2026 Women to Watch in AI & Machine Learning

In our recent “2026 Digital Trends Webinar”, we explored the powerful forces shaping Australia’s digital landscape. From AI acceleration and cybersecurity resilience, to the rapid evolution of data, cloud and human-centred design, one theme was unmistakably clear:

Women are breaking barriers across Australia’s digital transformation.

Across every sector, women are leading innovation, guiding strategy, strengthening resilience and championing the kind of inclusive, human-focused progress our industry needs. Yet, too often, their contributions go under-recognised, especially in the emerging and high-impact fields transforming our future.

That’s why we’re spotlighting the extraordinary leaders, builders, researchers, strategists and changemakers shaping Australia’s digital economy in 2026. Some are Women in Digital Award winners, others are rising leaders driving impact behind the scenes, but all represent the talent and vision powering Australia’s digital future. As we continue to navigate change and uncertainty together, these women remind us that leadership isn’t just about adapting to the future, it’s about shaping it.

Dr. Ariella Heffernan Marks

Founder, Ovum

Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks is a doctor, scientist, and founder reshaping womens healthcare. As a young intern, she witnessed women fearful of the medical system, misdiagnosed, and left searching for answers online. Driven to change this, she built Ovum an AI health partner designed for women. Ovum empowers women to track, understand, and advocate for their health, while creating the worlds first women-specific AI dataset. Ariella raised $1.7M pre-seed to tackle a $1T global gender health gap, leading a quiet revolution against a system that has excluded women for centuries. Her vision is bold yet deeply personal: a future where women are seen, heard, and believed with healthcare that reflects their physiology, their complexity, and their worth.

Ariella was named the Woman in Digital of the Year in 2025, as well as AI Leader of the Year at the recent Women in Digital National Awards Gala.

Eloise Leaver

Manager, Industry Growth, NAIC

Eloise leads the Industry Growth team at the National AI Centre, where she is focused on building confidence and trust in AI to benefit Australians — now and into the future.

Passionate about shaping a future where Australia leads in AI innovation, Eloise supports the growth of local AI innovators and drives adoption across industries. With a strong background in working with startups, Eloise has helped early-stage businesses across sectors to innovate, scale, and succeed.

Sarah Bradley

Principal Data Scientist, Nasdaq

Sarah is the Principal Data Scientist at Nasdaq Market Surveillance, where she leads the research, development and deployment of AI and machine learning systems that safeguard the integrity of global financial markets. Nasdaq’s market surveillance technology — the global leader in its field — supports more than 50 exchanges and 15 regulators worldwide to detect financial crime and maintain trust in capital markets.

Her work focuses on building AI tools that are accurate, transparent and trusted in high-stakes regulatory environments. Sarah has led projects that have transformed how analysts investigate market activity, accelerating investigations and improving the quality of insights, while ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations.

Recognised as the Women in AI APAC Award Winner (Finance), a finalist in the Australian Financial Review AI Awards, and a speaker at Vogue Codes and AI4HER, Sarah combines deep technical expertise with strong communication skills, enabling her to bridge the gap between research, product teams, regulators and the public.

Beyond her role at Nasdaq, Sarah is a passionate advocate for responsible AI and greater representation in STEM. As the Australian Lead for Nasdaq’s Women in Tech Network, she has driven initiatives to support women in technology and actively volunteers as a school speaker to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Amanda Johnstone

Founding CEO, Transhuman

Amanda Johnstone is a technologist and global futurist shaping of humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Recognised by TIME as a Next Generation Leader, honoured by The CEO Magazine as Start-Up Executive of the Year, named a Top Voice of AI by LinkedIn, and in the Top 16 AI Influencers by Salesforce, Amanda stands at the forefront of the 5th Industrial Revolution; where technology, ethics, and human potential converge.

As the CEO of Transhuman Inc., a company she Founded in 2014, Amanda pioneered conversations and technical builds around neuroscience, AI ethics, and human behaviour long before they became mainstream. Her work has redefined how emerging technologies influence the way we think, connect, and evolve. Her inventions in suicide prevention technology have reached over 80 countries and assisting over 20,000 vulnerable people to get mental health peer support in real time, while her emotionAI innovations and artificial intelligence leadership continue to inform governments, Fortune 500 companies, and global think tanks on the urgent need for responsible innovation and scale. Her delivery: empowering, easy to digest and exciting!

