Breaking Barriers: My Journey to The Cyber Express 40 Under 40 Women in Cybersecurity
There are moments in your career when recognition transcends personal achievement—when it becomes a symbol of progress for an entire community. Holding the cover of The Cyber Express 40 Under 40 Women in Cybersecurity 2024 was one of those moments for me.
A Cover That Tells a Bigger Story
When the magazine arrived, I found myself staring at the cover with a mix of pride and responsibility. This wasn’t just about making a list—it was about representation, visibility, and the message it sends to every woman considering a career in cybersecurity.
Being featured on the cover page alongside inspiring cybersecurity leaders from around the globe felt like a rare privilege. These are women who are breaking through glass ceilings, challenging industry norms, and proving that diverse perspectives make security stronger.
More Than Recognition: A Platform for Change
What made this recognition particularly meaningful was the opportunity to share my journey and perspectives on page 50 of the magazine. The interview covered critical topics that are close to my heart:
The leadership challenge: Women in cybersecurity face unique obstacles in reaching leadership positions, from unconscious bias to lack of mentorship pipelines. But opportunities are growing as organizations recognize that diverse leadership teams make better security decisions.
Breaking down barriers: We discussed the crucial obstacles preventing women from entering cybersecurity—from stereotype threats to limited visibility of female role models in technical security roles.
The onboarding imperative: Getting more women into cybersecurity isn’t just about recruitment; it’s about creating inclusive cultures where they can thrive, advance, and lead.
The future of security: I shared my vision for how AI governance, automation, and human-centric security approaches will revolutionize our field—and why diverse teams are essential to building that future.
Why Representation in Cybersecurity Matters
The cybersecurity skills gap is well-documented, with millions of positions unfilled globally. Yet women represent only a fraction of the cybersecurity workforce. Recognition platforms like The Cyber Express 40 Under 40 do more than celebrate achievement—they create visibility.
When young women see leaders who look like them featured in industry publications, it shifts what seems possible. When organizations see successful women in cybersecurity leadership, it challenges assumptions about who belongs in technical roles.
Standing With Inspiring Leaders
What struck me most about this recognition was the caliber of fellow honorees. These women are architecting security frameworks for multinational corporations, leading incident response teams, pioneering security research, and advocating for policy changes that strengthen our global security posture.
To my fellow honorees: Your work inspires me daily. Together, we’re not just building careers—we’re reshaping an industry.
The Work Continues in the UAE and Beyond
Being recognized as part of this global cohort reinforces my commitment to advancing cybersecurity GRC and AI governance in the UAE and across the region. The UAE’s progressive approach to cybersecurity and commitment to diversity in tech creates fertile ground for women to lead and innovate.
Every panel I speak on, every mentorship conversation I have, and every framework I help implement is an opportunity to open doors for the next generation of women in cybersecurity.
To Every Woman Considering Cybersecurity
If you’re on the fence about entering this field, let this be your sign. Cybersecurity needs your perspective, your problem-solving approach, and your unique insights. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities.
The path isn’t always easy, but recognition like the 40 Under 40 proves that the industry is evolving. Organizations are actively seeking diverse talent, and there’s never been a better time to build a career in security.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
Thank you to The Cyber Express team for creating this platform and for the thoughtful interview process. Recognition like this fuels the mission to make cybersecurity more inclusive, accessible, and effective.
This magazine cover sits on my desk as a reminder—not of what I’ve achieved, but of the responsibility that comes with visibility. Every feature, every award, every platform is an opportunity to advocate for change and inspire others.
The journey continues. The barriers keep falling. And together, we’re building a cybersecurity industry that reflects the diverse world it protects.
Are you a woman considering a career in cybersecurity, or looking to advance into leadership roles? Let’s connect I’m always happy to share insights and support the next generation of security leaders.
By – Pooja Shimpi | Cybersecurity GRC & AI Governance Advisor
