Security Strategy, Plan, Budget, Security Staff Acquisition & Development, Leadership

2021 Women in IT Security: Call for nominations

I am pleased to announce that we are now accepting nominations for our 2021 Women in IT Security program, honoring those that demonstrate through their own expertise, commitment, influence and resilience the power of gender diversity across the cybersecurity community.

Each year, SC Media honors women that plowed through adversity to stand tall in what can often be a male-dominated industry. They prove not only what can be gained from more women in both the vendor and practitioner community, but what can be lost when women are not able to contribute in a meaningful way. They prove how tenacity translates to a commitment to growth; they prove how different life experiences bring new approaches to problem solving; and they prove that those that overcome professional hurdles can often be terrific leaders and advocates for new talent.

Tarah Wheeler, a 2020 Women in IT Security
honoree and author of "Women in Tech."

And let us be frank: the last year proved more than ever that the cybersecurity community can’t afford to close the door on the leaders and influencers of today or tomorrow.

In September we will recognize the 2021 Women in IT Security honorees, from power players and influencers to newcomers worth watching, through a rich digital experience that features in-depth coverage of the latest in the women’s experience, interviews with women making a difference, and of course profiles of honorees. I am also pleased to announce that InfoSec World in Orlando, which promises to be among the most substantive cybersecurity events of the year, will include special recognition of the SC Women in IT Security program in person – so stay tuned for more details. (Click here to get more information on the terrific lineup shaping up for InfoSec World, which includes among the keynotes a woman leader definitely breaking boundaries: Cathy Lanier, senior vice president of security at the NFL).

So then, the most important information of all: How to nominate yourself, or a woman that you believe was a driving force for progress in the last year. Please email [email protected] with the below information no later than July 12. The editorial team, which will select honorees with input from the SC Media Women in IT Security advisory board, may be in touch for more information.

  • Nominator’s name, company, title and email
  • Nominee’s name, company title, and email
  • Concise, specific answers to the following questions:
    • How has this individual contributed in the last year to efforts to improve the security of systems and networks either within their own organization or in support of others in the cybersecurity community?
    • How has this individual empowered other women within the cybersecurity community or interested interested in joining the cybersecurity community?
    • How has this individual overcome obstacles, boundaries, challenges to ensure her voice was heard?

Should you have any questions, feel free to email directly.

Jill Aitoro

Jill Aitoro is senior vice president of content strategy for CyberRisk Alliance. She has more than 20 years of experience editing and reporting on technology, business and policy. Prior to joining CRA, she worked at Sightline Media as editor of Defense News and executive editor of the Business-to-Government Group. She previously worked at Washington Business Journal and Nextgov, covering federal technology, contracting and policy, as well as CMP Media’s VARBusiness and CRN and Penton Media’s iSeries News.

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