Elevating Diversity: Strengthening Cyber Security through Inclusivity

Vanessa joined the UK Cyber Security Council in June 2022 as the Director of Programmes and Business Development. Vanessa’s role is to lead on the business development and sustainability strategy at the Council, oversee work within the programme directorate as well as the workstreams related to Careers and Learning, Outreach and Diversity & Inclusion. Vanessa’s background spans the employment, education, recruitment, and skills sectors in both the public and private space, she has over 20 years’ experience managing a variety of national, local government, and grant funded contracts and services as well as being a qualified careers advisor, teacher, supervisor and project manager.

Zeshan Sattar holds the Senior Director of Learning & Skills Certification position at CompTIA. In this role, he guides organisations on the best practices for aligning global standards, with the aim of ensuring a cyber-resilient workforce. Additionally, he is a Cybersecurity Educator for the CyberFirst initiative and a member of the NCSC Industry 100 program.

Rhianne is a senior information security consultant with extensive experience supporting Universities to develop a cyber security culture. She has supported HE clients to align to ISO 27001 and establish cyber training programmes. Rhianne is also a keen supporter of the EmPower Cyber initiative designed to encourage year 8 girls to consider a career in cyber.

Stew is a Cyber Security Specialist with over 15 years of experience and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security. He has supported several Universities to establish cyber security strategies and build cyber functions to combat the evolving threat landscape. Stew is also a Head Consultant for the NCSC Cyber Consultancy Scheme and supports the Cyber First initiative.

Anitha is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Cyber Security Management at Aston Business School and is Deputy Director of the Cyber Security Innovation Centre. Anitha has delivered multiple research and consultancy projects funded by HMG (DSIT, FCDO), UKRI Innovate UK, EU Horizon WMCA, NCSC and Innovate UK, to name a few. Her research was also submitted as an impact case in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. In addition to successful research leadership, she leads the delivery of an innovative MBA in Cyber Security and a MSc in Cyber Security Management. As a STEM Ambassador in the West Midlands, Anitha collaborates with schools, youth organisations, employers and a range of partner organisations. She aims to inspire the next generation to help promote an interest and curiosity in STEM, increase STEM knowledge and develop STEM skills. Anitha is also the steering group member of the Ethnic Minority in Cyber (EMiC) Network for under-represented professionals. She is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, an APMG certified Cyber Security University Instructor and a board member of ISACA UK Central Chapter. Anitha is the winner of the ‘Tech for Good’ Award by the Midlands Women in Tech Awards 2023.