Tomorrow is International Women's Day 2025, a global day to celebrate the historic achievements of women in culture, technology, and society at large. And as such, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead.

To commemorate this occasion and to celebrate the achievements of women across the technology industry, VMblog has reached out to several tech leaders from various companies. These experts are sharing their insights and perspectives, as well as their hopes and aspirations for a better future.

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Silke Telsnig, CMO at Stratodesk

On International Women's Day, Stratodesk is proud to celebrate the incredible women at Stratodesk and throughout the tech industry who drive success with their dedication and hard work.

At Stratodesk, we’re fortunate to have many remarkable women in many different roles who are contributing to our growth. Our women’s unique perspectives and leadership enrich our company culture and help us achieve our goals.

The representation of women in technology is crucial to successful organizations, and we are always committed to inspiring more women to enter the field, encourage and support one another, and drive meaningful change together. Congratulations to the women who are making a difference both inside and outside of their organizations, making the world a better place.

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Kelly Wells, Chief Operating Officer at Object First

International Women���s Day is a perfect time to reflect on women's incredible achievements and encourage those who are still unsure about pursuing a career in technology. The tech industry is full of opportunities for women to innovate, lead, and make an impact.

This year’s theme is #AccelerateAction. There are several ways that leaders can accelerate action for women in technology. Two specific areas to focus on this year are 1) Empower Teams and 2) Celebrate Wins.

Empowering women to take ownership of programs/tasks will continue to promote them internally and externally. By continuing to put women in the driver’s seat, our organizations will reap the rewards of collaboration and innovation.

Too often at work, we complete a program or task and immediately move on to the next without pausing to celebrate our wins. Many of the women I work with now—and those I've worked with in the past—fall into this pattern, driven by a desire to constantly prove their skills and abilities in the tech industry. I am going to focus on celebrating the exceptional work that women do for our organizations and our society.    

Women should not be afraid to dive into this exciting field—their unique perspective is invaluable, and their voice is needed to shape the future. It’s time to break barriers and embrace the limitless possibilities that tech has to offer!

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Dana Eisen, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, ControlUp

On this International Women’s Day, ControlUp is proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible women at ControlUp and across the technology industry who drive innovation, leadership, and progress. Their dedication, expertise, and resilience continue to shape our industry’s future.

This year, we are especially proud of the strides we’ve made in increasing female representation within our workforce, particularly in leadership roles. The talented women of ControlUp—across sales, marketing, operations, R&D, and executive leadership—are not only making exceptional contributions but also helping to fuel our next phase of growth.

As we celebrate today and every day, we recognize that the pursuit of equality is a shared responsibility. Together, through our actions and decisions—both big and small—we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable world for women.

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Margaret Hoagland, VP, Global Sales & Marketing, SIOS Technology

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of women who have shaped history. But let’s also honor the quiet victories—the moments of courage that paved the way for progress.

Let’s remember the women who refused to be silenced, who spoke up even when it was easier to stay quiet. The women who were the first in their companies to hold leadership positions. The only women in the room, who not only reached their professional goals but lifted others along the way with compassion and empathy. The women who taught us that the quietest voices are often the most powerful. Let's remember the unsung women who have shaped the world we live in today in a thousand small ways. And because of them, we rise.

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Danielle Coady, VP & Cyber Resilience Evangelist, Index Engines
 
Women are making strides in technology, from engineering to leadership, yet they still represent only 25% of the workforce. To close this gap, we must redefine what it means to work in tech and create more pathways for women to advance into leadership.
 
When women are fully included in tech opportunities, the industry benefits from a wealth of diverse perspectives, increased innovation, and unlocking untapped potential. Bridging the gender gap strengthens the future of technology. By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that women can lead, create, and drive meaningful change in the industry. Whether in marketing, engineering, strategy, or sales, every woman in tech plays a vital role in shaping the industry's future. Recognizing the value of each contribution and fostering opportunities that help close the gender gap at every level of tech is essential to ensure that women have a seat at every table.

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Lori Thompson, VP of HR for North America at IGEL

As we celebrate International Women's Day and reflect upon the continued work toward providing equitable access to growth for all, I am so proud of what the IGEL4Women in Tech Employee Resource Group has been able to help us accomplish in partnership with IGEL leadership. From sparking a company-wide mentorship program to calling for needed benefits enhancements and increasing the visibility of women on the tech stage, every effort we can make together contributes to the success of women and the company as a whole.  Our joint efforts will continue as we aim to cultivate an environment where women in technology and leadership roles can succeed, thrive, and progress to advanced levels of responsibility.

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Jenna Hicks, VP of Client Engagement, Liquidware

Trailblazers Among Us: Celebrating the Women Shaping Tech at Liquidware

Fifteen years ago, I started in Sales at Liquidware. Leadership made space for my voice and perspective, helping me grow into my role as VP of Client Engagement. But climbing the ladder isn’t enough — sending the elevator back down to elevate others is how we build stronger teams and better technology. This International Women’s Day, I want to spotlight a few of the incredible women shaping Liquidware and the tech industry with their innovation, resilience, and passion.

Joy is the not-so-quiet voice behind our industry-leading Digital Employee Experience solutions, leading the design for over 15 years. She’s driving products that transform how users interact with technology, blending technical expertise with a creative spark that sets our solutions apart. Angelica is the definition of balance. While fiercely advocating for her amazing 3-year-old son, she’s transforming how our sales team leverages technology, bringing them the latest tools to work smarter and better serve our clients. Diana, a rising star in tech sales, is a sponge for knowledge, soaking up insights and bringing fresh energy to every project she touches. Nisee is a deep thinker whose work touches nearly every part of Liquidware — from QA and technical documentation to configuring some of our most critical internal applications. Her versatility ensures we stay at the top of our game.

