The Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the preeminent membership organization building women leaders in information security, risk management, and privacy. We asked 20 exceptional members of the EWF community,
“When you look back at key milestones in your life, how has being a part of this community helped you become a leader in all facets of your life?”
Their responses are as powerful, profound, and diverse as the women themselves. So what DOES The EWF Sisterhood mean to its members? We’ll let them tell you in their own words. Read on to learn about the journeys of these ten amazing women.
Janie Aggas
Vice President, Information Security Officer, Fidelity Investments
“The Executive Women’s Forum was introduced to me by a colleague years ago and has become an integral part of my career development. Serving as Champion and later, as Ambassador for EWF within my organization, has provided unique opportunities to meet with and share insight with executives across Fidelity. Through the LIFT program, I’ve honed my mentoring skills and grown my professional network while also gaining many lifelong friends. Now, I mentor folks both through EWF as well as within Fidelity. The Annual Conference has proven to be an extremely valuable platform where I’ve practiced presenting to large audiences, learned from others in the industry, and expanded my network in a supportive, energizing, and enriching setting. Last, through the Cyber Security School Challenge curriculum provided by EWF, I’ve played a role in educating more than a thousand young children about online security. All of these experiences have helped shape who I am, and my career has grown exponentially.”
Kim Albarella
Interim Head of Global Security, TikTok
“I joined my first security organization almost 10 years ago in early October. Within days, a female leader told me that I had to attend the EWF conference that was being held just a few weeks later. I didn’t know what EWF was, didn’t know it would help me or what to expect, but I respected this leader and jumped in immediately. I’ll never forget walking into the event space on the first day and Joyce coming out and dancing on stage – I knew immediately I was in the right place. EWF has met me where I was at, at every point in my career. From starting as a leader in the Awareness and Training space, to transitioning to be a leader of leaders, to building a risk program, to transferring companies and to where I am today of taking on this Head of Security role. I’ve attended EWF regional events as well as the Women on Capitol Hill events and they always provide more than just a day of content, but an opportunity to engage with fellow women who are going through the same challenges that I am (juggling kids, rushing off to the airport to get home for a family event, having the school call in the middle of the day, being one of the only women in the room, etc.) and I’m blessed to have been part of this group.”
Ashley Baich
Readiness and Crisis Management Consultant, Accenture
“I first encountered the EWF during my senior year of undergrad around the time the pandemic hit. I had heard of the EWF through a family member and had the special opportunity to connect with CEO Joyce Brocaglia for a quick 30-minute phone call. Joyce, being the strong leader and mentor she is, brought me under her wing during my six-month gap, even though the original point of the call was just a networking opportunity. During this six-month window, I became a part of the village that makes up the EWF and fostered relationships that are still crucial to my personal and professional life today.
Having a leadership opportunity so early in my career was fundamental in establishing my confidence in being a leader when I joined Accenture’s Technology Development Program. EWF’s Rising Leaders Forum and Lift Mentorship Program have allowed me to connect with women of all ages and backgrounds on both a professional and personal level. Hearing and learning from my peers was critical to my professional and personal growth. I cannot imagine going through life personally and professionally without the EWF having my back every step of the way.”
Mary Barnor
Senior Security Analyst, Dicks Sporting Goods
“Wow, where should I start? Prior to joining the EWF Sisterhood, I was a shy person and always the quiet one who never speaks in a meeting, no matter the size of the meeting. I always wanted to be in my comfort zone, didn’t have the courage to make my voice heard, and sat ideally by, feeling too scared to approach people because of my color, accent, and place of origin. I never thought that joining a sisterhood would make me outgrow these fears, but it has, and much, much more. Because of The EWF Sisterhood, I have acquired a strong professional development. I have been able to expand my career in networking and have been able to speak in public for the first time, sharing my journey as an Immigrant. Overall, I have gained courage and built more confidence in myself and what I do. If it wasn’t for The EWF Sisterhood, I would still be in my comfort zone, reluctant to take risks in my career. If not for my coach, Linda Dolceamore, I believe, I wouldn’t be who I am today in my career. EWF is my GAME CHANGER!!! Thank you, SISTERHOOD.”
Judy Branham
Managing Director, Aon
“Over my many years of involvement, the EWF community has inspired me to continually strive to become a better leader. And the conferences, meetings, LIFT program, and the SISTERHOOD has given me the tools, opportunities, and encouragement to refine and deepen those skills. Overall, it has served as a source of inspiration, and I am continually amazed by the group of talented women in the EWF community.”
Nazira Carlage
Sr, Director, Product Security, Salesforce
“I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of the EWF community for ~7 years. EWF has helped me grow both within my career and in my personal life by providing me guidance, mentorship, and support consistently over these years. Listening to personal stories and meeting women from all walks of life has given me new perspectives and provided me tools to manage life’s challenges. I’ve also been fortunate to be able to provide my perspectives and mentor others through the program to try to pay these benefits forward.”
Jane Harper
AVP of Information Security Risk and Business Engagement, Eli Lilly and Company
“When I think about EWF’s impact on my journey, I first wish that I was aware of the organization sooner. What I think about when I think about EWF at this stage of my career can be categorized into three things:
• Confirmation – that we are capable and bring value.
• Courage – we have a voice, and we must use it to enable not just ourselves but others.
• Connection – we are not alone, we have power, and even more collectively.”
Chantel Haswell
Senior Manager, Deloitte
“I still remember the time I attended my first EWF conference. I was amazed at how many women leaders were members of The C-Suite for big-name companies. These were companies that I was familiar with but assumed their leaders were all men. This gave me inspiration and understanding that I have more examples in the industry of leaders who are women like me who can support me on my journey than I had originally thought.”
Gurdeep Kaur
Chief Information Security Officer, PSEG
“EWF community has played a beautiful role in helping me develop crucial leadership skills in the cyberspace, starting about 13 years ago when I was writing a SANS paper on women in security. I had read many posts and articles that featured Joyce, so I reached out to her and asked if she would be able to guide me. She graciously agreed and provided me with expert insights and valuable advice that not only helped me with the paper but made a long-lasting impression and inspired me to continue my cyber leadership journey. EWF is such a well-knit community of wonderful women leaders who are always there to provide guidance on cyber strategy, risk management, and other crucial functions in cybersecurity. This community has always been there to share their thoughts and experiences regarding managing a diverse team, being resilient, presenting cyber to Board, maintaining work-life balance, and encouraging you not to forget about having fun while being your authentic self.”
Sam King
CEO, Veracode
“Inclusion is crucial for innovation and improving outcomes for our peers and audiences, and the EWF reflects that. I am grateful for the knowledge we attain by sharing our stories together, including at previous EWF events, as listening helps us all become better leaders. As a CEO in cybersecurity now, I am proud of all the women leading Veracode on my team, and will continue to foster roles for women in leadership. With the help of the EWF community, we can keep promoting inclusion, all the while helping future women leaders flourish and thrive.”
Stay tuned for Part 2!