Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Top Community and Educational Groups in 2025

Let's be real… Cybersecurity can sometimes feel like a boys' club. But that's changing, and fast.

Every week, I meet women in this field who are crushing it in ways big and small: Leading SOC teams, mentoring the next generation, and launching threat intel programs that rival any Fortune 500s. And you know what most of them have in common? They didn't do it alone.

They leaned into the community. They never stopped learning. And they showed up -for themselves… and for each other!

So here it is: my second blog post (I truly appreciated all the love for the first one!), and this one's all about the women-led spaces and educational groups that are pushing our industry forward.

Community = Confidence

From Slack channels to global meetups, these groups are building something real:

• A space where women can ask the hard questions without judgment
• Access to mentors who've walked the walk
• Resources that actually move careers forward

And when you combine that with strong educational support? That's when things get exciting.

Education = Elevation

This field doesn't wait around. If you're not learning, you're falling behind.

The groups I'm about to highlight are doing the work by offering hands-on training, certs, and workshops that help women pivot into new roles and climb the ladder.

Leadership Trailblazers

Let's talk about the trailblazers lighting the way:

• Rinki Sethi, VP & CISO at BILL – From hacking parental controls as a teen to launching the first Girl Scout cybersecurity badges, she's built a career with both grit and grace. Her path proves that curiosity can turn into CISO power moves.
• Wendy Nather, Head of Advisory CISOs at Cisco – A trusted voice in the industry, Wendy brings deep wisdom and a sharp sense of humor to every conversation. She's spent her career helping CISOs connect security to the business—and mentoring the next gen along the way.
• Camille Stewart Gloster, Former Deputy National Cyber Director at the White House – Camille blends law, policy, and cybersecurity like no one else. She's helping shape national cyber strategy and creating space for diverse voices to lead in tech and policy.
• Tiffany Ricks, Founder & CEO of HacWare – A former ethical hacker turned startup founder, Tiffany is on a mission to fix the human side of cybersecurity. Her company is revolutionizing how we train users to recognize threats—and she's doing it while lifting up other Black women in tech.

Next up: The list of the most impactful cybersecurity groups for women in 2025- drop your favorites in the comments too, I want this to be a living resource.

These organizations are more than communities—they're career catalysts

These organizations are more than just groups… They're launching pads, safe spaces, and power circles all rolled into one. They're playing a critical role in advancing women's presence and influence in cybersecurity by offering real-world support, hands-on education, and networks that open doors.

If you're a woman in cyber (or aspiring to be) these communities are here for you. Dive in. Show up. Ask the questions. Raise your hand. You belong in every room these organizations are helping to build.

And if you're heading to RSAC like most of us this year, definitely keep an eye out… Many of these groups will be showing up strong at the Moscone Center. Come say hi, make a new connection, or just soak in the energy of what happens when powerful women in cyber come together.

Want to meet the folks from Elisity?  Either request a meeting or schedule a meeting with us at RSAC this year.