.
What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?
Being in the minority in any environment can create invisible barriers and perceptions that are difficult to overcome. For me, an inspiring woman in cyber – a male-dominated field – is someone willing to step outside her comfort zone, try new things, take risks, and learn from setbacks.
Standing out in a male-dominated environment requires real courage, and that courage is inspiring in itself. We need more visible role models like this to attract more women into cyber and to show that it is a field where they can thrive, feel valued, and build rewarding careers.
Rebecca Taylor, Co-Author of Securely Yours: An Agony Aunts’ Guide To Surviving Cyber, and Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager and Researcher at Sophos
Why are initiatives like this so important?
Initiatives like the ‘Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2026’ are so important because they shine a light on women who are accomplishing amazing things in an industry that is still largely male-dominated. Recognising these achievements in an inclusive and safe way helps ensure women feel seen, valued, and celebrated for their expertise and impact.
Beyond individual recognition, these initiatives also create visible role models. Seeing women celebrated for their achievements inspires others to enter the field, stay in the industry, and aim higher. It helps challenge outdated stereotypes, builds confidence, and fosters a stronger sense of community and belonging.
Ultimately, celebrating women in cyber isn’t just about awards – It’s about changing culture. It encourages equity, boosts morale, and helps build a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient cybersecurity industry for everyone.
Why should people nominate?
People should nominate because recognition matters! Nominating is a powerful way to celebrate women who are accomplishing amazing things and making a real impact. Remember that a nomination (let alone a win!) can boost confidence, open doors to new opportunities, and remind someone that their work truly matters. Get those entries in!
What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?
In my eyes, an ‘inspiring woman in cyber’ is someone who brings others with them into the conversation. They lift people up, share knowledge, and create space for others to learn, grow, and feel they belong. They want to leave a positive footprint, not just through their work, but through the way they support and encourage those around them. They are a role model, someone who shows what’s possible and inspires others to follow their own path in cyber with confidence and purpose.
It isn’t about money, job titles, or seniority. It’s about impact. An inspiring woman is thriving in what they do, and you can see that they genuinely love their work. That passion is contagious and motivating to others.
Joanne Elieli, Cyber Lead and Litigation Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP at Stephenson Harwood LLP
Why are initiatives like this so important?
Initiatives like this are instrumental in recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in cybersecurity, helping to raise their visibility and inspire others. These initiatives encourage diversity, challenge stereotypes, and can empower the women being recognised to stay and advance in the field. By providing networking opportunities and driving positive industry change, initiatives like this can also help to create a more inclusive and innovative cyber sector.
Why should people nominate?
Nominating women in the cyber industry is a meaningful way to recognise and celebrate their expertise, dedication, and achievements. Formal nominations help to bring the contributions of our exceptional women to light, ensuring they receive the appreciation they deserve. This visibility can inspire other women and girls to pursue careers in cybersecurity, which in turn fosters a more diverse and inclusive industry.
What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?
An inspiring woman in cyber, in my eyes, is someone who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication to her work while also uplifting and supporting others in the industry. She is passionate about solving complex problems and is eager to learn and adapt in a rapidly changing industry. Beyond her technical abilities, she actively shares her knowledge, mentors others, and advocates for diversity and inclusion. Her resilience in overcoming challenges and her willingness to break new ground make her a role model for both current and future generations in cybersecurity.
Jennifer Cox, Director of Solutions Engineering, EMEA/APAC, at Tines
Why are initiatives like this so important?
Women’s representation in cybersecurity still has a lot of ground to cover, and initiatives like this shine a light on those who are making an impact both technically and culturally. Recognition not only celebrates achievement but also helps change perceptions; it shows the next generation that there’s space for them here, no matter their background or neurotype. When we platform diverse voices, we accelerate innovation and make our industry stronger, more inclusive, and more human.
Why should people nominate?
Nominating someone is a simple but powerful act of allyship and pride. Many brilliant women in cyber are so focused on lifting others up or doing the hard, often invisible work that they rarely stop to celebrate themselves. A nomination says, “I see you, I value what you’re doing, and you’re shaping this industry.” You never know who might need that encouragement to keep going or step into an even bigger role, and for other women just starting their cybersecurity careers visibility of these trailblazers and their capabilities is key.
What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?
For me, an inspiring woman in cyber is someone who leads with both competence and compassion. She’s technically grounded, but she also uses her voice and position to make space for others; especially those whose stories aren’t often heard. She’s authentic, curious, resilient, and not afraid to challenge the norm. Above all, she shows that success in cybersecurity isn’t about fitting a mould; it’s about rewriting it so more people can belong.
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You can nominate here.
The post Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026: Meet The Judges appeared first on IT Security Guru.
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