These are just a few of the women that are making waves at Liquidware and beyond. But here’s the thing: career growth isn’t just personal. Highlighting others, promoting diverse voices, and creating space for new perspectives is how we drive true progress. When we lift others up, we don’t just make room at the table — we build a bigger, better table for all. Happy International Women’s Day to all the trailblazers out there — you’re shaping the future, and we’re here to cheer you on.

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Reut Roich, VP of Product, Cynomi

Women in cybersecurity don’t wait for opportunities – they create them. In a challenging era where everything is constantly changing, true strength lies in leading, listening, innovating, and persevering. I celebrate the women who push boundaries, lift others up, and drive change in a way that shapes the digital future. It’s our time to create and lead the impact on women shaping the future.

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Denise Natali, VP of America Sales, Datadobi

I know we have seen tremendous shifts over the past few years, but gender inequality has remained a persistent challenge. Women across many professions still encounter significant obstacles, working harder to prove themselves and often not receiving the same recognition as their male counterparts.

As a mom, a sales leader and a former military officer, I have seen how challenging stereotypes, rejecting bias and questioning discrimination in all areas of life can make a big difference. We must celebrate Women’s successes. It's time to accelerate action globally by implementing flexible working environments, educating on unconscious bias, and curating supportive policies that empower women. Organizations have a crucial role in this transformation by creating spaces where women can thrive. I want to ensure a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

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Julia Astashkina, Senior Director of Growth, StarTree

On International Women’s Day 2025, the call to Accelerate Action resonates deeply with me, not just as a leader in tech, but as a mother raising the next generation. My daughter is growing up in a world where women continue to push boundaries in science, technology, and leadership, yet true equality remains just out of reach. I want her to see a future where opportunities aren’t delayed, biases don’t dictate outcomes, and progress happens in real time.

We can’t afford to wait for change to happen gradually. Progress requires action, not just words or promises, but tangible steps that create opportunities for women at every level. This means actively tracking representation, fostering mentorship, and ensuring women have well-defined, well-supported pathways to leadership. Change doesn’t happen in the background; it requires visibility, urgency, and commitment.

I want my daughter to grow up knowing she belongs in every room she enters. That requires all of us to take action now. Let’s stop waiting for progress and start accelerating it, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where inclusion isn’t an initiative, but a given.

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Chrissay Brinkmann, Presales Engineer, Leaseweb

International Women’s Day is an ideal time to reflect on the women who helped to break down barriers and prove that success should not be measured by anything other than your talent, hard work, and the results you deliver.

For me, I choose to celebrate International Women’s Day by both appreciating how far we’ve come, but also recognizing that there’s still work to do. I celebrate by supporting the women around me, sharing their wins, encouraging them to reach higher, and mentoring the next generation. It’s about making sure we all keep moving forward and creating space for the voices that deserve to be included at the table - not just on one day, but all year long.

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DeeDee Kato, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Foxit

On International Women’s Day, I am reminded that I have been in an enviable position to have had men and women throughout my life that have encouraged me to pursue my passion for STEM – teachers and mentors who believed in me, peers who inspired me, and leaders who opened doors and provided opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute – and earn my way up the corporate ladder.

Of course, there are those that have not been as fortunate and have been perhaps hastily judged based on their gender, race, or another factor beyond their skills, experience, and potential. And while the individual suffers, the organization suffers as well – missing an opportunity to diversify their team, and bring new and innovative voices and ideas to the table.

So on International Women’s Day, and all year long, I continue to pledge myself to doing whatever I can within my community and inside my organization – from offering guidance, support, mentorship, or simple words of encouragement – to help others unlock their potential and navigate their own career journeys; as well as help to break down biases, racism, and prejudice to ensure that the most deserving, qualified person gets the job based on merit and talent alone.

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Amanda Fitzsimmons, Head of Legal, Salt Security

As a woman leader in the cybersecurity field, I’ve seen firsthand how much progress we’ve made. When I started in this field nearly a decade ago, there were few women in the field, and even fewer in leadership roles. But while we've broken barriers, the reality is that women are still vastly underrepresented in this industry. This is why I love this year's International Women’s Day theme, "Accelerate Action." Progress doesn’t happen on its own—we need to actively open doors, advocate for inclusion, and ensure that the next generation of women doesn’t have to push as hard to get their voices heard. Real change happens when companies and their leaders commit to mentorship, create truly inclusive workplaces, and recognize the value of diverse perspectives in securing our digital world.

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Kari Mayfield, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Ping Identity

Increasing the representation of women in the tech industry drives innovation and business success by bringing diverse strengths and experiences together, helping to close the long-standing gender gap. To create a more inclusive tech landscape, we must be intentional in our daily interactions—ensuring all voices are heard, giving credit where it’s due, and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Building strong relationships, seeking mentorship, and supporting other women in the industry are crucial steps toward meaningful change. Inclusion starts with small, deliberate actions—inviting someone new to a project, reaching out for coffee, or actively engaging with those outside immediate circles. The multiplier effect is real, and through ongoing intention and commitment from each of us, we can create the culture of belonging that drives progress in the tech industry.

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Christina Cravens, Chief Growth Officer at Redjack

My strongest teams have always thrived on cross-generational mentorship between women. When I connect with my Gen Z colleagues, I'm constantly amazed by how our different perspectives create something greater than either generation could alone. They bring native fluency in digital tools and a refreshingly entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving, while I contribute strategic frameworks and organizational wisdom gained through decades in the field.

What makes these women-to-women relationships particularly powerful is our willingness to embrace emotional intelligence as a strength, not a weakness. Throughout my career, I've found that creating space for genuine connection—listening to a sales counterpart's concerns about both professional challenges and personal life—builds the kind of trust that technology alone cannot foster. This emotional awareness that many of us bring to our work shouldn't be downplayed but celebrated and leveraged. When I mentor younger women, I encourage them to lean into this capacity for empathy and connection, as it's been instrumental in my own success. The bonds we form across generations aren't just professionally advantageous; they create resilient support networks where we all feel empowered to bring our full selves to work, allowing us to collectively rise and redefine what leadership in technology truly means.

