At IBM, we take diversity very seriously, and we believe strongly in the benefits of a diverse workforce. We know firsthand that diversity isn’t just about doing the right thing; it also makes good business sense.
In fact, a recent study from DDI, The Conference Board and EY confirmed what we’ve long known to be true: Companies with greater gender diversity benefit from higher financial performance, greater innovation, a more positive culture and greater productivity. Specifically, companies that have at least 30 percent gender diversity overall, and more than 20 percent at the senior level, outperform their less diverse counterparts in key business outcomes.
Sadly, according to “The 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study: Women in Cybersecurity,” representation of women in security remains stagnant at a mere 11 percent on average globally.
Watch the on-demand webinar: Why the future for Women in Security is Now
The women (and men) of IBM Security are dedicated to doing everything we can to affect positive change in our field. As Academic Outreach Leader, I get to actively help young women start down the path to cybersecurity careers.
As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, I am pleased to share the story of one of our newest and most passionate IBM Security team members, Bridgette Pepper. Bridgette recently completed an IBM Security internship, where she worked on Project Havyn, and then joined the team full-time as a program manager for education and certification.
Listen now to hear Bridgette’s unbridled enthusiasm for the cybersecurity journey ahead of her. She shares her thoughts on why the security industry needs more women, and offers encouraging words for other girls and women looking to pursue security careers.
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If you’re attending the Women in Cybersecurity conference in Chicago later this month, be sure to look for Bridgette and me at the IBM Security booth. We look forward to hearing about YOUR cybersecurity journey!
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