Women in Big Data (WiBD) is proud to announce the global launch of the AI for Cybersecurity Global Initiative, a pioneering movement designed to empower professionals at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and data. This initiative provides dedicated training, mentorship, networking, and resources to help professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As AI innovation accelerates and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, this initiative champions inclusion, security, and ethical leadership, preparing the global workforce to navigate these challenges while advancing careers and reshaping the future of technology.

Our Panelists

• Michelle Salvado, COO of Embed Security
  Michelle brings over 30 years of executive and technical leadership experience across Trellix, FireEye, McAfee, Intel, and more. She is a certified executive coach and holds an MA in Organizational Development and Leadership, an MBA, and a BS in Computer Science.

“We need to build AI systems with security in mind from the start if we want them to be safe, trusted, and effective.”

• Surekha Reddy, WiBD Cybersecurity Global Executive Chair & CTO at Cognogent
  Surekha has 25 years of experience in Cloud, AI, Security, and Data Centers. She serves on multiple boards, including WiBD AI for Cybersecurity, and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering and an Executive Certificate in AI and Machine Learning from MIT Sloan.

“Adopting a DevSecOps mindset from day one is far more effective than trying to bolt security on later.”

• Isabelle Robertson, WiBD Cybersecurity Marketing Director & Freelance Marketing & Project Consultant
  Isabelle leads worldwide campaigns to raise awareness and foster community at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. She holds a Bachelor’s in Community Development and Leadership with a Marketing minor.

“Community engagement makes the difference—when we connect and learn together, we all become stronger.”

Moderator

Veena Hadagali, WiBD Cybersecurity US Regional Chair & Security Advisor at Cognogent
Veena guided the discussion as moderator, framing key questions, connecting panelists’ insights, and highlighting the importance of awareness, collaboration, and community preparedness in cybersecurity and AI.

Event Analytics & Impact

The launch event drew an engaged global audience:

• 27 live attendees
  
• 41 event visitors
  
• 360 minutes viewed
  
• 2% engagement rate

Watch the Panel

🎥 YouTube Video: Link 

Join the Movement

The WiBD AI for Cybersecurity Global Initiative is more than a single event—it’s a global movement for professionals to learn, share, and advance together. Access mentorship, training, workshops, and a network of peers to grow your career while contributing to a safer, more inclusive digital world.

Stay connected:
 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: WiBD AI for Cybersecurity

“Together, we’re shaping the future of cybersecurity and AI—one leader, one connection, and one innovation at a time.”