I’m incredibly proud to share that I have been shortlisted in two categories at the National Diversity Awards 2026: Positive Role Model for Gender and Positive Role Model for Disability.
These awards are among the most respected in the UK for recognising individuals and organisations who are making a real difference to equality, diversity and inclusion. To be recognised in this way, particularly across two areas that are so deeply personal to me, is something I don’t take lightly.
My work has always been about creating a more inclusive, human-centred world in cyber security and beyond. As Founder and CEO of the AI and Cyber Security Association, and Founder of Neuro Unity, I’ve spent over two decades challenging barriers, opening doors and advocating for those who are too often overlooked or excluded.
In 2023, I was honoured to receive an MBE from King Charles III for services to cyber security and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. I am also proud to be a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security and a published author with Kogan Page, with my book Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity launching in April 2026.
Being shortlisted for the Gender award reflects my long-standing advocacy for women in cyber security, including mentoring, speaking and co-founding International Imposter Syndrome Awareness Day. The Disability nomination recognises my work through Neuro Unity and my commitment to speaking openly about my own neurodivergence. I was diagnosed as autistic in 2018, and later with ADHD, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, and I use that lived experience to challenge stigma and drive change.
This recognition is especially meaningful to me because I previously won the Positive Role Model for Gender award in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. That moment reinforced something I’ve always believed: this work matters most when things are at their hardest.
To now be recognised again, and in two categories, feels both humbling and deeply personal. Everything I do in this space comes from a place of wanting people to feel seen, supported and valued, particularly those who have been told they don’t belong.
Voting is now open, and if my work has resonated with you, I would be incredibly grateful for your support:
