Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity at Optiv
Award Highlights Optiv's Leadership in Fostering Women's Growth and Representation
Optiv, the leading cyber advisory and solutions provider, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Executive Women's Forum (EWF) Corporate Award for its unwavering dedication to engaging, developing, and promoting women in the commercial cybersecurity sector.
Recognizing Commitment to Diversity
The EWF Corporate Award acknowledges organizations that actively promote diversity through employee resource groups, mentorship opportunities, STEM initiatives, and flexible workplaces. Winning companies are evaluated based on their commitment to female representation in leadership, their advancements in security and privacy roles, and their overall performance in the market.
"Inclusion is more than a core value at Optiv — it's a competitive advantage," stated Optiv's Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Lynch. "When individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives unite towards a common goal, innovation flourishes, and culture thrives. This recognition by the Executive Women's Forum reflects the extraordinary women at Optiv and the allies who contribute to creating an environment where everyone can excel."
Empowering Women through Initiatives
Optiv demonstrates its commitment to advancing women in cybersecurity through numerous impactful initiatives with measurable outcomes. These efforts have not only empowered women but have also enhanced the company's overall performance.
Key Initiatives
Some of the notable initiatives include:
- The Optiv Women's Network and Lean In Circles offer women networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership training.
- A formal mentorship program that has created over 160 mentor-mentee pairings, benefiting all employees.
- Over 10,000 live and on-demand learning sessions focused on leadership and personal development to support women in their careers.
- Four STEAM Labs sponsored by Optiv in various locations aim to inspire underrepresented youths, particularly young women, to pursue careers in STEM.
- Employee-led programs aimed at increasing access to tech education for girls and young women, including the first all-women hackathon held in India.
- In the U.S., 38% of Optiv's people leaders and nearly 30% of its workforce are women, significantly surpassing industry benchmarks.
According to Heather Rim, Chief Marketing Officer and chair of the Optiv Women's Network, "This award holds significant meaning as it celebrates the connection and leadership that characterize the OWN. What began as a grassroots initiative has transformed into a global employees' group with over 300 members committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity together. Observing its positive impact is indeed a reminder that inclusion is not just a goal—it’s an ongoing movement."
National Recognition for Individual Efforts
Beyond the EWF Corporate Award, many individual women at Optiv have received national recognition throughout the year. Their successes include appearances in the SIA's Women in Security Forum Power 100 and being featured in CRN's 2025 Women of the Channel list, underscoring Optiv's strong commitment to elevating women into leadership roles.
Future Endeavors
As Optiv looks towards the future, it remains focused on championing diversity and inclusion within cybersecurity. Through ongoing initiatives and a supportive culture, Optiv aims to not only meet the needs of its clients but also to foster an environment where women can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EWF Corporate Award?
The EWF Corporate Award recognizes organizations that promote diversity, mentorship, and women's representation in leadership roles within cybersecurity.
How has Optiv demonstrated its commitment to women?
Optiv has launched programs such as the Optiv Women's Network, mentorship initiatives, and conducted over 10,000 training sessions focused on leadership and personal development.
What percentage of Optiv's workforce are women?
In the U.S., 38% of Optiv's people leaders and nearly 30% of its overall workforce are women, exceeding industry averages.
What role does the Optiv Women's Network play?
The Optiv Women's Network provides a platform for women to engage in networking, mentorship, and leadership development, creating a supportive community within the company.
How does Optiv support underrepresented youth in STEM?
Optiv sponsors STEAM Labs and engages in employee-led programs designed to inspire young women and girls to pursue careers in technology and STEM fields.
