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Vision & Voice Announces Its Advisory Board | Press Release

Written by Vision & Voice | Apr 9, 2024 12:54:52 AM

Industry Leaders from Financial Services, Healthcare and more tapped to advise the next generation of women in cybersecurity

San Francisco, CA., April 3, 2024 -- Today, Vision & Voice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders in cybersecurity, unveiled its official Advisory Board, a prominent committee of seasoned female professionals. The Vision & Voice Advisory Board will help the community’s 600+ members build, fortify and grow each successive generation of female talent entering and ascending in the workforce.

“Until very recently, cybersecurity was almost an entirely male-dominated industry. In recent years, there has been some solid progress – but there also remains a lot of work to be done, specifically related to increasing the number of women in leadership roles,” said Lisa Hayashi, Founder of Vision & Voice and CMO at SafeGuard Cyber. “In 2022, 25% of cybersecurity jobs were held by women globally; up by 5% since 2019, but still a long way from true equity. Only 17% of CISO positions in Fortune 500 companies are held by women; just 85 out of 500 positions. The industry can do a better job elevating women and inviting them to a seat at the table. Together with the newest members of our advisory board, Vision & Voice remains committed to creating more leadership and growth opportunities for women in cybersecurity professions.”

The fourteen members of the Vision & Voice Advisory Board represent more than 260 years of business, cybersecurity, and technology industry experience. Advisory Board members include:


  • Lisa Hayashi, Chief Marketing Officer, SafeGuard Cyber  
  • Katie Hanahan, Deputy CISO, Ingredion Incorporated
  • Jenny Menna, CISO, Sallie Mae
  • Shelli Strand, Cybersecurity Growth Stage CMO
  • Amy De Salvatore, Partner, NightDragon
  • Kristina Dorville, CISO, Truist
  • Valerie Abend, Senior Managing Director & Global Cyber Strategy Lead, Accenture
  • Bridgette Spencer Walsch, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, FS-ISAC
  • Kim Sanders, Critical Infrastructure Visibility Strategy Chief, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
  • Bezawit Sumner, Chief Information Security Officer, CRISP
  • Michelle Eggers, Associate Security Consultant, NetSPI
  • Olivia Westbrook-Gold, Principal, Marlin Hawk
  • Sarah Kuranda Vallone, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, NightDragon
  • Nina Korfias, Executive Vice President, fama PR
  • George Kamide, Head of Product Marketing, Cinder
  • Monique Egan, RSM, Uptycs

“Statistics show us that when we increase the representation of women in cybersecurity roles, in C-level and Board positions specifically, companies and the industry fare better. As a result, we should avoid shrinking from the necessary dialogue with male executive leaders to encourage them to think differently and proactively engage in practices and programs designed to empower women to lead in the industry,” said Amy De Salvatore, Partner at NightDragon. “There’s a direct correlation between underrepresentation of women and an open, healthy culture and exchange of ideas and fresh perspectives in the workplace. Our Advisory Board’s mission is to level the playing field for women who want to lead in the cybersecurity industry. Vision & Voice community members will improve leadership skills and enhance their networks with great champions, sponsors, and friends across all genders.”

On Monday, May 6, Vision & Voice will be hosting its next live event, “The Art & Science of Leadership: Empower the Next,” from 8:30 to 11:30am PT at the Mirus Gallery in San Francisco. Presented by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, Uptycs and fama PR, the event welcomes prominent female leaders in cyber and business to discuss effective ways in which the next generation can improve their leadership skills. For more information and to register, please visit here.

To learn more about how Vision & Voice creates opportunities for equality, inclusivity and progress for women in cybersecurity, please visit here. And join the Vision & Voice LinkedIn Group to expand your network with strong women leaders, find mentorships, thought leadership, industry education and other forms of career training. Lastly, register here for Vision & Voice’s Monthly Virtual Coffee Chats, where you can join in on insightful conversations the last Friday of every month to learn about challenges and innovations in cybersecurity. Every session features a guest speaker and offers free resources for attendees.

About Vision & Voice

Vision & Voice is a nonprofit organization founded by Lisa Hayashi to increase the representation of women holding key cybersecurity roles. The community creates an opportunity for members to improve leadership skills and enhance their networks with great champions, sponsors and friends across all genders.

Media Contact:
Kelly Mitchell
fama PR
kelly@famapr.com
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