Our Founder
Lisa Kearney is a pioneering cybersecurity professional, entrepreneur, and global advocate for women in technology. She founded International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) in 2018 to celebrate the achievements of women in cybersecurity and to drive greater equity, inclusion, and representation across the industry.
As the Founder and CEO of the Women CyberSecurity Society (WCS2)—Canada’s first organization dedicated to supporting women in cybersecurity—Lisa has spent her career mentoring, advocating, and creating opportunities for women worldwide. Through her leadership, WCS2 and IWCD have become recognized international movements advancing digital inclusion, professional development, and gender diversity in cybersecurity.
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, helping strengthen their security postures, policies, and resilience. Her expertise spans penetration testing, security architecture, incident response, and governance—making her a respected authority in the cybersecurity community.
A highly sought-after speaker and published writer, Lisa has delivered keynotes and participated in expert panels at major international cybersecurity conferences, government forums, and academic institutions. Her speaking engagements focus on critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity awareness, workforce development, digital rights, and the crucial role of women in building a secure and inclusive future in a digital economy.
Despite the misuse and misappropriation of the International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) name and brand, including the creation of unauthorized awards, Ms. Kearney and her team remain steadfast in protecting the integrity and intent of this global movement. Such actions undermine the genuine accomplishments of women in cybersecurity and go against the core values of respect, authenticity, and solidarity that IWCD represents.
At its heart, IWCD is about women respecting and uplifting other women—celebrating real contributions and leadership across the industry. Lisa continues to safeguard IWCD’s credibility, ensuring it remains a trusted and ethical platform that honors authentic achievement and advances inclusion throughout the global cybersecurity community.
Why IWCD?
Lisa recognized 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.
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! 🚀💜