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Susan Hill, Head of People, Amperity

The ‘Accelerate Action’ theme for International Women’s Day is a call to push beyond dialogue and drive tangible change in gender equity, particularly in the tech sector. While women have made remarkable strides, the industry still faces challenges—from underrepresentation in leadership roles to persistent pay gaps and unconscious bias. Now is the time to break down these barriers faster by creating more opportunities, fostering mentorship, and ensuring equitable policies that drive real impact.

At Amperity, we recognize that visibility matters and that we have work to do to live into our commitments. Representation inspires future generations of women in STEM, and it’s our responsibility to create pathways for them to thrive. By championing inclusion, advocating for fair policies, and celebrating the contributions of women in tech, we can accelerate meaningful progress toward a more equitable industry.

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Kams Narayan, Director of Product Management for APIM, SnapLogic

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, talent, and leadership of women who continue to break barriers in industries traditionally seen as male-dominated. It’s also a call to action—to support, connect, inspire, and uplift the next generation while honoring the women who have continually proven that talent and leadership are not defined by gender. Where talent shortages persist, we all must take an active role in mentoring and empowering more women to step forward with confidence. As Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'

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Aziza Bonk, SOC Analyst and Forensic Investigator at Keepit

Women in technology have made incredible strides, yet the journey remains filled with challenges. Throughout my career in cybersecurity, I’ve often been the only woman in the room. From my studies in Germany and Denmark to my role as a SOC Analyst, I’ve had to prove my capabilities in ways my male colleagues haven’t. Despite this, I’ve seen firsthand how women bring unique strengths—structured thinking, analytical depth, and resilience—that make us exceptional in technical fields.

One of the biggest struggles women face globally is balancing career growth with societal expectations. In many industries, including tech, career progression often comes at the cost of personal sacrifices, particularly for mothers. I experienced this firsthand when my ex-husband and I—both in the same field—had our first child. While he advanced to senior roles, I had to step back. This pattern is still too common, reinforcing the need for more inclusive workplace policies and support systems.

Looking ahead, I hope for a future where women in tech no longer have to fight for their place but are recognized for their skills from the start. We need more representation, more mentors, and, most importantly, a shift in mindset—both in the industry and in society. Women belong in tech, not because of diversity quotas but because we bring valuable perspectives that drive innovation. My advice to young women: Believe in yourself, seek out mentors, and take up space—you deserve to be here.

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Molly Presley SVP of Global Marketing for Hammerspace

On Saturday, March 8th, the world celebrates International Women's Day by honoring the accomplishments of women in different industries, particularly in tech, while acknowledging the inequalities and injustices that exist. This year's theme, 'Accelerate Action,' is a worldwide call for more strategies, resources, and actions that positively impact the global advancement of women. It's also a call for all of us, especially those in leadership positions, to step forward in solidarity and accelerate the rate of progress towards true equality.

My tech career trajectory has been greatly influenced by exceptional leaders pushing me to exceed my expectations.  A significant part of my career journey has been mentoring women in technology, which is my way of giving back to those who have mentored me.  Becoming actively involved with the 'Women in High-Performance Computing' organization (WHPC) allows me to promote mentoring programs, curated resources, and job access that help women in HPC and technical computing achieve their professional goals. I  strongly urge aspiring young women in the tech field to seek guidance from experienced professionals and engage in activities such as joining professional associations. They can provide the support, educational resources, networking opportunities, and motivation necessary to succeed in their chosen career path.

I believe the path to accelerating action toward gender equality lies with visionary leaders who recognize that a diverse team that empowers female members is the key to success. Working together, we can advance towards our goals and achieve remarkable accomplishments by fostering an environment that promotes respect, encouragement, and the support we all need to reach our full potential.

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Vicky Wills, CTO at Exclaimer

According to the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity based on the current rate of progress. It's likely this will take even longer in the tech industry given that women represent only 28.2% of the global tech workforce. While I wish there was an easy way to fix this, this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, should be seen as an urgent call for all of us—leaders, educators, and businesses—to take meaningful, measurable steps to break down these barriers.
 
The gender gap in the tech industry has now gone beyond a hiring issue to a systemic challenge. From societal expectations and career progression to unconscious bias and representation in leadership, every link in the chain has cracks that need urgent repair. If we don’t act decisively, we risk losing talented women from our industry at an alarming rate.
 
However, fostering genuine inclusion does not just mean bringing more women into technology roles. It means ensuring they are seen, heard, and actually given the opportunities they deserve. In AI, cybersecurity, IT, and beyond, diversity should never be about meeting quotas, but building stronger, more innovative businesses.  
 
Real change starts with awareness, but progress depends on action. We must call out bias where it exists, embed fair and inclusive hiring and development practices, and champion mentorship, sponsorship, and visibility for women in tech. These small, but consistent efforts, have the potential to create lasting impact.  
 
There is still lots to be done, but by committing to progress—at every level of our industry—we can create a future where technology truly reflects the diversity of the world it serves.

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Sarah Richardson, Senior Developer, Assured Data Protection

My role involves the development and maintenance of high-quality software solutions, as well as collaboration with key teams. Additionally, I identify areas of improvement for our product and development processes, ensuring that they are scalable and adhere to best practices.
 
For women entering tech and STEM, my advice is to seek opportunities to learn whenever possible and identify knowledge gaps that you can address. Cultivate a robust network through your colleagues and industry events, such as Wit Notts. A mentor can prove to be invaluable when commencing your journey within an organization, offering guidance and counsel as you navigate challenges and learning opportunities. Furthermore, I would recommend that you strive to be yourself. Authenticity is a powerful asset and attempting to be someone you are not will only lead to exhaustion and is unsustainable.  
 