With patents in complex human–machine symbiosis, psychology and social connection, alongside her role advising Sovereign Australia AI, Amanda is a champion of digital responsibility, self-sovereignty and national sovereignty. She is one of the most compelling voices on dopamine-driven engagement loops, digital addiction, and cognitive polarisation, helping the world build resilience in an AI powered era.

Her entrepreneurial spirit sparked early. At just 17, she co-founded retail chain Sebachi, one of Australia’s first e-commerce stores, guided by mentorship from Cotton On founder Nigel Austin. Now, at 39, she continues to blend creativity with foresight, travelling across the world to work with her internal team, advise leaders, inspire audiences, and explore the world’s cultural and technological frontiers. You’ve seen her on stages for Universal Music, YPO, Allianz, Rohde & Schwarz, Google, Kellogg’s, Spark, SAS, Optus, Zoom, the Australian Government and Stanford and as an ambassador for brands including Salesforce, Plaud, Paco Rabanne, TIME, Selfridges and Docusign.

With an unmatched ability to “see around corners,” she empowers organisations and individuals to not only adapt to the future but to shape it with courage, empathy, and vision.

Dr Sue Keay

Director UNSW AI Institute, UNSW

Sue Keay is an experienced leader in emerging technologies, with a strong focus on the development and deployment of robotics and artificial intelligence. Recently recognised as one of 50 remarkable and inspirational women in Australian science by COSMOS, she is widely respected across the robotics and AI ecosystem and regularly consults, advises and speaks on how organisations and leaders can successfully embrace technological change. She recently developed the short course Robotics for Business Leaders with Monash College.

Sue is the Director of the UNSW AI Institute, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), a member of the prestigious Kingston AI Group, Founder and Chair of the Robotics Australia Group, and an Adjunct Professor at QUT. She also holds numerous board and advisory roles across robotics, AI and emerging technologies, including contributing to Australia’s National Robotics Strategy.

Her leadership has been widely recognised. Sue has been named one of Queensland’s most influential people in The Courier-Mail Power100, featured by SME as one of 20 women globally making their mark in robotics and automation, recognised as an outstanding contributor to the drone and robotics industry, and awarded Superstar of STEM by Science & Technology Australia. She is known for leading technology-driven organisations with integrity, a strong people-first approach and a focus on real-world impact.

A committed advocate for diversity in technology, Sue represents Oceania for Women in Robotics and was instrumental in bringing the Grace Hopper Celebration to Australia in 2019.

Trained as a scientist with highly developed strategic, analytical and commercial skills, Sue established the world’s first robotic vision research centre, the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision. She led the development of Australia’s first and second robotics roadmaps, laying the foundations for a national robotics strategy. Her previous roles include inaugural robotics technology lead at OZ Minerals (now BHP), inaugural CEO of the Queensland AI Hub, and leadership of cyber-physical systems research at CSIRO’s Data61.

Lou Compagnone

Director of Artificial Intelligence, Datacom

Lou combines artificial intelligence, service design, and future thinking to help organisations create, shape, and prepare for their AI-driven future.

She combines design, futures thinking and strategy to help organisations improve their products and services of today and shape their business of tomorrow by considering – and preparing for – the future. Lou love collaborating with diverse individuals, teams, organisations, staff, customers and communities to understand gnarly problems and co-design solutions that create positive change by considering the impacts on people, process, products/technology and planet.

For the past two decades, she has assisted organisations around the world to solve a diverse range of challenges – from helping citizens access better services to helping singles find their someone.

Ashlea Stewart

Business Lead – AI & Emerging Technology, Suncorp

Ashlea is a business lead in Suncorp’s AI & Emerging Technology team, with more than 17 years’ experience delivering innovation across financial services. She led the launch of Single View of Claim, Suncorp’s first generative AI product and a multi-award finalist, designed to centralise and simplify insurance claim information to support faster and fairer claims processing.

She is known for bridging the gap between strategy and real-world value, translating technical potential into human-centred outcomes. A strong advocate for ethical AI, Ashlea embeds trust, transparency and usability into every solution she delivers.

