Jacqui is a cybersecurity expert with over 2 decades of global experience in IT and Information Security. She is passionate about security and collaborating with others to drive innovation and change within industry. Jacqui is the Founder and the Executive Director of the Australian Women in Security Network. She is also the co-founder of the AWSN Cadets, Security Job Profile Project, Project Friedman, and the Cybershift Alliance.
Jacqui started her career working in PC support and Helpdesks while at university in Australia. She graduated with a Bachelor of Information Systems and started working as a unix administrator before moving to Europe and into a career in cybersecurity. She spent 14 years working on various high profile projects as a security consultant in London and Paris, including within the European Commission, UK government, NHS and financial sector. She returned back to Australia in 2014 to work for a utility company, financial institution and a startup. At the same time, she created and built up the AWSN in her spare time. Then decided to dedicate her time and efforts to the AWSN.
Rini is the Head of Operations responsible for business operations, governance, technology, human resource, finance, and volunteers at AWSN. Rini's passion in computing started when she received her first PC, and quickly moved into web development. Building applications and working on major projects with high profile clients in the technology, manufacturing, digital agency, and higher education sectors. Progressing her career as a technology leader where she led the technology, cyber, digital, and business intelligence teams in the financial services industry.
She developed an interest in business and completed her global MBA with studies in Germany, Italy, and India. She constructed cyber security strategies and programs supporting multiple organisations – the power of cyber security network! Rini has participated and attended multiple AWSN programs and is passionate about the purpose of AWSN and helping our members grow in their career in security.
Megan is the Head of all AWSN Programs and is responsible for the successful management and delivery of all AWSN Programs including those that are sponsored by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) – The Security Pathways Program, The Women in Security Leadership Program, The AWSN Mentoring Program and the Australian Women in Security Survey.
Megan brings over 10 years’ experience in the IT industry, with 6 years in the information security industry where she has supported a wide variety of industries and audiences, with extensive experience in the development and delivery of programs across diverse platforms. Graduating with Bachelor of Business (Management Information Systems), she began her IT career as a Program Coordinator, before moving into mainframe/Cobol programming in the utilities industry.
Megan began her security career at the Defence Signals Directorate (now ASD), working in the Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Security, Advice and Assistance team in Canberra. She managed many programs for the education, advice and assistance to government and industry clients, on whole of government ICT security design and implementation, risk management, identity and access management, biometrics, and PKI, and was a part of the team who undertook the development and review of the first edition of the ASCS Information Security Manual.
Eloise is the AWSN Community Manager where she helps to coordinate AWSN events, social media and support AWSN members. She is a budding security engineer with a passion for threat intelligence, digital forensics, biosecurity and cyber security engagement. She has just completed her Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineer with a major in Cyber Security and System Administration from the University of Canberra. She is a passionate supporter of diversity in STEM.
In late 2020, she founded the University's first-ever Women in STEM club named 'UC Supporting Women in STEM' (UCSWIS). In under two years, they become the largest club on campus with nearly 150 official members and over 1,250 followers across our different social media pages. Outside of university and work, she is a co-Lead at the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) and the Human Resources Director at UN Youth Australia.
She is a fierce champion in her local community and consistently looks for grassroots projects she can support.She is also a passionate advocate for individuals living with Asthma and has been featured in media and publications such as A Current Affair, ABC News, The Canberra Times and Asthma Australia sharing her journey with the condition.
Amelia has always had an interest in cyber security and technology and has a background in market research and IT recruitment, most recently, cyber recruitment. This has equipped her with a deep understanding of the needs and expectations of both employers and candidates in the cyber field. She has established trusted and valued relationships across the national cyber community, and her contributions to the sector have been widely recognised.
As a neurodiverse individual, Amelia brings a unique perspective to her work. Her neurodiversity enriches her problem-solving approach and contributes to her innovative thinking. Amelia believes that diversity of thought and experience is essential for addressing the complex and evolving cyber threats, and she aims to bring that perspective to her work and the teams she collaborates with. Amelia has made significant contributions to AWSN as a current Chapter Lead in Canberra over the last 15 months. Growing the Canberra cyber community, working together with other Chapter Leads, bringing the community wonderful speakers and events with thought-provoking topics.
Amelia has a passion for inspiring and supporting women and girls in the industry and those looking to enter the field. She is very excited to be joining the AWSN team whilst also continuously learning and keep up to date in the cyber industry.
Dr. Shobhana Madhu is the Program Administrator at AWSN, responsible for the monitoring and coordination of AWSN programs. With a strong background in education and academic research, Shobhana is committed to supporting AWSN's mission of empowering women and fostering educational growth. Shobhana holds a Ph.D. in Education, specializing in critical thinking, from Monash University, where she received a Research Training Program scholarship from the Australian Government. She also holds a master’s degree in Life Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry.
As a research assistant at Monash University, she worked on multiple projects involving both quantitative and qualitative research. She strongly believes in the value of interdisciplinary knowledge in personal advancement and is passionate driving positive change in educational and training practices.
In pursuit of continuous learning and skill development, she is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Information Technology and Cyber Security at Box Hill Institute. Outside of her professional endeavours, Shobhana is also engaged in learning Indian classical dance and teaching crochet to children.
Rita developed a passion for empowering women in the cyber and information security fields while developing the University of the Sunshine Coast cyber degree courses as a casual academic. Before immigrating to Australia in 2018, Rita served in various leadership roles within the US government, including positions as a Senior Intelligence Officer responsible for financial management within the Special Operations Command supporting global operations. In addition, Rita provided specialised finance and accounting support to the Defense Clandestine Service of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Rita also served as a Systems Accountant and Accounting Operations supervisor with the Executive Office of the President of the United States, the United States Courts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Rita is passionate about continuous learning and skill development and recently earned a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Rita holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oregon State University and attended graduate-level courses at George Washington University focused on information management. She is the recipient of multiple awards including a Presidential award for her service during 9/11.
In addition to her professional endeavours, outside of work Rita enjoys her life with her partner, Dennis, and her two senior dogs, Stocai and Cinnamon. Rita has a passion for caring for wildlife and is a flying fox and microbat rehabilitator with Bat Rescue, Inc. Rita enjoyed learning about Australian wildlife while volunteering with the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Rita owned a reptile rescue in the United States dedicated to the conservation of box turtles.
