Celebrating 35 Cybersecurity & Tech Leaders for International Women’s Day 2025

The cybersecurity industry is stronger, more innovative, and more resilient thanks to the contributions of women who have dedicated their careers to protecting critical systems, advancing policy, and mentoring the next generation. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to take a moment to to highlight just a few of the outstanding women in cybersecurity and technology who have made a lasting impact in the last couple of years.

Stephanie Dedmon – CIO, State of Tennessee

Stephanie Dedmon has been a driving force in modernizing state government IT and cybersecurity operations for over 20 years of her 30-year career. Under her leadership, Tennessee has strengthened its digital infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient services for citizens. Her strategic vision has propelled the state’s cyber resilience forward.

Susan Koski – CISO, PNC Bank

Susan Koski is a financial services leader responsible for information security strategy, digital identity, data protection, fusion center, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, security incident management, application security, security metrics, cloud security, security policy, and governance and assessments. She has more than 25 years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, business continuity, third-party risk management and IT risk management.

Gina Gill – CSO, U.K. Government's Central Digital and Data Office

Gina Gill is the Chief Strategy Officer at the U.K.'s Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), where she leads cross-government digital transformation, cybersecurity strategy, and system reforms. Previously the Chief Digital and Information Officer at the Ministry of Justice, she now oversees initiatives like the "Secure by Design" approach, ensuring cybersecurity is embedded in government services. Her work focuses on strengthening digital resilience, modernizing public sector IT, and driving innovation across the U.K. government.

Shawnzia Thomas – CIO, State of Georgia

Shawnzia Thomas is a transformative leader dedicating more than 15 years on securing Georgia’s digital future. She has championed cybersecurity initiatives that safeguard state operations and critical infrastructure. Her leadership has fostered a culture of innovation and cyber preparedness across various sectors of state government to enhance services for Georgians. Her previous roles include Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity, and Director of the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division.

Kim Hayes – Head of Global Technology Enablement Services, FM Global

Kim Hayes is an innovative, best-selling author with demonstrated success in increasing revenues, market share and earnings, achieving cost reductions and improving client satisfaction in customer-facing operations and large diverse organizations. She has led efforts to enhance secure operations and ensure enterprise resilience. Her leadership is instrumental in securing global business infrastructure.

Melanie Anderson – Executive Director of Cryptographic Security and Systems Development, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

With a career spanning 20+ years, Melanie Anderson and her team provide cryptographic advice and guidance to partners, including how to prepare for the quantum threat to cryptography. She is passionate about promoting the well-being of women in the workplace, mentoring, and encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.?

Traci Byrne – Head of Global Security Strategy, World Wide Technology

Traci Byrne leads efforts to define, build and activate the security go-to-market strategy across WWT’s $17B business, interweaving security into every outcome. In order to provide the best experience for clients, Traci productizes and simplifies WWT’s capabilities to enable both innovation and successful adoption of security solutions. Previously, Traci spent 12+ years in sales and leadership roles both at some of the largest security vendors as well as innovative security startups. Traci is also a member of the Customer Experience Advisory Board at San Francisco State University.

Meredith Ward – Deputy Executive Director, NASCIO

Meridith Ward is a key advocate for state government cybersecurity and IT modernization. Through the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), she has worked to shape policy, provide strategic guidance, and promote cybersecurity best practices nationwide. Her leadership has influenced cybersecurity initiatives across multiple states.?She previously served as the Director of Policy & Research for NASCIO and has served at the association since 2013. Meredith has over 18 years of experience in state, local, federal and international professional associations.

Lisa Ackerman – Deputy CISO, GlaxoSmithKline

Lisa Ackerman plays a key role in securing the pharmaceutical industry’s sensitive data. Her work at GSK ensures strong cyber defenses for medical research and healthcare innovation. She is a champion for data privacy and cyber resilience. As a U.S. Air Force Veteran, is a proponent for ensuring U.S. warfighters and their teams have the support they need to share information at the right time and the right place and in the most secure manner.

Maria Thompson – Executive Government Advisor, AWS (Former SCRO, State of North Carolina)

Formerly serving as North Carolina’s first Chief Risk Officer, Maria Thompson holds over 20 years of experience in public sector IT with a profound impact on state cybersecurity. Now at AWS, she advises government agencies on securing cloud infrastructure. Her expertise has helped bridge the gap between government and industry security solutions.?She also served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as the cybersecurity chief.

Pamela Gott – Head of Cybersecurity, Fiserv

Pamela Gott is a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology with over two decades of experience. She is responsible for application, cloud, and network security, endpoint protection services and operational application and network protection. Her blended perspective of audit, compliance and security guides her approach to delivering best-in-class security services.

Kerilee Baehre – Information Security Manager / CJIS ISO, Arizona Department of Public Safety

Kerilee Baehre is a 35 year veteran in criminal justice cybersecurity, ensuring compliance with federal and state security regulations for the state of Arizona. She has driven initiatives that enhance digital forensics and secure critical law enforcement data. Her work is vital to protecting public safety information across the state.?