When it comes to gender pay equality, my advice is to advocate for yourself, recognize your worth, and request what you deserve. To push for systemic change, particularly for new or unpopular ideas, you must develop a compelling case for this change and ensure that the relevant information is easily accessible while encouraging individuals to engage with it. Collaborate to facilitate alignment of mindsets and goals, and promote an environment where individuals feel comfortable asking questions; this may also highlight any concerns they may have, which you can assist them in addressing.
 
Developing leadership skills can be done by identifying and seeking opportunities to develop these skills, such as mentoring new hires, participating in leadership courses, and implementing or coordinating new workplace initiatives. A mentor plays a crucial role in this process— they offer guidance, support, and valuable information; they can also assist you in navigating the complexities of leadership. They will share their experiences, facilitate networking, and help hold you accountable. This support will aid you in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence essential for excelling in a leadership role.  
 
Supporting other women in the workplace involves actively participating in meetings and facilitating the voices of other women, we can create a more inclusive environment. Seek opportunities to celebrate women's achievements and acknowledge the sources of innovative ideas. Encourage the women in your circle to pursue opportunities and enhance their confidence. Whenever possible, offer constructive feedback to support their learning and development.
 
Finally, to promote inclusion at work, it’s important to encourage individuals to embrace their authentic selves by demonstrating that it is acceptable to do so. This will enhance their confidence, increase their energy levels, and make them more inclined to present innovative and unconventional ideas, as they will feel less apprehensive about being judged or dismissed.  
 
Foster a more inclusive workplace by incorporating workplace accommodations into the company's structure, rather than requiring employees to request them. Examples include flexible work hours, automatically generated meeting notes, closed captioning/transcripts, and uninterrupted work time. Workplace accommodations benefit all employees, not just women, those with disabilities, or individuals who are neurodiverse.

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Ellen Boehm, SVP, IoT Strategy & Operations at Keyfactor
 
The cybersecurity industry is a growing space and it’s incredibly exciting to be part of a mission for good. More importantly, in addition to the technological innovations, the industry has also transformed to become more inclusive, equal, and intentional.
 
For my whole career I’ve been one of a handful of women on every team I’ve been part of, due in part to the technical nature of my electrical engineering and IoT cybersecurity strategy roles. I have had the pleasure of working for progressive companies who value diversity and inclusion, and put an extra emphasis on supporting those sub-communities to provide networks by which people can grow their careers and skillset. I really believe this is making an impact and the women entering the workforce today are less concerned about who they work with, but instead, more focused about the impact and company values. It’s inspiring to see this evolve. 

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Hope Wang, Senior Technical Marketing Manager, Alluxio

As an Asian woman in tech, I've witnessed firsthand the barriers women face in STEM fields, both in education and work. The journey toward equality continues, but I'm optimistic about how the AI revolution, which GenAI accelerates, is democratizing access to technical education by lowering entry barriers that have historically kept diverse voices out. AI tools are becoming great equalizers, opening doors for women to learn, create, and innovate on their own terms.

This International Women's Day, I celebrate how technology can amplify our voices and accelerate inclusion, creating pathways for more women like me to thrive in spaces where we've been underrepresented for too long. When we create inclusion through accessible technology, we forge a more equitable future for all women in STEM.

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Annie Jose, Manager of Cloud Support, Zadara

Grace, Grit, and a Dash of Wit: Celebrating Women’s Power

On this Women's Day, let’s celebrate the quiet yet undeniable strength of a good woman. She doesn’t chase validation in fleeting achievements but finds purpose in integrity, resilience, and compassion. Her power isn’t about dominance—it’s about endurance, adaptability, and lifting those around her. Whether she’s leading in a boardroom, nursing the sick, managing a household, or mentoring the next generation, her impact isn’t measured by just accolades but also in the quiet yet transformative influence she wields with those she leads. As the saying goes, "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." Women’s influence, whether in the workforce or at home, shapes the very fabric of society.

Femininity is often mistaken for fragility, but in reality, it’s a force of nature. A good woman leads with both wisdom and warmth, blending emotional intelligence with sharp intuition. Whether as CEOs, scientists, educators, or homemakers, women change the world in ways both profound and subtle. It’s in their gentleness that the deepest transformations occur and in their strength that the world is reshaped, one moment at a time. But let’s be real—true progress isn’t a solo act. The strength of a good woman is magnified when she is surrounded by a community that recognizes, respects, and supports her. A thriving world is built not on competition but on collaboration, where people (men and women) uplift each other, embrace diverse strengths, and create space for anyone to lead and succeed.

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Shanthi Rajan, CEO of Linarc

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible power of diversity and gender equity in tech. Embracing these values is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a key driver of innovation, creativity, and empathy - qualities that help us solve the most complex challenges of our time. Women have always played an essential role in shaping technology, and their contributions continue to lead the way, bringing fresh perspectives and visionary leadership.

Today, let’s focus on creating environments where women are not just included, but truly empowered to thrive. By diversifying leadership pipelines, rethinking promotion criteria, and offering the support and resources women need, we can unlock a future of boundless possibilities. When women lead, technology soars, and innovation knows no limits. On this special day, let’s commit to a future where women are at the forefront, shaping the tech industry for generations to come.

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Cindy Heiner, CISO, Aiden Technologies
 
When I started my career, I was often the only woman in the room. The key to being heard was specializing deeply in one area. For me, it was application security and Dynamic Application Security Testing tools. Finding a niche and becoming an expert not only made me invaluable—it gave me the chance to lead.  
 
My advice to all women: carve out your own space of expertise. Specialization helps you stand out, contribute meaningfully, and shape the conversation.  
 
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we must also hold companies accountable for their commitment to gender diversity. Diversity of thought has long been proven to drive innovation and better leadership. If companies aren’t prioritizing it by now, it’s a choice. It isn’t about choosing gender diverse candidates for the sake of diversity alone. It’s about allowing your companies to benefit from diversity.   
 
