Editor’s note: ISACA member Reshma Devi recently was honored as Best Volunteer for the 2021 Australia Women in Security Awards. Reshma is an experienced data, security and technology risk specialist with a Master’s in Information Technology, and 20 years of experience in the banking and financial sector working in Australia and New Zealand. In an interview leading up to International Women’s Day on 8 March, Reshma visited with the ISACA Now blog to discuss her mindset about volunteering, her views on progress for women in the security industry and more. The following is a transcript, edited for length and clarity.
ISACA Now: How are you and SheLeadsTech Melbourne celebrating IWD?
IWD is one of the major events we have every year. We are all here to help each other and spread the awareness that there is support out in the community. The contributions we make as individuals or as a volunteering community can make a difference.
ISACA Now: What do you think women and allies of women in IT security can do over the next year to embrace this year’s IWD theme of Break The Bias?
We need to understand our own biases and make others aware of their biases, which can be unintentional at times. We can collectively challenge bias and make a difference. #BreakTheBias.
ISACA Now: What motivates and inspires you to continue volunteering?
I see struggles and challenges; how we break through those barriers, bringing success, joy and transformation through the community of women and young leaders is so inspiring and motivational. The more I assist, the more it inspires me to keep going forward.
Volunteering can come in many different forms. For me, it takes the form of my time, skills, and my passion to help others. Yes, I do spend a bit of my time on the weekends and evenings doing community work. This is something I can do and choose to do for the community. Anyone can be a volunteer – pick and choose how you can assist in the community you want to work in.
ISACA Now: What two or three volunteering accomplishments are you most proud of? Why?
If I had to pick, SheLeadsTech Melbourne, setting up a committee focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the chapter, leading women in leadership programs, as well as participation in formal mentoring programs. Most recently, I volunteered to assist with the ISACA CDPSE Review Manual program as an SME reviewer.
ISACA Now: What experience and skills do you have that make you successful as a woman in security?
I have worked in security, technology and in data. I have spent 20 years in this industry. I have graduated, obtained industry certifications and training in these fields, and mentored many women and young leaders. I use my skills and experience to assist women in the community either by leading programs or initiatives, mentoring and coaching, working with the Chapter Board to bring awareness and breaking barriers, and speaking at events to promote and support women.
ISACA Now: What’s your perspective on the progress that is being made globally when it comes to women in cybersecurity and related technology fields?
Some industries have embraced this well; others are still implementing and figuring out what works best. Definitely we are better than where we were five or ten years ago. For example, women are recognized and appointed in senior leadership roles, yet there are either few of these cases or where these are actively happening, there are disparities around pay equity and parity. More needs to be done by organizations, including more representation of women in boards or senior roles, and young talents need to be given a first step in the industry.
ISACA Now: What are some of the best approaches that companies can take to continue advancing representation in the field? What do you see for the future of women in IT security?
Have metrics and measurements. Boards need to be able to answer difficult questions around gender balance, pay disparities, white supremacy, ageism, etc. Having an open conversation provides clarity and attracts the right talent to an organization.