Now in its fifth year, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards, supported by Security on Screen, will take place on February 26, 2025, at London’s BT Tower. The awards celebrates exceptional women in the cybersecurity industry from across the globe. As an official media partner to the awards, we sat down with Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of awards organiser, Eskenzi PR, to hear all about the prestigious event.
What are the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards?
YE: “The awards spotlight a wide array of incredible women who are making a huge impact in the industry, from new starters and career changers to CISOs and Security Engineers. Attendees to the event are encouraged to bring along someone who they feel may benefit from networking at an event like this (like a mentee or a colleague). There’s also a panel discussion that focuses on pressing topics that go far beyond gender. The event really celebrates some of the most inspiring people in cyber!”
How did they begin? What inspired the conception of the event?
YE: “We can’t be what we can’t see – that’s why we started the awards. The event is organised by the incredible women at Eskenzi PR and supported by some of the industry’s leading women in cyber groups, like WiCyS UK&I and WiTCH. We all bring our lived experiences to the awards which helps us shape an event that really taps into the zeitgeist, beyond our gender. We get what women go through and we want to give a voice to those who don’t usually get to speak – and we have done since 2020.
“The awards started in 2020 and our first event was held virtually during the pandemic. Since then, the awards have only grown bigger and better. For the past couple of years (and again in 2025), we’ve been lucky enough to hold the event at the dazzling BT Tower in London, thanks to BT’s continued support.”
Why is it important that events like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber take place? What do they mean to the community?
YE: “We all know that cybersecurity has a notable skills gap (there are so many stats, surveys and research spanning years that show as much). However, we’re missing out on a lot of talent because the industry can often appear closed to people from different backgrounds. However, as adversaries come from a vast range of backgrounds, it’s important that our approach to fighting them is diverse, too. A breadth of perspective is never a bad thing!
“What’s more, we find ourselves asking ‘why would women want to be in an industry so geared up for men?’ One of the crucial elements of The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards is showing the possibilities that are out there for women in the industry, especially new starters. We want to highlight role models who have made their mark on the industry not because of – or despite – their gender but because they’re genuinely talented and bring a fresh perspective to their roles.
“It’s not often that women from so many walks of life, countries, industry verticals, and organisations come together to discuss pressing topics that go far beyond “being a woman in a male-dominated industry”. We want to create a safe space for women (and even their male allies) to talk openly about their experiences and thoughts for the future. It’s always such a hopeful event.”
Why is community so important in cybersecurity?
YE: “As previously mentioned, there’s a notable lack of diverse talent in cybersecurity. This can feel incredibly isolating for those who fall into minority groups! It’s important that there are safe places people can turn to, people that others can speak to, and role models and mentors to look up to, no matter what stage of career someone’s at. Communities look out for one another and, in an industry that’s also battling a burnout and mental health crisis, that’s invaluable.”
What makes an inspiring woman?
YE: “To inspire is to transfer an energy, make someone feel confident and put a fire into their belly so they have the confidence and support to push ahead and break boundaries. I think the word that keeps coming up is supporting one another, in a male dominated industry knowing that we all have each other’s backs. That is the sort of inspiration that we’re looking for in these awards. And to do that very often these women have to go above and beyond, having to find the time above a busy job to help one another and do it without even thinking.
“But it’s also equally as joyous reading how people celebrate their own achievements. Imposter syndrome is a real issue in this industry and I urge people to self-nominate and share how proud they are of their own achievements.”
How can organisations get involved?
YE: “We’re currently looking for organisations to sponsor the 2025 awards. We’re working alongside some incredible organisations, including BT, as well as media partners, like Security on Screen, and the UK cyber industry’s leading communities, including WiTCH, WiCyS UK&I Affiliate and CyBlack, for the 2025 event. The event will happen on the 26th February 2025 at the iconic BT Tower. It’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
“The awards are a great way for organisations to show that they’re committed to supporting women in cyber and furthering the conversation on diversity and inclusion.”
Attendees to the awards can also expect to see the Security on Screen team interviewing the winners on the night, in our capacity as official media partners to the event. We can’t wait to meet the winners and nominees.
Please reach out to awards@eskenzipr.com for more information.
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