We need to challenge those with all-male leadership teams and make decisions based on their real commitment to inclusivity. Ask yourself: Are they genuinely seeking diversity, or simply ticking a box? And when the answer isn’t clear, let your choices drive change.

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Lisa Hawes, Product Director, DTECH, Cubic Defense

International Women’s Day serves as a time to reflect on where women find themselves today and the progress made since the holiday was created in 1971. Throughout my career, working in cybersecurity, cross-domain solutions and payment processing, I have seen firsthand the value of stepping outside of comfort zones, taking on challenges and embracing a learning mindset. Growth does not come from certainty—it comes from taking risks, adapting and using those experiences to support others along the way. 

I am thankful for every opportunity and team I have worked on where voices from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are brought into the fold. Success is taking your individual achievements to then foster thriving and productive team environments. Organizations that recognize the value of different perspectives and invest in the next generation are the ones that drive innovation in the future. 

International Women’s Day is a reminder of the role all leaders play in opening doors, amplifying voices and championing employees at every stage of their careers. By acting together, we help build a future where women in every industry, can lead, contribute and succeed.

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Louise Willoughby-Petit, Chief People Officer, Beekeeper

International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions women make across industries, particularly in essential sectors like healthcare and social services, where they represent over 64% of frontline workers. Yet, these women face systemic barriers such as unequal access to leadership roles, inadequate support or compensation for caregiving responsibilities, and a lack of workplace flexibility that makes it harder for them to thrive.

This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls on all of us to move beyond surface-level recognition and take tangible steps toward workplace equity. For women in frontline industries, this means breaking the mold and advocating for policies that promote equality, growth, and autonomy. However, it’s important to note that creating meaningful change isn’t just the responsibility of women—it requires collective action from employers, policymakers, and society as a whole to create a future where women across all industries are empowered to succeed.

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Terri McBride, Chief People Officer, Protegrity

This International Women’s Day, we are called more than ever to provide a model of merit-based positive leadership to our employees. Human capital depends on how much we invest in and expect of people, and offering inclusive opportunities to all employees not only drives value but increases visibility. Women account for less than one-third of the global technology workforce, and even fewer make up executive roles. Tech companies are well placed to create equitable high-performing work environments that have interest in the unique voices of all employees, including women. This includes ensuring equitable hiring practices, implementing practical and supportive policies and processes, creating platforms for all employees to share their ideas, and fostering environments where all employees can bring the best of themselves to work. By fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and diversity, companies can not only enrich their organizational dynamics but also drive innovation and success within their industry.

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Susan Odle, Chief Growth Officer at StorMagic

As a leader, navigating challenges unique to women in tech has required resilience and a focus on results. It's easier today than it was 20 years ago, as women are now more expected to be in the room. However, when I entered the workforce, it was transparently a man's world, and I had to make a conscious choice to become a part of it and deliver results. The key has always been producing expected outcomes regardless of obstacles, and while we've made progress, there's still work to be done. I hope to see an increase of women in leadership roles beyond founder positions over the next 5-10 years, with hiring managers focusing on the whole candidate and their ability to deliver results.  
 
My perspective is shaped by my own journey in technology. I've been a "geek" my whole life – when my dad lined up at Radio Shack to purchase one of the first home computers, it sparked something in me. Years later, reading about the booming tech industry in the Toronto Star, I knew I had to be part of it. That passion still drives me, more than  25 years into my tech career, starting in straight commission sales selling OCR solutions and working my way up to Chief Growth Officer at StorMagic.
 
In my experience, encouraging more women in tech starts with parenting. Career success in tech comes from a passion for technology, and the earlier this encouragement and exposure starts, the better. We must instill the belief in young girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to and expose them to as many opportunities as possible.  
 
My advice to women entering the tech industry is simple: just go for it. Nothing in this world that’s worth achieving is going to be easy, and no one’s journey is a straight path. Every turn on the road is a learning opportunity. Tech moves faster than any other industry and that means it is risky, but it is equally rewarding with a resilient mindset, discipline and work ethic. A career is a journey, not a race.

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Lorri Janssen-Anessi, Director of External Cyber Assessments, BlueVoyant

For women in cybersecurity, my best advice is to set strong boundaries, curate a supportive professional network and carve out your own path. Confidence isn't about knowing everything, it's about knowing how to figure it out.

To excel in cybersecurity, think beyond the basic skillsets. Cybersecurity is complex and needs all kinds of skills and talent. Develop adversarial thinking by studying hacker mindsets, enhance psychological insight to counter social engineering campaigns and attacks, and develop your decision making skills under pressure which will make you invaluable during a crisis.

Storytelling and influence are skills that will translate complex risks to executive action. Step into situations that make you feel uncomfortable, this will push you to rely on your expertise and help you identify the areas where you need to grow.

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Marcia Dempster, VP Channel Sales, Americas at Securonix

I do think cyber is becoming more inclusive. I see more and more women led teams, women led companies, and women led groups to empower each other in and outside of the workplace. It's a beautiful thing.

It's so important to encourage women of all ages to not be afraid to step into technology as a career. We have a LOT of great people to learn from and grow with. I'm thrilled to see more female C-levels in big tech companies – it gives me a lot of hope, and it gives me hope for very young girls like my two-year-old niece and my younger cousins (one of whom DID enter the technology industry and she is absolutely crushing it!).

Looking out for future talent is so key. Nurture them, teach them, listen to them.  We can learn a lot by listening.

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Galit Lubetzky, Co-Founder and CEO, Wing Security

International Women's Day is a stark reminder of how far we have come in the technology industry, but also how far we have to go. At the start of my career in cybersecurity, I was often the only woman in the room and had to fight for my voice to be heard. Now, it’s encouraging to see more and more young women entering the field to balance the scales and ensure a more welcoming workforce for future generations.

