IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Katelyn Bowden, our finalist in the "Cybersecurity Woman Influencer of the Year" category of CSWY Awards 2020

Nothing makes me happier than shining the spotlight on someone changing the world!

That is my “why” for creating the Cybersecurity Woman of the Year and Ally of the Year Awards. There are so many courageous women and men making sure we are safe and secure who rarely get the attention they deserve. These awards bring us together to celebrate all the talent in our cybersecurity community.

Last year, I mentioned in my opening statement that we need more women in cybersecurity, not only because we look at things differently, but also because we are the ones that make light out of the darkness. We are the creators of life we bring into this world to thrive and survive. We are also the subtle but strong protectors of our families, our communities, and each other. The world needs us – perhaps now more than ever!

Before we get to who won this year’s awards, I wanted to share more about all the people our judges considered as deserving nominees. Here is a look at another spectacular woman saving the world every day, our 2020 Cybersecurity Woman of the Year nominee Ms. Katelyn Bowden:

What is your “why” for being in the cybersecurity or privacy field? 

I am in the privacy/security field because I have experienced the trauma of having private data publicized without consent, and I want to help ensure that no one else has to experience that. To me, privacy is a priority, and having agency over ones own private data is necessary.

Describe one of your achievements that you are most proud of and why  

To select just one achievement is incredibly difficult- to me, each victim of exploitation that I successfully help is a huge achievement, and every time I educate someone about online privacy and they have learned something, it’s an accomplishment in my book. But, I suppose my largest “win” to date would be helping to pass a law in Ohio, criminalizing the distribution of Non Consensual Pornography, as well as helping to introduce a law criminalizing the behavior on a federal level. My ultimate goal is to end the practice of non consensual sexual exploitation, and creating legal remedies and consequences is the most effective method to doing so.

If you were a queen of the world and could change one behavior to make everyone safer, what would it be?

If I had the power to make everyone have a clear understanding of consent, I would do so in a heartbeat. But since that is impossible, even if I WERE queen of the world, I would require schools to teach a comprehensive sex ed class- that would cover online safety, abuse, agency over ones own body and data- as well as examining consent and all the different ways it translates both online and off.

Name one person, alive or dead, you’d like to collaborate on a project with? 

This is a really difficult one to choose. Cindy Gallop is high on the list- she’s a pioneer in Sex Tech, and does some truly amazing things. Recently, I’ve learned about Caspar Bowden- who not only shares my last name, but dedicated his life to ensuring that privacy be viewed as a human right. Monica Lewinsky has done amazing work on the topic of shame and online victimization- she would be a dream to work with as well.

If selected for the award, how do you envision that impacting your mission, reach, sustainability, and results?  

If selected to win cybersecurity woman Influencer of the year, I see it creating conversations that are desperately needed within cybersecurity communities. It would be shining a light on some of the issues that plague our field, and I have every intention of using the platform of this award to do some things that would have a lasting impact.

How can CSWY 2020 help you further your mission?  

Being named cybersecurity influencer woman of the year would give me the opportunity to encourage others to do the right thing- whether it’s respecting others agency and privacy, or creating room for new or underrepresented voices in cybersecurity.

What would you like to see happen for women in the coming year in the greater Cyber/Tech community?

In the coming year, I would like to see more women entering the cyber field, and for more diversity on conference stages and in board rooms. I would love to see more black women, trans women- more women of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds given the opportunities to amplify their voices.

Where do you find your inspiration?  

I find my inspiration literally everywhere. I’m inspired by women breaking down barriers and leaping over gatekeepers. I’m Inspired by everyone who experiences trauma or setbacks and continues on. I’m inspired by bravery- whether it’s saying something that may be unpopular, or taking big risks. I’m inspired by brilliant problem solving, and revolutionary behavior. Inspiration is everywhere.

Anything else you would like to add? 

As excited as I am to be a finalist for this award- and, truly, I am honored- I feel we, as an industry, have more than enough white, cis influencers. Therefore, if I win, I plan on giving my award and platform to someone who I think deserves it far more than I do. I hope that I can influence others to do the same, to pass the mic to those whose voices deserve amplified

More about me:

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

and Twitter: @BadassBowden

"Our community is strong even during these challenging times and I find so much inspiration from all of you. You have done everything you can to focus on what you can do – protecting people so we can keep some normalcy in a world gone wild." Carmen Marsh

Please visit our CSWY 2020 site to cast your vote: https://leadmind.inteligenca.com/cswy2020/