Creativity is a defining feature of her work. As a visual thinker and lifelong drawer, she uses imagery and illustration to break down complex ideas, align teams and drive shared understanding. Ashlea is deeply passionate about building capability and culture, helping others feel confident with emerging technologies through hands-on learning, storytelling and a sense of fun along the way.

Kate Pounder

Chair, RNA Australia, Board Member, Essential Energy, Board Member, Tech Policy Design Institute

Kate is a leader in tech and innovation in Australia with experience working across the government, private and non-profit sectors.

She is the Chair of RNA Australia, a Board Member of Essential Energy, and on the Board of Trustees for the Powerhouse Museum Group and a policy adviser to OpenAI in Australia.

Previously, Kate was the inaugural CEO of the Tech Council of Australia, a Partner in start-up analytics firm, AlphaBeta, and a consultant at McKinsey & Company specialising in the public sector. She has also worked for Network Ten, the Australian Industry Group and the federal government.

Dr. Nici Sweaney

Founder, AI Her Way

Dr Nici Sweaney is an internationally recognised leader in ethical AI, equity, and governance. With 20 years of experience across science, education, and strategy, she is the founder and CEO of AI Her Way, a consultancy equipping organisations to adopt AI responsibly and sustainably.

A Senior Fellow at the AI for Developing Countries Forum, Dr Sweaney contributes to global conversations on inclusive innovation and data ethics. Her work has shaped Australia’s Responsible AI Use Guidelines and generative AI strategies in education. She has delivered over 100 keynotes and training sessions – including TEDx and the United Nations – and supported 70+ organisations such as Paramount+, WWF, Canon, the ARIAs, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Australian Retirement Trust.

Her insights have been featured in Forbes Women’s Issue 2025, the Australian Financial Review, and across major media outlets including ABC, Mamamia, and HerCanberra. She won AI Female Leader of the year at the Australian AI Awards (2025), was a medalist at the Women Changing the World Awards (2024), and nominated for The Times 100 Most Influential Companies 2026.

Named one of Microsoft News’ Top 10 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in AI, Dr Sweaney’s work is grounded in a clear belief: when governed ethically, AI becomes a tool for empowerment – not exclusion.

Lucy Poole

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Strategy, Planning and Performance, Digital Transformation Agency

Lucy leads the Strategy, Planning and Performance Division which focuses on providing whole-of-government strategic leadership to the development and implementation of digital policies, the Australian Government Architecture as well as the Data and Digital Government Strategy.

In this role, Lucy also oversees the management of the government’s digital investment pipeline to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to government’s investment in digital and ICT.

A key priority for Lucy is driving the achievement of the Australian Government’s vision to implement world class digital capabilities to deliver outstanding outcomes for all. This includes the analysis of how emerging technologies can better support the delivery of simple, secure and connected services for all people and businesses.

Prior to joining the DTA, Lucy held senior executive roles at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Australian Public Service Commission where she led several transformation programs. Lucy has experience across a range of sectors including Australian federal and state governments, the private sector and the UK civil service.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly reshaping Australia’s digital future, and the women featured in this list highlight why representation, leadership and diversity in this space matter more than ever. Their work spans research and applied AI, data science, product and platform development, ethics and governance, enterprise transformation, and real-world deployment at scale. What unites them is a shared commitment to building AI systems that are effective, responsible and designed with people at the centre.

As explored in our recent 2026 Digital Trends Webinar, the pace of change across AI capability, adoption and regulation continues to accelerate. With that acceleration comes both immense opportunity and significant responsibility. The leaders featured here are not simply adopting AI as a tool; they are shaping how it is built, governed and embedded into organisations and society in ways that will define the next decade of innovation.

By celebrating their stories, we aim to inspire the next generation of AI and machine learning talent, amplify the voices influencing how these technologies evolve, and reinforce the importance of diverse perspectives in creating systems that are fair, trustworthy and impactful.

While this list spotlights a remarkable group of leaders, innovators and changemakers, we know there are many more women across our community and the broader ecosystem driving progress in AI and machine learning every day. We couldn’t include everyone, but we encourage you to explore the inspiring talent featured in our 2025 Women in Digital Awards finalists — a powerful showcase of women shaping Australia’s digital future across AI, data and technology.

