Our Founder

Lisa Kearney: Founder of International Women in Cyber Day & Cybersecurity Advocate

is a pioneering cybersecurity professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for women in tech, founded International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) in 2018 to celebrate the achievements of women in cybersecurity and push for greater inclusivity within the industry. As the CEO and Founder of the Women Cybersecurity Society (WCS2), Lisa has dedicated her career to mentoring, advocating, and creating opportunities for women in cybersecurity, helping to bridge the gender gap in the field.

With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and risk management, Lisa has worked with government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and global enterprises, strengthening their security infrastructure and policies. Her expertise spans penetration testing, security architecture, incident response, and governance, making her a respected leader in the industry.

Lisa is also a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered keynote addresses and panel discussions at international cybersecurity conferences, industry summits, and academic institutions. Her speaking engagements focus on cybersecurity awareness, diversity and inclusion, workforce development, and the critical role of women in cybersecurity. Through her advocacy and leadership, she has mentored hundreds of women and helped launch cybersecurity careers worldwide.

Despite challenges such as the misappropriation of IWCD’s name by others, Lisa and her team remain committed to preserving the integrity of this movement and ensuring that it continues to honor, support, and empower women in cybersecurity. Her unwavering dedication to the cause is shaping the future of cybersecurity by fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Who We Are

Our Mission and Vision

International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD), also known as Women in Cyber Day, was founded by cybersecurity veteran Lisa Kearney, CEO of the Women CyberSecurity Society (WCS2)—Canada’s first organization dedicated to supporting women in cybersecurity.

Recognizing the urgent need for a global initiative that promotes gender diversity, inclusion, and recognition, WCS2 established IWCD to celebrate the contributions of women, advocate for their advancement, and drive meaningful change.

With women making up only 12% of the global cybersecurity workforce (and just 10% in Canada), the industry continues to struggle with a severe talent gap. Increasing gender diversity in cybersecurity is critical—not only for equity and representation but also for creating stronger, more innovative, and resilient security solutions. A diverse cybersecurity workforce brings new perspectives, skills, and approaches, ultimately leading to a safer digital world for all.

IWCD is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. By recognizing and empowering women in cybersecurity, we are building a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has a place in shaping the security of our digital world.

The Global Impact of International Women in Cyber Day

International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) was founded in 2018 to celebrate and recognize the contributions of women in cybersecurity. What began as a single event in September 2019 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has since grown into a global movement, with individuals, organizations, and groups worldwide joining in to highlight female achievements, promote diversity, and inspire future leaders.

Key Milestones & Recognitions

🌟 Recognized as a Top 5 Nonprofit in Canada for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
🌟 Proclaimed in 9 out of 10 provinces across Canada, officially recognizing Women in Cyber Day.
🌟 Countless global celebrations, with organizations, industry leaders, and advocates championing the cause.
🌟 Impactful events, scholarships, and awards advancing gender diversity in cybersecurity.
🌟 Strategic partnerships with major organizations to drive meaningful change.

Our efforts have significantly increased visibility and support for women in cybersecurity, while amplifying success stories and inspiring future generations.

Looking Ahead: A Global Acknowledgment

While we’ve made remarkable progress, our ultimate goal is to have the United Nations officially recognize International Women in Cyber Day as a globally recognized day of action. By continuing to build awareness, foster collaboration, and advocate for change, we are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and secure digital world for all.

Join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity! 🚀💜