Session: Rise Together: Diversity and Leadership for Cybersecurity Success
In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, inclusive leadership plays a critical role in driving innovation and addressing complex challenges. This talk explores the importance of embracing diversity—including cultural, gender, racial, neurodiverse perspectives, and social mobility—as a strategic advantage in creating resilient teams and advancing careers.
The session features Rose Stifano, a passionate cybersecurity leader and current Head of Cyber Security Supplier Management, who has been recognized for her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Rose’s impactful work, including diversity recruitment at Direct Line Group, cybersecurity analyst recruitment at Accenture, and Women in Cyber initiatives at Fidelity International, has earned her multiple nominations for Women in IT Awards.
Through her leadership and advocacy, Rose demonstrates how diversity, neurodiversity, and social mobility can strengthen teams, enhance creativity, and unlock new solutions to cybersecurity challenges. Attendees will gain practical insights on how inclusive leadership can foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and pave the way for personal and professional growth in the cybersecurity field.
This talk will provide actionable strategies and real-world examples to help participants rise together, champion diversity, and lead teams toward cybersecurity success.
Bio
Rose Calzado is an experienced IT professional with over 15 years in Information Security. She specializes in Cyber Security Third Party Assurance, focusing on managing high-risk supplier relationships, automating assurance processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards like ISO 27001, COBIT, PCI, and SOX.
Rose began her career as a Security Analyst at Ofcom, where she gained foundational experience in security analysis. She then spent 10 years at Accenture as a Security Consultant Manager, advising clients on security optimization, system deployment, and defense strategies. At DLG (Direct Line Group), Rose managed third-party assurance and risk mitigation efforts. She is currently the Head of Cyber Security Supplier Management at Fidelity International, leading strategies to safeguard third-party relationships and manage cyber risks across the supply chain.
Rose is widely acknowledged for her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field. She has received nominations for the Women in IT Awards, recognizing her leadership in diversity recruitment at Direct Line Group, her success in recruiting cybersecurity analysts at Accenture, and her Women in Cyber initiatives at Fidelity International.
Rose holds a degree from the University of London and has earned several Cyber Security Certifications over the years.
Her career reflects a strong commitment to cybersecurity, professional excellence, and social responsibility.