Sophie Powell, an up-and-coming figure in the cybersecurity industry, is far more than a junior consultant. In a relatively short time, she has co-founded an amazing initiative and established herself as a key player in cybersecurity, diversity advocacy, and leadership development. Proving that you don’t have to wait years to start making a real impact.
While Sophie’s day job involves working with a team of cybersecurity experts, her professional life extends beyond the typical nine-to-five. She’s also the co-founder and director of CyberWomen Group C.I.C, an initiative dedicated to making cybersecurity more inclusive by supporting women and underrepresented groups. On top of that, she’s organising the upcoming Cyber Leaders Challenge, a competition designed to nurture future talent in the industry. “I’m keeping busy,“ she says with a smile, balancing multiple responsibilities with enthusiasm.
A Passion for Change: The Birth of CyberWomen Group
CyberWomen Group C.I.C started back when Sophie was studying at The University of Warwick. Along with her friend Jenny McCullagh, they noticed the glaring gender imbalance in their computer science program. “We knew we were coming into a male-dominated industry, but we didn’t realise the extent of it,” Sophie recalls.
Instead of accepting this as the status quo, the two decided to make a change. Their first venture, a coffee morning at the University of Warwick, quickly ballooned into a full-scale conference, attracting over 200 attendees from across the West Midlands. The unexpected success of this event was a clear signal that there was a need for more spaces that elevated women and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity.
Realising they were onto something bigger, Sophie and Jenny launched CyberWomen Group C.I.C as a non-profit, creating a platform for students to connect and collaborate as they pursued careers in cybersecurity. Now, with 8 branches across the UK and plans to grow to 11 by early next year, the group has grown far beyond their initial vision.
Building a Welcoming Community
Despite its name, CyberWomen Group C.I.C isn’t just for women. Sophie and her team have worked hard to make the group welcoming for anyone from underrepresented backgrounds. “We want to create a space where nobody feels like they can’t be themselves,” Sophie says, emphasising that the group’s mission is about more than just gender. It’s about making sure everyone has a place where they feel supported and can thrive.
Sophie and her team ensure that all their events and initiatives reflect this spirit of inclusivity. “You’ll never see us focusing on just one gender,” she says. Instead, they aim to build a community where diversity is celebrated and where people can bring their authentic selves without fear of being left out.
A Future Focused on Personal Connections
While CyberWomen Group C.I.C has grown rapidly, Sophie is committed to keeping things personal. “We make sure we’re always available,” she says. Sophie and Jenny maintain close relationships with students and the group’s branches, making sure everyone feels heard and supported. “We’re here to listen to any concerns, opinions, or thoughts, and we always want people to know they have our backing.”
Looking ahead, Sophie wants to strengthen the group’s ties with both universities and the cybersecurity industry. By creating more opportunities for students to gain practical, hands-on experience, she hopes to help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the skills needed in the workforce. “We want to keep working with industry because their support is invaluable,” she says, knowing that collaboration with businesses is key to preparing students for successful careers.
Sophie’s Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
As someone who’s already achieved so much early in her career, Sophie is full of practical advice for those starting out in cybersecurity. She encourages students to focus not just on developing their technical skills, but also on improving their communication and interpersonal skills. Reflecting on her experience with the Cyber Path program, she says, “It’s very easy in university when you’re doing coursework and projects to get caught up in that side, but actually developing the soft skills to be able to go to clients and give them a well-earned training course is invaluable”
For Sophie, the combination of technical knowledge and real-world experience is what sets someone apart in the competitive field of cybersecurity. She urges students to seek out opportunities where they can apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting, as these experiences are often the most valuable.
A Trailblazer on a Mission
Through her work at Cyberport Group and as co-founder of CyberWomen Group C.I.C, Sophie Powell is blazing a trail for inclusivity in cybersecurity. Her passion for empowering others and her drive to create lasting change are helping to shape a more diverse and welcoming future for the industry.
As Sophie continues to juggle her many roles, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: creating a community where everyone can thrive. “It’s all about building a movement,” she says. And with her dedication and vision, there’s no doubt that Sophie is well on her way to doing just that.
