At Qualitest where I work we have something that is very close indeed to my heart, and something I am very proud to be a part of. When I found out about it, I just KNEW I had to get involved and support it as much as I could ❤️

We have a diversity and inclusion initiative called Qualipride 🌈 which is the Employee Resource Group (ERG) for LGBTQ+ identifying employees and their allies in Qualitest and anyone who wants to learn about the LGBTQ+ community.

Our mission with Qualipride🌈 is to:

– Create a vibrant community
– Provide a safe space and support
– Grow empathy and understanding
– Reach out and engage with our communities

The vision for 2024 is to grow Qualipride🌈 globally by growing locally.

I’ve been a member of the Qualipride🌈 Committee since November last year as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and work closely with the Chair of Qualipride 🌈 James Barrett, CSM, PMP who is based in the USA. We’ve worked together on a variety of different initiatives, and I’m planning an event for Pride month in June at the UK Qualitest office in London. We don’t just focus on Pride Month though, we run events throughout the year and raise awareness around important landmark days such as Transgender Day of Visibility and World AIDS Day as examples. Recently we ran an “Introduction to Qualipride” webinar to introduce it to new employees, and to reintroduce it to existing ones. The link to the recording is here.

This is such an incredible initiative and one that I think all organisations should consider having to provide a safe space for their staff, and to be able to say to them it is okay to be yourself at work.

If you are interested in finding out more about Qualipride🌈 I’d love to arrange a call with you to talk you through it and how you can go about getting something similar set up, as well as getting buy in from senior leadership teams and boards. It is a shining example of what all organisations should be doing to support their staff and foster an inclusive culture for all ❤️ ❤️ 🌈 🌈

#QualiPride InclusionInTech #DiverseVoices #EqualityAtWork #EmpowerDiversity #UnityInDiversity g#InclusiveWorkplace #CelebrateDifferences #PrideInBelonging #EmbraceDiversity #InclusiveCulture #DiversityMatters #EqualOpportunities #StrengthInDiversity #AllWelcome #RespectAndInclusion #DiverseWorkforce

I was absolutely floored to get an email from the Women’s Society of Cyber Jutsu  in the States saying I’ve been nominted for an award in their “Cyber Mentor” category! I have no idea who nominated me, but I want to send a HUGE thank you to whoever it was.

The awards will take place alongside #CyberjutsuCon 4.0 on June 24th where you can get a day full of hands-on training, panels and discussions around cyber and careers. This will be followed by a networking reception and the awards ceremony.

Good luck to all those nominated and although I can’t be there in person, I hope to be able to join virtually.

Lisa Ventura MBE and Cyber Security Unity Limited is pleased to announce the release of “The Rise of the Cyber Women: Volume Three” through new cyber security publisher Security Blend Books.

As a woman in the cyber security industry who had a non-linear journey into it, Lisa, who is based in Worcester in the UK, was inspired to compile volumes one and two in 2020 and 2021 respectively, as well as volume three, which is a collection of interviews from diverse women in cyber security industry to help give a voice to women in the industry and to act as an inspirational guide to women who might be thinking about taking their first steps into a career in cyber security but think they lack the skills or competencies to do so.

“The Rise of the Cyber Women: Volume Three” is a compilation of inspiring interviews from women in the cyber security industry from all over the world who are pioneers and leading the way in helping to protect the world from the growing cyber threat. Those who are included and featured in this book shared not only their stories but also their hints, tips and advice to women who are looking to pursue a career in cyber security or change their career path into cyber security. Their tenacity and commitment to their careers in the cyber security industry is very impressive.

Speaking of the release of the book, Lisa Ventura MBE said: “I entered the cyber security industry in 2009 having spent the first part of my career working in the entertainment industry working with Chris Tarrant, the host of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” before Jeremy Clarkson took over. I knew that I wanted to stay in cyber security, but it soon became clear that I was a minority as a woman in the industry which was dominated predominantly by men. In 2019 I was at a talk at Infosec in London given by Professor Sue Black, and it was during this inspiring talk that I had the idea for “The Rise of the Cyber Women” book series. The interest in it was huge, so much so that I am already working on volume four to be released next year in line with International Women’s Day.

“I wanted to give a voice to women in cyber security globally and showcase their inspiring journeys into the industry in the hope that it helps and inspires other women to consider a career in the industry, but who may be put off because they think it is very male dominated and because they think they need a technical background to enter it. I was honoured that so many amazing women shared their stories with me for the book and hope it will be a valuable resource to women looking to enter the cyber security industry.”

James Bore CSyP of Security Blend Books said: “This is the latest instalment in the series as it continues to reach new heights in showcasing the achievements of women in the cyber security industry. It is well worth a read for guidance and inspiration!”

“The Rise of the Cyber Women: Volume Three” is available now on Amazon – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Cyber-Women-3/dp/1738515338/.

+++ Calling all women or those who identify as women in cyber security +++

After a hiatus of a couple of years, I’m compiling “The Rise of the Cyber Women: Volume 3” to be released on Friday 8 March 2024 – International Women’s Day. The format of the book will be a bit different this time, as it will be a collection of interviews from women or those who identify as women who are leading the way in the cyber security industry.

If you would like to take part, please download the Q&A here and return it to me completed with your responses via lisa@csu.org.uk. I will provide a copy of the book to all those who are chosen to participate, and I would love to showcase women or those who identify as women who have had a non-linear pathway or journey into the cyber security industry.

The deadline to send back a completed Q&A to me is Friday 23 February 2024, but the sooner the better please for the best chances of inclusion in the book.

I’m so looking forward to showcasing some of the amazing and talented women we have in the cyber security industry today to help inspire the next generation into careers in cyber, and I hope you will be part of it ❤️ ❤️