Patricia "Patty" Voight – CISO & Head of 1st Line Technology Risk Management, Webster Bank

Patty Voight has been a key leader in financial cybersecurity, ensuring robust risk management strategies. She has spearheaded initiatives that enhance data protection and regulatory compliance. Her leadership strengthens cybersecurity across the banking sector. Voight serves as a subject matter advisor, speaking at organizational and industry conferences around the globe, including FS-ISAC, ISACA, IIA, and SIFMA. She is also a contributing author on numerous publications.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Kowalski – Executive Director, Defense Science Board

Betsy Kowalski plays a crucial role in advancing national defense cybersecurity strategies. Her leadership on the Defense Science Board has helped shape policies that enhance cyber resilience across military and defense sectors. She has been instrumental in fostering innovation in defense technologies.?Kowalski's extensive work experience includes time spent in the private industry, uniformed military service, and county, state and federal government positions.

Hillary Hartley – CEO, U.S. Digital Response

Hillary Hartley?is an American technologist and government official who has served in both local and federal government in the U.S. and the Canadian province of Ontario. She was the Chief Digital and Data Officer and?Deputy Minister?for Digital Government,?Cabinet Office, for the province of?Ontario, the first person to hold this position, taking office in April 2017 until March 2023. As the head of the Ontario Digital Service, based within the?Treasury Board Secretariat, she was responsible for leading the provincial government's digital transformation efforts and for operationalizing the?Simpler, Faster, Better Services Act?of 2019.

Katherine “Katie” Sutton – CTA to the Commander, U.S. Cyber Command

Katie Sutton is a pivotal leader at U.S. Cyber Command, shaping strategies to protect national security. She has been at the forefront of integrating advanced cyber capabilities into military operations. Her expertise helps ensure the nation's cyber readiness against evolving threats. She has over 20 years of experience in several key roles, including her time Professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee with responsibility for the cyber, information technology/cloud, and NSA portfolios. Prior to that, Katie spent 15 years as an electrical engineer at Sandia National Laboratories working on a variety of information assurance, cybersecurity, and non-proliferation projects.

Teri Takai – Former CIO, U.S. Department of Defense; Former CIO, California & Michigan

Teri Takai has had a storied 55-year career in automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and the public sector. She began her journey with Ford Motor Co. in global application development and IT strategic planning. In the government sector, Takai served as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California and finally the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense (the first woman appointed to this role!) where her work strengthened national defense cybersecurity. Her legacy continues to influence public-sector cyber policies in her current role as the Senior Vice President for the Center for Digital Government.

Katherine Wetmur – CIO of Cyber, Data, Risk and Resilience, Morgan Stanley

Katherine Wetmur leads global cyber risk management, safeguarding one of the world's largest financial institutions and addressing the firm's complex and continuously evolving threat environment to ensure data governance, data quality and sensitive data security.?A long-standing champion of diversity, she was a member of the Morgan Stanley’s EMEA Diversity Action Council, an Executive Sponsor of the Pride and Ally Network, and a member of the Mental Health Advisory Board. She is a strong supporter of the firm’s STEM education initiatives and encourages young women to pursue technical careers. She celebrates over 36 years in IT and operations.

Cheryl Nifong – CISO, University of Texas at Arlington

Cheryl Nifong oversees the Information Security Office and the university’s security program. A strategic leader with more than 20 years in the information security field, Cheryl has served in multiple industries including the private sector, government, healthcare, and higher education. Her work at UT Arlington also includes training future leaders and advancing academic cybersecurity initiatives. She also serves on the Inspire Leadership DallasCISO Advisory Board.

Kate Kuehn – Vice President of Global Cyber Advocacy, World Wide Technology

Kate Kuehn is a thought leader in cybersecurity strategy and advocacy. She brings more than 25 years of experience leading and advising cyber security, technology, innovative AI strategies, and teams to help shape the industry with better business security and risk decisions. In addition to her role at WWT, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for HYAS, the Cybermaniacs, and the NTSC. Kuehn is a trusted advisor, thought leader, speaker, published author, and mentor.

Venice Goodwine – CIO, U.S. Department of the Navy

With more than 30 years of IT experience spanning private industry, military service, and the federal government,?Venice Goodwine is at the helm of innovation in the U.S. Air Force, leading three directorates–Enterprise Information Technology, Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. Goodwine's leadership supports 20,000+ cyber operations and support personnel around the globe and ensures the USAF remains at the forefront of cyber defense.?

Ann Barron-DiCamillo – Global Head of Tech Optimization, Citibank

Ann Barron-DiCamillo is a seasoned Information Technology Executive with over 25 years of experience driving technological innovation and operational excellence in cybersecurity in the financial sector. She has deep technical expertise in cyber operations, security architecture, and the delivery of enterprise-scale information security services. With a strong background in designing and implementing cutting-edge security solutions, Barron-DiCamillo has successfully enhanced cyber resilience across both public and private sector organizations.?

Homaira Akbari – President & CEO, Aknowledge Partners

Dr. Homaira Akbari is President and CEO of AKnowledge Partners, LLC, a global strategy advisory firm providing services to leading private equity funds and large corporations in the sectors of Internet of Things, cybersecurity, supply chain visibility, mobility, and enterprise software. Dr. Akbari has held senior management roles in Fortune 1000 companies, including Microsoft, Thales, and Liberty Media subsidiary, Trueposition.

