On September 26th, NWCSC proudly launched the Women in Cyber event series, marking the beginning of a new initiative designed to empower women in the cyber security and tech sectors. Held at Baltic Ventures, the event brought together a diverse group of professionals, students, and industry leaders, all united in their commitment to foster inclusivity and support the next generation of women in cyber.
The atmosphere was one of excitement, as attendees arrived, registered, and enjoyed refreshments while networking with fellow professionals. The evening began with a warm welcome and introduction from the NWCSC team, outlining the goals of the Women in Cyber series. The initiative aims to create a supportive environment where women can share insights, build connections, and inspire one another as they navigate their careers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The launch of this series reinforces NWCSC’s commitment to strengthening the cyber ecosystem across the North West by focusing on inclusivity, learning and professional growth for women in cyber.
Keynote: Michelle Jackson, Managing Director at Citation Cyber
One of the highlights of the evening was an inspiring keynote delivered by Michelle Jackson, Managing Director of Citation Cyber. Michelle shared her personal journey into the world of cyber security, reflecting on the changes she has witnessed over the years as a woman in the industry. Her story provided valuable insight into the evolving landscape of cyber, where women are now beginning to carve out spaces of leadership and influence.
Michelle spoke about the challenges she has faced, from battling stereotypes to overcoming the imposter syndrome that so often accompanies women entering tech roles. However, her message was one of hope and progress, as she highlighted the strides the industry has made in recent years and the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles.
Speed Networking Session
Following the keynote, we held a Speed Networking session. This fast-paced session allowed attendees to connect on a personal level, sharing their experiences, exchanging ideas, and building valuable connections with others in the field.
Panel Discussion: Women’s Stories
The evening continued with a panel discussion featuring three accomplished women from different corners of the cyber and tech worlds: Lauren Monks (IN4 Group), Maria Limniou (University of Liverpool), and Nicky Rose (Cloudguard). The discussion centred around their unique journeys into the cyber industry, the misconceptions about women working in cyber and tech, and the critical role of mentorship and role models in their careers.
The panel ended on a forward-looking note, with each speaker sharing their advice for women considering a career in cyber and tech, as well as their hopes and vision for the future of women in the sector. There was a shared optimism that the industry is becoming more inclusive, but all agreed that there is still work to be done. They expressed determination and confidence in a future where women are no longer the minority in tech and where their contributions are fully recognised and valued.
NWCSC’s Commitment
The inaugural Women in Cyber event was a resounding success, bringing together an inspiring group of women and male allies to share their experiences, build connections, and discuss the future of the cyber industry. The evening was not just about networking; it was about creating a community of people who support and uplift one another.
A huge thank you to our speakers, Michelle Jackson, Lauren Monks, Maria Limniou, and Nicky Rose, for sharing their inspiring stories and insights. Special thanks to all the attendees for making this launch event so engaging and impactful. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Baltic Ventures for hosting the event in such a fantastic venue.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue this series, providing more opportunities for women to connect, learn, and grow in the cyber and tech industries.
If you have ideas or suggestions for our upcoming ‘Women in Cyber’ events, or if you are interested in speaking or sponsoring, please get in touch with us. Your contributions can help make a significant impact on the future of women in cyber security.