2026 Women to Watch in Cybersecurity

Women are breaking barriers across Australia’s digital transformation.

Celeste Lowe

CISO, The Lottery Corporation

Celeste Lowe is a visionary cybersecurity leader known for her pragmatic approach, strategic clarity, and deep commitment to diversity in tech. As the CISO at The Lottery Corporation since August 2024, she led a transformative uplift program that strengthened the organisation’s security posture, aligned with NIST 2.0, and delivered measurable maturity gains. Celeste’s leadership style is inclusive and empowering, mentoring emerging female talent, simplifying complex risk conversations, and embedding secure-by-design principles across the business.

She’s a trusted advisor to executives and the Board, known for her ability to translate technical risk into business impact. Passionate about innovation, she’s championed AI governance, DevSecOps enablement, and secure experimentation frameworks. Celeste brings warmth, kindness, and a “yes, and” mindset to every challenge, enabling secure growth without stifling creativity. Her work continues to shape TLC’s reputation as a resilient, forward-thinking digital lottery operator.

Elese Cox

Sales Engineer, Mimecast

Elese Cox is a Sales Engineer at Mimecast, where she partners with enterprise organisations to strengthen collaboration security, drive cyber resilience, and meaningfully reduce human risk. Leveraging a strong foundation in customer success, she excels at aligning security strategy with operational priorities – ensuring organisations not only defend against evolving threats but also enable their people to work safely and effectively. Her work focuses on translating complex cybersecurity challenges into pragmatic, scalable outcomes that enhance business performance.

Elese is a passionate champion for diversity and representation in cybersecurity, advocating for inclusive cultures that unlock innovation and improve defensive capability. She actively supports initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices and foster the next generation of security leaders – believing that the strongest security cultures are those built on collaboration, diversity of thought, and shared accountability.

Beyond her role in the industry, Elese brings a modern perspective on digital risk through her leadership in online gaming communities. She has built and operated large-scale gaming environments, overseeing governance, trust and safety strategy, and community resilience. Her unique blend of technical fluency, people-centric security mindset, and digital community leadership enables her to bridge the gap between cyber principles and real-world behavioural change.

Alicia Valderrama

Director of Global Operations, Sekuro

As Director of Global Operations at Sekuro, Alicia Valderrama exemplifies transformational leadership through her exceptional ability to drive innovation and operational excellence across our organisation. As a founding member of Sekuro, Alicia’s deep understanding of each division’s unique requirements and challenges has been instrumental in orchestrating meaningful, sustainable change throughout our business.

Under Alicia’s strategic leadership, Sekuro has undergone a remarkable operational transformation. Her ability to identify opportunities for improvement, coupled with her methodical approach to implementing change, has resulted in significant enhancements to our service delivery framework and internal processes. These improvements have not only streamlined operations but have also directly contributed to improved customer outcomes and employee satisfaction. Alicia’s innovative approach to operational excellence is evidenced through several key initiatives she has championed. She has successfully implemented new service management platforms, automated critical business processes, and established robust operational frameworks that have enhanced Sekuro’s ability to scale globally. Her deep understanding of technology, combined with strong business acumen, ensures that all operational improvements align perfectly with Sekuro’s strategic objectives and growth targets.

As a founding team member, Alicia brings an unparalleled perspective to operational leadership. Her comprehensive knowledge of Sekuro’s evolution, culture, and distinctive divisional requirements has enabled her to implement changes that respect and enhance our organisation’s unique DNA whilst driving necessary modernisation and efficiency improvements. The impact of Alicia’s leadership extends beyond process improvements. She has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within Sekuro, empowering teams across all divisions to contribute to operational excellence. Her collaborative leadership style and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together have been crucial in ensuring the successful adoption of new initiatives across the organisation. Measurable outcomes of Alicia’s leadership include significant improvements in operational efficiency, reduced service delivery times, enhanced customer satisfaction metrics, and streamlined internal processes that have directly contributed to Sekuro’s continued growth and market leadership position.

Through her visionary leadership and deep commitment to operational excellence, Alicia Valderrama has fundamentally transformed how Sekuro operates, creating a robust foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. Her achievements demonstrate the transformative impact that women leaders can have in shaping the future of digital operations and organisational success.

Sally Youden

Senior Information Security Consultant, Westpac

Sally Youden is a passionate and people-centred cybersecurity professional shaping how one of Australia’s largest banks builds cyber-smart behaviour at scale. As a Senior Information Security Consultant within Westpac Group’s Cyber Culture team, Sally plays a pivotal role in designing and delivering the bank’s cybersecurity education and awareness programs — ensuring every employee is equipped to recognise and respond to emerging digital risks.

With a deep belief that strong security starts with empowered people, Sally specialises in translating complex cyber concepts into clear, relatable messages that drive lasting behavioural change. Her work spans employee training, human-risk management, secure-by-design cultural uplift and organisation-wide campaigns that help strengthen the bank’s overall security posture.

Known for her collaborative style and commitment to inclusion, Sally advocates for diverse voices in cybersecurity and supports initiatives that bring more women into the industry. She sees cyber culture not simply as compliance, but as a critical enabler of trust, resilience and shared accountability across the organisation.

Through her leadership and impact in one of Australia’s most complex digital environments, Sally Youden is helping shape a more secure future for both Westpac and the broader cybersecurity community.

Daisy Wong

Head of Security Awareness, Medibank

Daisy Wong is a results-focused and energetic project and operations leader with eight years of experience across IT and finance. She has built a strong reputation for delivering seamless project outcomes, managing complex stakeholder environments and consistently achieving business objectives.

Daisy brings significant expertise in project management, resource planning, procurement, negotiation and vendor management. She excels at guiding technical teams through the project lifecycle, ensuring clarity, alignment and high-quality delivery at every stage. Her ability to bridge operational needs with strategic goals makes her a valuable asset in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Known for her exceptional communication skills and people-first leadership style, Daisy thrives in roles that require collaboration, team development and cross-functional coordination. Her passion for empowering others, combined with her capability to build and lead high-performing teams, has been instrumental in her professional growth. With her strong operational acumen and commitment to excellence, Daisy Wong continues to make a meaningful impact across the technology and finance sectors.

Mairead Walsh

Senior Manager, Customer Success, Mimecast

Mairead Walsh is an accomplished Customer Success leader with over a decade of experience in client management and account direction across technology and enterprise solutions. As Senior Manager of Customer Success at Mimecast, Mairead leads teams dedicated to building strategic, long-term partnerships that drive mutual success for customers and partners alike.

Mairead is passionate about fostering strong, trust-based relationships and is known for her results-oriented approach. She excels at collaborating with clients to align solutions with business strategies, acting as a trusted advisor and champion for customer outcomes.

With a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Mairead combines business acumen with deep industry knowledge. Throughout her career, she has held key roles at leading organisations including Poppulo, MessageMedia, and PlanNet21, where she was recognised for her ability to deliver value, growth, and innovation across diverse accounts.

Mairead’s leadership style is grounded in authenticity, proactivity, and a genuine commitment to customer success. She believes that culture is shaped by action and strives to cultivate environments where teams and clients both thrive.

Jessica Hunter

Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Australian Government

The Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology leads Australia’s international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, while delivering cyber capacity and resilience building, and incident responses across our region.

Ms Hunter will steer Australia’s international engagement under Australia’s 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, focused on enhancing our role as a trusted and influential global cyber leader in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Strategy outlines Australia’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of our region and shaping international efforts to meet the evolving challenges of cyberspace.

Ms Hunter has had a distinguished 20+ career in cyber affairs, including in the Australian Cyber Security Centre, recently as the First Assistant Director General Cyber Security Resilience.

She has served overseas as Head of Cyber Threat Operations Technical Teams, National Cyber Security Centre, in the United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ); and was seconded to the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) as Deputy Australian Liaison Officer. Ms Hunter holds a Bachelor of Asian Studies, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Australian National University.

Sam Fariborz

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), David Jones

Sam is a seasoned cybersecurity and technology leader, currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at David Jones, one of Australia’s most iconic retail brands.

