Focus: Staying Safe Online

The digital age has brought us unprecedented opportunities, but it has also exposed us to a plethora of cyber threats that constantly evolve and adapt. Online safety can't just be a checkbox exercise - it is an important skill that empowers us to navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely.

As we actively participate in various online platforms, it's important to recognise that our experiences online can directly impact our well-being, personal growth and professional opportunities.

Join us for a panel discussion organised by the ISRM Women in Security Chapter:

 

The event will explore the evolving threats that women encounter in the digital sphere. From cyberbullying and online harassment to data privacy concerns, we'll explore the challenges women face and discuss practical strategies to mitigate these risks.

 

Our panelist include:

  • Veda Woods, CEO of Global Cyber Security Advisory Group

Veda T. Woods is a visionary cybersecurity leader with more than 28 years of experience in the public and private sectors. As the CEO of the Global Cyber Advisory Group, she develops robust cybersecurity strategies and fosters operational harmony for organisations globally. Her commitment to social good is evident through her founding of the Protect Us Kids Foundation, combating Online Child Sexual Exploitation. She is dedicated to promoting cybersecurity governance, supporting women in STEM/STEAM fields and safeguarding vulnerable youth. Her resilience and passion for making a difference are driving forces in her impactful career.

  • Vanessa Russell, Founder and Executive Director of Love Never Fails

Vanessa Russell is the Founding Executive Director of Love Never Fails, a national anti-trafficking organization that was formed in 2011 in Alameda County, California. Although the organization was formed with one person in mind, Love Never Fails has reached thousands of vulnerable community members with prayer, housing, workforce development, mentoring, outreach, education, and the opportunity to heal from childhood trauma. Vanessa has worked in the IT industry for 28 years. She retired from Cisco Systems in January 2019 to lead Love Never Fails full-time. Vanessa graduated from the University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Information Systems Management and is currently enrolled at the California Southern University pursuing a Master's/Doctorate in Psychology. She is the author of the Fight For Love 12 step recovery workbook, ordained ICFG Pastor, Merritt College Cybersecurity Professor, and wife to Pastor Timothy Russell and mother/step-mother to 7 children and five grandchildren. Vanessa also chairs Oakland's Violence Prevention Coalition (https://www.oaklandvpc.org/ and sits on the Contra Costa County Family Justice Center Board (Board of Directors – Family Justice Center (cocofamilyjustice.org) ), East Bay Interagency Training Council, Thrivent Financial Pacific Sierra Board (About Thrivent Financial | Thrivent Member Network), and is a member of Powerful Women International Connections (PWIC) PWI Connections.

  • Kehkashan Dadwani, Security Programme Manager

Known as the ‘Resilience Rockstar’ amongst her peers, Kehkashan Dadwani is passionate about discussing the importance of mental wellness, creating safe and inclusive spaces in the security industry, and leading with heart and a growth mindset. Her experience spans security, communication, and project management industries, and is recognized as an expert security program manager and consultant focused on technology. Kehkashan is a founding member of The Kindness Games, an organization focused on healing relationships and communities through kindness. You can find her ruminating on podcasts on various subjects ranging from resilience, leadership, and emerging trends in the security industry. Kehkashan's education includes a Master in International Affairs from the Bush School at Texas A&M University, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of Houston, and a PMP certification from PMI.

 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to engage with experts, gain a deeper understanding of online safety, and actively contribute to shaping a secure digital world for women.