Looking back on my career, the advice that I would give to other women, whether they are entering the field or have been here for years, is to focus on your leadership skills, leave the door open to opportunities and don’t be afraid to go after the opportunities that are calling to you.

The bar is higher for women to achieve leadership roles, which means non-technical skills like problem solving, communication, strategic thinking and business acumen are essential to develop throughout your career to stand out.

I was brought up to always challenge myself and learn through adversity. After my 20 year career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), I knew that I enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking strategically about security issues. 

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Raluca Rusu, CEO of R Systems Europe
 
Gender bias remains a critical issue in the technology industry and has been since I joined the field more than 20 years ago.
 
There is still often the tendency to consider women less skilled for technical roles, which is why women feel the need to work more to prove themselves. Organizations must provide clear feedback and recognition for their contributions, ensuring that both their achievements and their peers’ awareness of those accomplishments are amplified.
 
As a result of this, however, women tend to exclude themselves from growth opportunities. I have seen and experienced firsthand how women often feel the need to prepare more and gather more experience before they ask for promotions.
 
To help overcome gender bias and the self-perception gaps women face, organizations and managers in the technology industry must:

• Clearly communicate role expectations and have open discussions about where they can enhance their skills or gain new experiences
• Openly encourage women to apply for new positions even if they don’t feel fully there
• Regularly offer  mentorship opportunities and training programs so that women can easily obtain new skills and expertise
  

Each of these steps ensures that an organization benefits from the diversity of perspective, approach, and creativity brought to the teams by including women.

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Bindu Sundaresan, Director of Cybersecurity, LevelBlue (formerly AT&T cybersecurity)

I was first introduced to STEM by my parents, who encouraged me to explore technological fields and take advantage of STEM opportunities. Their support led me to pursue a degree in engineering, setting the foundation for my career in cybersecurity. Like many women, I’ve faced skepticism from those who doubted that we have a place in this field. But I persisted and strived to be a role model for other women doing the same.

As a woman of color, I know firsthand how important it is to bring different perspectives to the table. The lack of gender-balanced InfoSec teams has been a long-standing problem in the industry, and while we still have a long way to go in order to truly diversify the industry, the fact that we are talking about the gender gap is a good starting point. When I first began my career twenty years ago, I was the only woman in a room full of men and now that ratio has begun to shift. I’ve gotten to do a lot of amazing work in my career, but helping to recruit women of color in cybersecurity is one of my biggest accomplishments.

Still, there’s more work to be done. We need to prioritize mentorship, create visible career paths, and foster inclusive environments where women feel supported. Seeing women in leadership roles and having access to professional growth opportunities makes a significant difference in both attracting and retaining talent. By cultivating an environment that values diversity and inclusion, we can build a cybersecurity workforce that’s stronger and more representative of the world it serves.

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Stephanie Aceves, Senior Director of Product Management, Tanium

It’s often advertised to women in cybersecurity that their careers will be full of obstacles and discrimination, and that their efforts will be disproportionately discounted in comparison to their male counterparts. This creates a losing situation for women and, to use a term coined by psychologist Claude Steele, propagates stereotype threat – a psychological threat that occurs among people when a negative stereotype affects their 'group.' Ultimately, this means that by continuing to talk about the obstacles and discrimination women could face in cybersecurity, we create an environment of high anxiety and stress for the women we are trying to empower, and put them at a higher risk of burnout and cognitive overload.
 
If we want to empower women and change the status quo, we must direct our attention to the unique qualities that make women well-suited for the role. While discrimination and obstacles might exist, they are not as relevant in my reality as is my ability to lead with intuition, to problem solve with a wide lens, and to build community among my team. The truth is that women are exceptionally suited for a myriad of roles in cybersecurity, and we do ourselves and them a disservice by focusing on the obstacles.

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Carlotta Kennedy, Cyber Incident Response Manager, Nightwing

Over the past 20+ years, my experiences have been instrumental in shaping me into the cybersecurity professional I am today. While each challenge has tested me, they have also been deeply rewarding. Leading across organizations and projects, I’ve always understood that I was representing more than just my team. Often, I was the only Black, female, veteran voice in the room—a reality that pushed me to lead with purpose, advocate for my teams, and ensure that my presence made a meaningful impact.

I remain dedicated to serving as a mentor to young men and especially younger female professionals who, like me, aim to break down the barriers in their path to pursue a career in cybersecurity. It’s crucial for women in leadership roles like mine to step forward as examples, role models, and mentors for those aspiring to follow a similar career path.

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Shira Hayon, Product Manager, CTERA

As a female product manager in the high-tech world, I’m no stranger to bias. It's woven into boardroom conversations, hiring processes, and even everyday interactions. But what happens when that bias becomes an invisible force embedded in the very tools we build and rely on? A series of recent studies have exposed alarming gender bias in generative AI, revealing how these models reinforce outdated stereotypes—without us even realizing it.

AI systems are trained on historical data, and that data is riddled with inequality. Studies have shown that AI-powered hiring tools have favored male candidates, financial algorithms have granted women lower credit limits, and healthcare models have misdiagnosed women due to male-centric data. Even generative AI reinforces outdated gender stereotypes, associating men with leadership and innovation while portraying women in domestic or subordinate roles.

For example, when an AI model was asked to write a story, it assigned high-status jobs like "doctor" and "engineer" to men, while women were more often depicted as nurses, domestic servants, or even cooks. Another study found that AI-generated stories about men included words like "adventurous," "treasure," and "sea" while women's stories were dominated by words like "love," "gentle," and "husband." These biases shape how AI presents professional identities and personal aspirations, reinforcing harmful stereotypes rather than challenging them.

For women in tech, these biases are more than an inconvenience—they are career-defining barriers. If AI-driven recruitment systems prioritize male applicants, fewer women will enter leadership roles. If AI-generated business insights undervalue women's contributions, our voices will be further marginalized in decision-making. The future of work is being shaped by these algorithms, and if left unchecked, they will solidify a world where women continue to struggle for equal opportunities.

