Editor’s note: Ramona Ratiu is being recognized with the 2023 ISACA Inspirational Leadership Award for her inspiring work, education, mentorship and guidance to advance current and future generations of technologists, and her advocacy for women worldwide. Ratiu, cyber security program manager at Zurich Insurance Group and ISACA Chicago Chapter President, and her fellow Global Achievement Award honorees were recognized in May at ISACA Conference North America: Digital Trust World in Boston. Ratiu recently visited with the ISACA Now blog to discuss some of the Chicago Chapter’s recent achievements and her goals going forward. To nominate an outstanding colleague for a 2024 ISACA Award, submit a nomination form here: https://isaca.secure-platform.com/a/page/awards/aboutawards
ISACA Now: What are some accomplishments of the Chicago Chapter under your leadership that you are most proud of?
Without a doubt, the most valuable accomplishment under my leadership is bringing together and enabling a team of volunteers to work collaboratively toward a common goal. They are responsible for our chapter’s maturity, for the award-winning programs and for the positive impact we have been able to make in the ISACA community. The dedication and hard work of each team member have been instrumental in achieving our mission and vision, and I am incredibly proud of their contributions.
Building on the foundation of a 50-year-old chapter, we have identified areas for improvement and implemented enhancements to boost our programs. One such program is our award-winning #CollectiveResilience initiative, designed to support our members during the COVID-19 pandemic with a range of virtual initiatives, including community sharing webinars, monthly professional topics and webinars, a useful resource list for pandemic times, virtual networking events, and industry partnership events with a global audience. In addition, we have developed the GROW mentorship program, which provides a platform for professionals within the ISACA Chicago community to connect and guide each other on their journeys to success. With these programs, we aim to inspire our members to learn, grow, and thrive, even in the face of adversity.
We’ve established new partnerships to support emerging talent and future leaders, from offering an 8-week tech summer program to 6th-8th graders to supporting the high school GirlCon group to establishing student groups at university levels. We shared our knowledge in cybersecurity and IT risk with students from universities, both locally and from Sri Lanka. We’ve also strengthened our relationship with chapters all over the world and offered our guidance and perspective, which contributed to the advancement of the ISACA community and our industry at large.
We have become a more diverse and inclusive chapter though our programs. We’ve listened to the needs of our female ISACA community and tailored programs to support and empower. The four awards our Chicago chapter received in the past four years fill me with overwhelming pride for leading such an extraordinary team of volunteers: 2020 ISACA K. Wayne Snipes Best Chapter Award; 2021 ISACA Innovative Chapter Program Award for Member Experience; 2022 Outstanding Chapter Leader Award; and 2023 Inspirational Leadership Award.
ISACA Now: Tell us a bit about the “SheLeadsTech … with EXPERTISE” program and why that is important to you?
The “SheLeadsTech … with EXPERTISE” program was born after months of engaging with women in the tech industry and collecting their feedback.
I’ve learned that women feel more inspired and encouraged if listening to women leaders in our industry or learning from the historical achievements of women who have made an impact on our society. Therefore, the Inspiring Women pillar of the program was born. I then realized that women need female role models within our industry to tap into their knowledge and expertise in the field, along with their career progression, and the Expertise Pillar was born. In this perpetually bustling world and fast-paced lifestyle, everyone needs time to “recharge, revitalize, and empower.” Thus, the "Virtual Retreat Pillar" came into existence.
The three pillars formed the “SheLeadsTech … with EXPERTISE” program, designed to support and increase the representation of women in technology leadership roles.
I view the program as a platform that facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas within our female community, empowering women to learn from and support one another.
ISACA Now: You are active as a SheLeadsTech ambassador—what are some approaches that you find to be especially helpful when it comes to empowering women in the tech workforce?
To empower women in the tech workforce, it’s crucial to foster a culture that is inclusive, diverse and free from discrimination and harassment. Encouraging women to support each other can also have a significant impact on their success and advancement. Additionally, ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities as men in terms of training, career development and pay is crucial.
Promoting women to leadership positions and supporting them in developing the skills they need to succeed is another key approach. Establishing mentorship programs that pair female employees with experienced mentors can provide invaluable guidance and support. Outreach programs that encourage young girls to pursue tech education and careers and providing support for women who want to switch to tech from other industries can also be incredibly helpful.
Collaborating with other organizations, both within and outside the tech industry, is also important in promoting gender equality and supporting the advancement of women in tech. Finally, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in the tech industry is a great way to encourage and inspire more women to pursue careers in tech.
By implementing these strategies, companies can establish an atmosphere that supports and empowers women in the tech workforce. This can result in a more diverse workplace, better decision-making and increased innovation in the industry.
As a message to all women working in the tech industry, I encourage you to build on resilience, to stay prepared to adapt in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and to prioritize empathy in your leadership approach.
ISACA Now: You have also made time to serve as an adjunct risk management professor. Why has mentoring students been a priority amid your busy schedule?
Did I tell you that I have two small children as well? 😊
I have a responsibility to give back and return the generosity and support extended to me while I was pursuing my master’s degree at DePaul University.
My students and mentees are truly incredible people, and incredible people are the heart of any and all innovation. They have the ability to achieve great things and are full of innovative ideas that push progress forward. Without a doubt, they are destined to be the driving force behind transformative change in our world.
For many individuals, the biggest obstacle to reaching their full potential is themselves. They limit their abilities and conform to self-imposed limitations. It is only when someone encourages them to explore beyond these boundaries that they can tap into their true creativity and brilliance, often unrecognized until then.
As an educator and mentor, I recognize the critical role I play in empowering these bright minds to achieve their full potential. To that end, investing my time and energy in shaping their futures is a paramount responsibility, one that I approach with dedication and passion.
By nurturing just one person’s potential, the positive impact can spread beyond our immediate surroundings like a ripple effect, causing a chain reaction that can lead to significant advancements for our society.
I am humbled and honored to play a part in their journey toward greatness, and I look forward to witnessing the incredible impact they will definitely have on our world.
ISACA Now: What are some of your main leadership goals going forward?
As we continue to navigate the digital age, the tech industry has the power to shape our world in profound ways, which can come with significant ethical responsibilities. It is essential to place ethical considerations at the forefront of our decision-making, team culture and overall strategy, driving the industry forward in a responsible and sustainable way.
We should strive to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability and motivate our peers to explore out- of-the-box thinking and take calculated risks that will pave the way for groundbreaking technological advancements and industry progress. We should strengthen our industry partnerships by participating in cross-industry initiatives that promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive innovation forward.
We must work together to advance our profession and ensure that technology benefits society as a whole. We can make a difference by supporting emerging talent and investing in future leaders through involvement in mentorship programs, delivering training and knowledge-sharing sessions, supporting community initiatives, or participating in industry organizations, such as ISACA, that focus on professional development and education.