Securing Diversity in Cybersecurity
At Nextdoor we build technology that empowers resilient, safe, and kind neighborhoods all over the world. Securing a product that empowers global communities requires diverse and inclusive teams, reflective of the communities we support.
Yet hiring and retaining the diverse talent needed to achieve our purpose remains an industry challenge. The gap is particularly evident in the cybersecurity field where 25% of the workforce and 16% of CISOs identify as female. According to the WiCyS State of Inclusion report 2023, women cite lack of respect and limited opportunities for growth in cybersecurity as top challenges accompanying lack of representation. We must keep working on it.
That is why Nextdoor welcomed the chance to celebrate diversity, alongside RSAC 2023, in Nextdoor HQ’s backyard this week and to partner with our neighborhood Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Silicon Valley chapter. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are proud to work with organizations like WiCyS, who share the same values.
Nextdoor’s CISO TC Niedzialkowski kicked off with a warm welcome. CEO Sarah Friar framed the discussion by sharing how she launched her career by building a network at her first RSA conference as an equity analyst for Security Software at Goldman Sachs. She emphasized that diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table, which ultimately leads to better problem-solving and innovation.
Moderator Ronit Polak, WiCyS Silicon Valley President, and CISOs Kathy Wang Lea Kissner Rupa Parameswaran Olivia Rose Jameeka Green Aaron, CISSP wowed the audience, covering everything from combating today’s top cyber threats including AI to imposter syndrome with incredible authenticity and humor. Closing us out Jameeka Green Aaron, CISSP called on WiCyS members to see themselves in the panelists and to thrive because representation matters!
Attendees ranged from aspiring cybersecurity professionals to a few celebrity leaders and practitioners from across, cybersecurity industry, government, and academia.
Learn more about Nextdoor’s initiatives to foster a holistically inclusive platform, and visit our careers page to see openings at Nextdoor.