As AI integrates deeper into our daily lives, its gender biases will define the future. If these systems continue to reflect an unequal past, women risk being systematically excluded from the technological revolution that is supposed to empower us. Instead of progress, we may be heading toward a future where AI becomes the ultimate gatekeeper, reinforcing the very barriers we have fought to break.

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Suneetha Uppalapati, Head of Client Platform Solutions, WaveMaker

As we continue to shape the future of digital transformation, women play a pivotal role in leading the charge. Their perspectives—often a challenge to traditional thinking—drive innovative solutions and comprehensive strategies that transform industries. With qualities like adaptability, resilience, strategic prioritization, and empathy, women in leadership are navigating the complexities of change. Including more women in decision-making roles not only fosters innovation but also aligns strategies with the real needs of the market. The rise of digital transformation is opening up new opportunities for women’s economic empowerment—creating paths for them to start businesses, access untapped markets, and gain valuable skills.

Products developed by diverse teams are better positioned to succeed in today’s global marketplace. By ensuring that teams reflect the diversity of the consumers they aim to serve, we unlock creative solutions that meet the needs of a broader audience. This is especially true in fields like AI and emerging technologies, where diverse representation isn’t just beneficial—it’s crucial. Diverse voices ensure that products aren’t just functional, but also fair and inclusive. Without them, we risk building solutions that don’t serve everyone equally.

Women leaders and influencers are having a tangible impact on product, business, and GTM strategies. They are not just driving digitalization; they are using it to solve real-world challenges, especially those that affect girls’ well-being and their access to education and technology. By empowering the next generation of women with digital skills and leadership opportunities, we’re shaping the future of tech.

But representation is just the beginning. It’s mentorship, sponsorship, and active advocacy that truly fuel the growth of women in tech. Senior professionals have a critical role in creating environments where women can thrive, lead, and innovate. True change comes not from intent, but from action, where gender diversity is embedded as a core driver of progress in tech.

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Tara Darbyshire, Co-Founder and EVP Strategic Accounts & Partnerships, SmartSuite

Empowering women in technology has been a core part of my journey as a co-founder of two technology companies. As a member of the Executive Women's Forum, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring women in information security, IT risk management, and privacy. Establishing the EWF-INI Tara Darbyshire Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University has been especially meaningful, helping graduate students advance their research in information security.

I’m also proud to have co-founded Women of NoCode, a community dedicated to supporting and inspiring women to leverage no-code tools. By offering resources, mentorship, and a strong network, we aim to amplify women’s voices in tech. On International Women’s Day, I celebrate the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women in technology. By lifting each other up we continue to break barriers and drive progress for future generations. Together, we must remain committed to fostering opportunities for women in tech, ensuring that we build a more inclusive and innovative industry together.

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Stacey Cameron, CISO, Halcyon

I love that women’s representation in STEM fields has made remarkable strides over the years, yet we still have a long way to go. Women continue to be underrepresented in tech, making up only 28% of the workforce in computing and mathematical occupations (Source: CIO). The gender pay gap persists, with women in tech earning, on average, 84 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. These numbers highlight the pressing need for continued change.

What we’re seeing now is that women have broken barriers in leadership, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. I’d highlight that representation at the executive level is crucial. As women in leadership roles grows, we as executives should make every effort to mentor, whether formally or informally, we should uplift the next generation. I fully believe, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Many successful women had support along the way, myself included, and it’s vital to pay it forward.

A term I love is work-life optimization as opposed to work-life balance. Balance assumes a 1:1 ratio, when in reality the scales are often tipped to achieve optimal performance with work and life in general. Several years ago, a female executive confided in me that she chose work over family because she believed sacrifices were necessary for success. While this was her path, I hope the future brings more choices—not forced trade-offs. Women should not have to choose between a thriving career and a fulfilling personal life. Instead, organizations must foster environments where living is being penalized but encouraged. This extends beyond women—it’s a universal issue of creating workplaces that value the whole person.

My vision for the future is as laws and regulations evolve, companies remain proactively committed to closing these gaps in the workforce. I want to see more women in leadership, more inclusive work cultures, and more organizations recognizing that a diverse, supported workforce is a stronger workforce. The results speak for themselves – when women succeed, industries and economies thrive.

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Katy Gwilliam, Global Department Head, Veracode

Cybersecurity is an exciting and critical industry, but it suffers from a persistent lack of representation. It is well known that diverse teams perform better, yet the number of women pursuing careers in the field is still far lower than men.

As an advocate for changing this narrative, I’ve found myself drawn to environments where accelerating diversity is a core value. For example, at Veracode, we partner with the Executive Women’s Forum, which supports women in cybersecurity at all stages of their careers. We also recently launched our own employee-led women’s advocacy group called “Her’d” with a mission of building a network of women across the company who can empower, educate, and collaborate with one another. However, the industry must work collectively to accelerate further action. Early exposure through classroom engagement, mentorship programs and hands-on learning is a terrific way to attract the next generation of defenders and remove barriers to entry.

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Julie Baron, Chief Product Officer, O’Reilly Media

Many leaders I know are grappling with the need for greater efficiency in their organizations—whether that’s leveraging AI for the bottom line, optimizing resources, or strengthening their market position. But efficiency isn’t only about technology or processes; it’s about people. Companies need everyone on their teams to commit to using AI to aid in all of the above examples for efficiencies to take hold.

With significant talent shortages still raging across all sectors, investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do—it's a business imperative. When organizations actively support and develop female talent, they unlock innovation and create lasting impact within and beyond the workplace, where women can reinvest in their teams and within their communities. International Women’s Day is a reminder that investing in women isn’t a one-day conversation; it’s an everyday commitment.

At O’Reilly, that commitment extends to real, tangible action. To help break down barriers in the technology industry, we are preparing to launch O’Reilly’s annual 2025 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) scholarship, providing 500 recipients—including women and other underrepresented groups in tech—with a year of free access to our vast online learning platform. By equipping more women with in-demand skills, certification prep, and hands-on AI training, O’Reilly is not only fostering career growth but also shaping a more inclusive future for the industry. Beyond the scholarship, O’Reilly remains dedicated to building a more diverse workforce, increasing women’s representation in leadership, and amplifying diverse voices across its platform. Because when women succeed, companies—and entire industries—thrive.

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Poornima DeBolle, Cofounder & General Manager, Data Security at Menlo Security

International Women's Day is the day we should pause and reflect on our actions throughout the year to support and accelerate women's participation and success in the workforce. As I reflect on the year, unfortunately, I have to acknowledge multiple occasions where I observed inequality in both opportunity and equity. It reinforced my desire to fight harder and work with colleagues and industry leaders to address the challenges women face everyday. "Accelerate Action" is the perfect theme for a year when things seem to be sliding backwards. I commit myself to calling out inequality when I see it, mentor younger women, and counsel my daughter to own her place at the table. I am proud of the next generation of women who are forging a more confident path and I hope this will be a non-issue for my daughter's generation.

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Danielle West, Head of Corporate Marketing, Nutrient

We’ve come a long way since I entered the tech space 10 years ago, when I was often the only woman in the room. Today at Nutrient, women make up nearly 30% of our organization, from countries around the globe, representing every team including product and engineering. In a world where technology is evolving by the day, having a diverse group of people at the virtual table is critical for creativity and ideation, allowing businesses to continue to transform at speed. This includes women of every age, background, culture, and experience.

Remote working, access to the internet, and more inclusive education have opened up opportunities for women globally, and with changes in working trends, we need to ensure these opportunities don’t disappear.

We need to continue to push for education not only in technical skills, but in all areas of business, from negotiating salaries and benefits, to asking for a promotion, or to just feel empowered to speak up or stand up for ourselves in traditionally male-dominated roles. This International Women’s Day, we are reminded that it’s our responsibility as leaders - both women leaders and our male allies - to continue to fight for accelerated gender equality.

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Mye Bahamonde, EVP of People at Deepwatch

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this year’s theme—“Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”—reminds us that progress requires intention, not just today, but every day. In the fast-evolving world of tech and cybersecurity, we must go beyond conversation to drive real, lasting change—creating inclusive workplaces, championing women in leadership, and investing in diverse talent. Equally important is building a strong network of mentors, allies, and personal boards of directors—those who empower, challenge, and support us to know our worth and break barriers. Let’s commit to intentional action that fosters equity, amplifies voices, and accelerates the future we want to see.

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Supriya Goswami, VP Product Marketing at Whatfix

This International Women's Day, the theme of "Accelerate Action" is a powerful call to drive tangible progress in gender equality. In the tech industry, this means not only recognizing the contributions of women but actively creating pathways for their advancement. Companies must prioritize initiatives that accelerate the inclusion of women in leadership roles, support their professional development, and ensure equitable opportunities for growth. By fostering a culture of action, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and innovative industry.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's crucial to focus on actionable steps that make a real difference. This includes implementing mentorship programs, providing access to continuous learning opportunities, and promoting policies that support work-life balance. Let's commit to making 2025 a year of significant progress, where every woman has the chance to achieve her full potential.

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Aditi Gupta, Sr. Manager, Professional Services Consulting, Black Duck

When I entered the technology workforce in India over 15 years ago, women made up roughly 12% of the STEM workforce. Growing up in my small Indian town, my exposure to professional women was primarily limited to teachers and bank employees, even though countless women contributed invisibly to the economy through informal labor. As one of the fortunate 8% of women enrolled in engineering programs then, I learned early on to pursue the less traveled path.

After transitioning to the United States in 2014, I found the landscape somewhat similar, though the context was different. Here, women’s representation in tech has marginally increased from about 25% in 2009 to roughly 28% in 2024, highlighting a universal challenge in achieving gender parity.

Today, as a cybersecurity professional in the U.S., I stand on the shoulders of pioneering women from both cultures. However, the World Economic Forum’s projection that workforce gender parity won’t be achieved until 2158 serves as a sobering reminder of the work still ahead. While organizations strive to balance DEI initiatives with meaningful changes, research shows that companies with diverse leadership outperform their peers financially by 25%.

At Black Duck, our everyday advocacy helps to bridge these gaps. Our women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), supported by leadership, provides mentorship, sponsorship, and networking opportunities and works to increase the visibility and representation of women in the industry.

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Kris Bondi, CEO, Mimoto

International Women’s Day is not only about the accomplishments of women, but a reminder that everyone deserves an opportunity. What you do with that opportunity is how you should be measured.

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April Lenhard, Principal Product Manager - Qualys

Three key strategies to my success in the cybersecurity industry: be curious to know more, formally and informally learn more, and then teach what you know.

• Be curious about everything, especially if it is outside your scope of knowledge and scope of practice: most of the time, the majority of high risk/high reward professional opportunities are in connecting those dots. This involves operating with little to no guidance or constraints, and proceeding until apprehended. It also gives you opportunities to learn about parts of a team or aspects of a company you otherwise would not have interacted with- which can open up pathways down the road for more connections and more partnerships.
• Constantly maximize both your formal and informal professional development: anything from a college class to increase your knowledge in a specific subject area to an audiobook on hostage negotiation if you need more ideas on how to have difficult conversations.
• Finally, never hoard information: showing and teaching knowledge is such a critical component for ensuring organizations can function, but so few people actually take the time to pass on the intel they gain. Doing this both invests in your own presentation skills, and invests in others. In medicine we’ve learned “see once, do once, teach once”- for example, watching a sales pitch, giving a sales pitch, and then teaching how to give a sales pitch. Although this can be trial by fire, with the correct supportive team it is the best way to quickly increase your proficiency and become comfortable with almost anything you are responsible for.