Mikala Vidal, Chief Growth Officer, Lineaje:
“My hope for the future is that women find more inviting and supportive communities within leadership, tech, and cybersecurity. For example, there are plenty of women who pursue cybersecurity careers, but few stay the course. This isn’t because they are not qualified. It is because many determine that the environments they find themselves in just are not worth the struggle. And I get it – it is not an easy industry to navigate as a woman. Sometimes I think I stay out of pure spite. And not only will I not leave, I will do everything in my power to change the landscape from within. I want to see it break through to be way more than a quarter of the industry and see more female executives and founders achieve success and set the example for future generations.”
Jennifer Hackenburg, Product Marketing Director at Luminys:
“Women’s Equality Day is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead. Personally, it’s a day to reflect on the barriers broken by those who came before me and to recommit to creating space for future generations of women. When I first entered the field in 2003, there were very few women I could look to for guidance or support. But over time, I witnessed a quiet yet steady shift—as more women stepped forward, shared their perspectives, and claimed their space. It reinforces my belief that true equality isn’t just about representation, but about voice, influence, and the freedom to thrive without limitations.”
Shweta Ghosh, Director of Product Management, Cyware:
“Women’s Equality Day is both a reminder and a call to action. It reminds us of the progress women have made in breaking barriers and claiming our rightful place, while also challenging us to ensure equality is not just an idea, but an everyday reality. For me, that means opportunities must be defined by capability, vision, and determination—not by gender.
My journey in cybersecurity has reinforced this belief. When I started as a product manager, women were scarce in the rooms where strategic decisions were made. Over time, I’ve seen change, with more women stepping into technical and leadership roles, but there is still work to do. True progress requires mentorship, allyship, and building environments where women can grow, contribute, and lead. To me, being a woman in cybersecurity means using my voice to normalize women in leadership, to amplify diverse perspectives, and to show that this field is not just a career path, but a place where women can lead, innovate, and thrive.”
Women’s Equality Day and Women in Cybersecurity are deeply connected, and our responsibility as leaders is to lift as we rise, open doors that were once closed, and create a culture where diverse voices are heard and valued.”
Deepti Mishra, Principal Product Marketing Manager, Cyware:
“Women’s Equality Day is a reminder that true progress is not only about breaking barriers but also about owning our space and creating pathways for others to follow. My journey in cybersecurity has shown me that the field thrives on collaboration, with a community that lifts one another up and that inspires me every day.
My experience has taught me that equality and ownership go hand in hand. It’s not enough to simply have a seat at the table. To amplify our impact, we must speak with conviction, take on challenges with confidence, and ensure results. Cybersecurity grows stronger with diversity, and together we can shape a field where the best ideas thrive, regardless of who voices them.”
Becky Wallace, Head of People, LearnUpon:
“Women’s Equality Day is a reminder of just how much a difference women make in the workforce and how important it is to keep promoting gender equality through education and empowerment. Of course, there is still a lot of work to do, but everyday women around the world are making change happen – learning new skills, innovating and sharing knowledge to break down barriers and pave the way for others.
As leaders, we have the privilege of creating a culture where everyone belongs. When we talk openly about biases and give our teams the tools to challenge and tackle them, we foster an inclusive learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
At LearnUpon, learning is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud of the inclusive culture we have created. We know that we are more successful as a company when everyone brings their unique perspectives, so these conversations not only educate, they help create an open space where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. That’s why we run diversity and inclusion programs and host storytelling sessions where people across the company share their experiences.
On this Women’s Equality Day, we’re reaffirming our commitment to learning as a catalyst for equality. We encourage other organizations to take real, practical steps to advance gender inclusivity, like offering learning opportunities, creating space for open dialogue, and empowering every employee to be part of the change.”
Rebekah Lawrence, Senior Technical Writer at StorMagic:
“As a woman born in the 1960s, I was privy to a time when girls were excluded from so many things. For example, I used to attend the training sessions of a local football club, but I was never allowed to take part in actual matches. I only went to the training sessions to make a point. But now, nearly sixty years later, I find myself working for a company with a female CEO. And while some of the current political and social discourse is disturbing, her leadership gives me hope for the future, particularly because she embraces her feminine side in her role. Over the course of my career, I’ve noticed many women in leadership positions have had to assume a masculine persona to be successful, so I’m excited to see this changing.”
“I have always argued that everyone should meet each other on an equal basis as people; regardless of gender or any other distinguishing factor. However, as a woman, I am acutely aware of areas in which women might need more support. My main message to women in the workplace would be: don’t be afraid to assert yourself. Call out sexist language or behavior, while understanding that you need to educate the speaker, as often it isn’t a conscious attitude. And actively connect with other people who inspire you – whatever their gender is – and learn from them.”