With a background in computer engineering and early career experience in IT service management and infrastructure, Sam brings a combination of technical depth, strategic foresight, and senior leadership. She views cybersecurity as a powerful enabler of organisational resilience, innovation, and competitive advantage—transforming complex challenges into opportunities for long-term business impact.

As CISO, Sam has led enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, embedded security into large-scale digital programs, and influenced strategic decisions at the executive level. She works closely with product, engineering, and business teams to shape scalable, secure technology environments that support both innovation and operational excellence.

A recognised thought leader, Sam is a sought-after speaker at technology and cybersecurity events, where she shares insights on emerging trends, secure-by-design innovation, and aligning security with broader business goals. In 2024, she was honoured as AISA’s Cybersecurity Professional of the Year and named one of Australia’s top 30 cybersecurity leaders. As a member of the AISA Executive Advisory Board, she plays a role in shaping the national cybersecurity agenda.

Pramiti Bhatnagar

Principal Product Manager, Microsoft

Pramiti Bhatnagar is a Principal Product Manager for Microsoft Entra, bringing more than a decade of experience shaping some of Microsoft’s most critical security products. Since joining Microsoft in 2011, she has contributed across multiple product and security roles, combining deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of human behaviour — grounded in her Honours degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Delhi.

Pramiti holds several industry-leading certifications, including Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Certified Information Privacy Manager (IAPP), and CISSP (ISC2). Her passion for cybersecurity extends well beyond product leadership; she is a regular speaker at industry events such as AISA and ISACA, and her thought leadership has been featured in Microsoft publications and Cyber Today magazine.

In 2024, she published her first book, Mastering Microsoft 365 Security Technologies, and is currently authoring her second — further cementing her influence in the global security community.

A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology, Pramiti mentors women internationally through global programs and supports underrepresented talent locally as they begin their cybersecurity careers. Her work reflects not only technical excellence, but a commitment to building a more equitable and secure digital future.

Stephanie Crowe

Head Australian Cyber Security Centre, Australian Government

Stephanie Crowe was appointed Deputy Director- General Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) in December 2024.

Stephanie has an extensive background in cyber security working with government and industry on responding to nationally-significant cyber events and strengthening Australia’s cyber defenses.

Over her 15-year career at ASD, Stephanie has held a number of key roles in signals intelligence and cyber security, including leading the ACSC’s Cyber Security Resilience Division, responsible for delivering technical programs, services and publications across government and industry, as well as enabling the uplift and hardening of critical networks.

Prior, Stephanie led the ACSC’s cyber threat intelligence and incident management functions and designed programs to enhance Australia’s cyber security situational awareness, national threat picture and incident response capabilities. Stephanie has been involved in cyber security efforts supporting key national events such as e-Census, elections and G20, and in facilitating national exercise programs. She has also directed Government’s technical response to numerous nationallysignificant cyber security incidents.

Stephanie has a Bachelor of Asian Studies Specialist (ANU) which led to her to the ASD graduate program in 2009. Throughout her 15+ year career, Stephanie has performed various roles across ASD’s intelligence missions utilising her expertise in operations management.

Cybersecurity has never been more critical to Australia’s digital future, and the women featured in this list remind us why representation, leadership and diversity matter now more than ever. Their work spans critical infrastructure, national security, enterprise uplift, global operations and public–private collaboration. Yet what unites them is their unwavering commitment to building a safer, more resilient and more inclusive digital ecosystem.

As highlighted in our recent 2026 Digital Trends Webinar, the pace of change across technology, strategy and risk continues to accelerate, but so too does the opportunity to shape what comes next. These leaders are not just responding to emerging threats; they are designing the frameworks, capabilities and cultures that will define the next decade of cybersecurity in Australia.

By celebrating their stories, we hope to inspire the next wave of cyber talent, amplify the voices driving meaningful impact, and reinforce the importance of diverse perspectives in solving the challenges ahead.

While this list celebrates a remarkable group of leaders, innovators and changemakers, we know there are countless other incredible women across our community and the wider industry making an impact in cybersecurity every day. We couldn’t include everyone here, but we encourage you to explore the inspiring talent featured in our 2025 Women in Digital Awards finalists — a powerful showcase of women doing extraordinary things across Australia’s digital landscape.