Jen Easterly – Former Director, U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Jen Easterly is a globally acclaimed cybersecurity and national security leader, with deep expertise on cyber threats, emerging technologies, and organizational resilience. She most recently served as the Senate-confirmed leader for CISA—America’s premiere cyber defense agency where she led the nation’s efforts to protect critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. Her public service spans more than three decades, including multiple combat deployments in the U.S. Army, where she played a pivotal role in the creation of U.S. Cyber Command and commanded the Army’s first cyber battalion.

Karen Robinson – CEO & Founder, KWB Strategies

With over 30 years of government and private sector experience, Karen Robinson’s expertise in cultivating connections between ideas, information technology solutions, and leaders in various fields is unparalleled. Robinson notably served as the Director of Administration & Technology for the Office of the Texas Governor. Her work through KWR has formed successful collaborative relationships across both public and private sectors, and KWR has been responsible for connecting innovative technology solutions with a fresh strategy for building cross-sector teams. ?

Katie Arrington – Acting CIO, U.S. Department of Defense

Katie Arrington played a major role in shaping the DoD’s cybersecurity policies and has returned as Acting CIO for the Department. Her leadership in developing CMMC — among numerous other major accomplishments — has significantly improved cyber standards for defense contractors.?With an extensive 28-year career as a senior cyber executive in private industry and defense, and former legislator, Arrington has been a key force for strengthening national defense and cyber initiatives.

Jennifer Link – CISO, U.S. Federal Agency

Jennifer Link is a CISO and senior technical executive with the U.S. Federal Government, driving cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies and leading high-performing teams to solve complex security challenges. With over 25 years of experience in information security architecture, risk management, and cyber resilience, Link excels at designing and implementing enterprise-wide security solutions that align with mission-critical objectives to drive national security.

Renata Spinks-McNeal – Former CISO, U.S. Marine Corps

Renata Spinks is a visionary leader in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, program management, and public service, she is the CEO of CyberSec International Inc., a global leader in providing cutting-edge solutions and services to protect and enhance the cyber resilience of our clients and partners. Previously, she served as Assistant Director/Deputy CIO IC4 and USMC CISO/AO as well as Cyber Technology Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command.?

Col. Chantel Booker – Deputy Director, Cyber and Warfighting Communications

Col. Chantel Booker is a key figure in military cyber operations and secure communications with more than 21 years of active duty service. Booker ensures the readiness and employment of Airmen to engineer, build, operate, secure, defend and extend classified and unclassified networks through the employment of four cyberspace weapon systems and various engineering and expeditionary capabilities.

Col. Stacie Voorhees – Commander, 67th Cyberspace Operations Group

Col. Stacie Voorhees leads cyber operations for the U.S. Air Force, ensuring mission success in cyberspace warfare. She has championed cyber readiness and resilience initiatives, protecting national security interests. Her command strengthens the USAF’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

Brig Gen. Heather Blackwell – Deputy Commander, JFQ-DoDIN

Brig Gen. Heather Blackwell leads command and control of DoDIN [JM3]?Operations and Defensive Cyberspace Operations - Internal Defense Measures, synchronizing DoDIN defense and synthesizing global intelligence sharing to deter adversary attacks and enable power projection, freedom of action, and mission assurance across all warfighting domains.?

Sheila Jordan – Chief Digital Technology Officer, Honeywell

With more than 38 years of career experience, Sheila Jordan serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Technology Officer. In this role, she is responsible for all digital transformation efforts across the company, including transformation platform construction and adoption and delivering value across Enterprise Data activities. In addition, she has broad oversight and responsibility for IT infrastructure, end-user support, the more than 100 services delivered through applications, and the expansion of software development to support Honeywell’s digital initiatives and go-to-market offerings.

Jennifer Pahlka – Founder, Code for America; Former Deputy CTO, U.S. Digital Service

Jennifer Pahlka is the founder and former executive director of?Code for America. She served as U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer from June 2013 to June 2014 and helped found the?United States Digital Service. Previously, she worked at?CMP Media?in various roles in the computer gaming industry. In June 2023, she released the book?Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better.?

Stefanie Beck – Deputy Minister of National Defence, Canada Government

Stefanie Beck?is a Canadian?public servant?and diplomat. She has been serving as the Deputy Minister of?National Defence?(DND) since June 3, 2024.?She was previously Deputy Minister of?Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada?(AAFC), Associate Deputy Minister of?National Defence, and Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to the United Kingdom.?

Amanda Crawford – CIO, State of Texas

Amanda Crawford has led Texas’ digital transformation, ensuring secure and accessible government services. She has played a key role in strengthening cybersecurity policies and protecting public-sector networks. Her commitment to innovation has positioned Texas as a leader in digital government security.

Who do you celebrate?

Women in tech continue to break barriers, drive digital innovation, and protect the digital world from emerging threats. Their leadership is shaping the future of security across industries and inspiring the next generation. Who are some of the IT leaders who inspire you?