Grab the Mic: Women in Cyber

Steve Moran is the CISO for Sodexo UK&I. During his 25 years’ experience in the field of IT and Information & Cybersecurity, he has successfully created and executed security strategies and initiatives across a number of regulated private sector and public sector organisations, including the military, where he delivered IT and information security solutions in complex and high-pressure environments. Steve is hugely passionate about building a positive security culture with employees, driving security initiatives that deliver tangible risk reduction, and importantly demonstrating security as a business enabler. Steve holds professional security certifications in CISSP, CISM and CRISC.

Lisa Forte is a speaker, trainer, entrepreneur, climber and caver! Lisa is an expert in running cyber crisis simulations and training higher risk staff on insider threats and social engineering. Lisa is the co-founder of Red Goat Cyber Security and passionately supports the “tech for good” philosophy helping smaller charities stay secure. Lisa has starred in several documentary films and is a regular on BBC news, radio and in national papers. 

Shelley Langan-Newton – CEO of identity verification platform SQR

Shelley started her career in performing arts and then secondary school teaching before changing her career entirely with a move to telecoms. Today, Shelley is the CEO of SQR, which is on a mission to create a safer world by enabling trust and eliminating fraud. 
With its digital identity service, organisations can quickly and effortlessly verify individuals’ identities without storing sensitive documents. SQR’s compliance dashboard provides controlled access to real-time customer information, while the frictionless app triggers instant KYC and AML checks using comprehensive global data. 

Having come from a non-technical background, Shelley’s ethos from performing arts is that collaboration is how to move things along quickly, which she’s keen to do at SQR – while bringing authenticity to the sector.

Anne Woodley has recently been named one of the Top Inspiring Women in Cyber.  She is a Security Specialist at Microsoft working tirelessly with organisations on their security strategies.  Anne also serves on multiple charity and cybersecurity boards as Trustee / Advisor.  As the founder of the Microsoft UK Women in Security Group and coordinator of the Conversations with Women in Security events, Anne’s passion is to drive gender diversity in the industry and inspire the next generation. 

Palvi Sharma is passionate about education and cybersecurity. She is currently studying a cybersecurity bootcamp with CapsLock and looking to gain a role within GRC. Palvi started her career as a Secondary Science teacher, but has an insatiable passion for technology. When Shalvi noticed the lack of cybersecurity within education, she decided to plug that gap! Her end goal is to equip the next generation with the knowledge needed to protect themselves against cyber crime.

Natasha Harley has over two decades of recruitment experience and five years in cybersecurity and is the founder of Cyber Talent Partners. She's passionate about connecting top cybersecurity professionals with forward-thinking organisations. Natasha believes in the transformative power of exceptional talent and is dedicated to creating environments where people can thrive. Her approach prioritises authentic connections and personalised recruitment experiences that go beyond skills to encompass values, goals, and cultural fit. 

Sunaina Aytan is a cybersecurity consultant at Airbus Protect, member of the UK Cyber Security Council and a STEM ambassador.  

Winner of TechWomen100 2019, Sunaina has been given recognition for her contribution to the women in tech community.

With more than five years of experience in the cyber industry, Sunaina has in-depth knowledge as a  security tester, threat hunter, cloud security and security architect. She helps improve the cyber posture of both internal and external clients and contributes to the wider cyber community through the UK Cyber Security Council. 

Sarah Barclay is a cybersecurity professional who has worked in the automotive, retail and legal sectors before taking up her role as head of cybersecurity operations for Sodexo UK&I. Sarah has led multiple security culture transformations and is passionate about the interaction between people and security. She makes use of academic research, NCSC best practice and industry knowledge in her approach. At Sodexo, Sarah is responsible for security culture, incident management, security engineering, vulnerability management and threat intelligence. Sarah holds professional certifications in CISA and ITIL.