Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity for Women’s History Month
Roopa Makam, Prekshya Basnet, and Nicole Miller have forged unique paths in cybersecurity, shaping the industry with their expertise and perspectives. They share their career journeys, challenges, and insights on fostering inclusivity—from mentorship to workplace flexibility.
KasadaIQ
Women’s History Month is a time to honor the contributions, leadership, and innovation of women across all industries. In cybersecurity and technology—fields that have historically been male-dominated—women continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change. At Kasada, we’re proud to highlight some of the talented women shaping the future of bot mitigation.
Meet Nicole, Prekshya, and Roopa, three women at Kasada who have taken unique paths into cybersecurity. Their stories demonstrate that success in this field isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about the diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences that strengthen an organization.
Breaking into Cybersecurity: Different Paths, Same Passion
For many, the journey into cybersecurity and technology isn’t linear. Nicole began her career in sales and corporate training within the retail and beauty industry before transitioning into B2B technology sales. As e-commerce and digital presence grew, so did her awareness of cybersecurity’s role in protecting businesses and individuals.
“I saw firsthand the growing importance of cybersecurity, especially in e-commerce and technology. Witnessing businesses grapple with security challenges made me realize how cybersecurity not only protects companies but also safeguards people’s privacy, finances, and overall security. That understanding sparked my passion for the industry.” - Nicole Miller, Sales Director
Prekshya’s journey into tech began at a young age, despite not having family or role models in the industry. Her first exposure to computers in grade school led her to explore coding, and by the time she was 15, she had already begun programming.
“I was fascinated by what could be achieved with just a few lines of code. I started my career as an iOS developer, then made the bold decision to travel abroad and pursue a master’s in Data Science. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with data-driven decision-making and how it uncovers real-world patterns.” - Prekshya Basnet, Senior Software Engineer
Roopa took a different route, finding her place in cybersecurity through Finance & Operations—an essential function in every company. With a background in business operations, she understands that strong financial management and efficient processes are crucial in supporting the broader mission of cybersecurity. Her journey to Kasada was shaped by a desire to work in a dynamic, forward-thinking company where operational excellence drives impact.
"Cybersecurity isn’t just about stopping threats—it’s about building a resilient business. Strong financial and operational foundations ensure that innovation and security go hand in hand, empowering teams to stay ahead of challenges." - Roopa Makam, Group Financial Controller
Their stories show that cybersecurity welcomes individuals from all backgrounds—the common thread is curiosity, adaptability, and a drive to solve complex challenges.
Navigating Challenges
In male-dominated industries, women often adapt their communication and leadership styles—not just to succeed, but to strengthen collaboration and improve workplace dynamics. Their ability to navigate these challenges has helped build more inclusive and effective teams.
For Prekshya, the challenge was finding her voice in a field that values outspoken perspectives.
“I was told to ‘speak up more,’ but I believed in speaking only when I had something meaningful to say. I realized that engaging in discussions wasn’t just about being heard—it was about improving decision-making. Strengthening my communication skills has helped me grow.”
Nicole has experienced the need to be more deliberate in asserting her expertise, particularly in executive settings.
“Women walk a fine line between assertiveness and being perceived as ‘too aggressive. I’ve learned to maintain confidence while fostering collaboration, ensuring my message is heard without compromising my leadership presence.”
Beyond individual challenges, women’s perspectives bring essential value to industries like cybersecurity. Roopa underscores the need for diverse viewpoints to tackle evolving threats.
"Our world is diverse in gender, race, religion, age, and socioeconomic background—and technology must evolve to serve all users securely. With threats targeting every industry and user group, diverse perspectives are essential to building stronger, more inclusive security solutions.”
Building an Inclusive Workplace: What Companies Can Do
Kasada is committed to fostering an environment where women in tech can thrive. One standout initiative is ensuring that at least one woman is involved in the hiring process for engineering roles. This helps bring diverse perspectives to decision-making and signals to new hires that women’s voices are valued from day one.
When asked what other companies can do to help attract and retain female talent, Prekshya and Roopa both highlighted flexibility as a must while Nicole emphasized the power of mentorships.
"Flexibility, especially for women with dependents—whether it’s children, siblings, parents, or those planning to start a family. The tech industry is highly competitive and demands innovation constantly, but the never-ending expectations can be overwhelming. It’s crucial for companies to provide women with the time and flexibility they need to balance their personal lives and family responsibilities, allowing them to thrive both at work and at home."
“Women often take on more family caregiving, which can impact work. When my parents faced health issues, my employer’s support made all the difference. Not all workplaces offer that flexibility, but when they do, it fosters loyalty and stronger performance.”
“If I could accelerate one action today to help more women enter and thrive in cybersecurity, it would be to create more mentorship and sponsorship opportunities specifically for women. Having mentors who can offer guidance and sponsors who advocate for women in their careers can be transformative.”
Kasada continues to champion initiatives that create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable workplace for women in cybersecurity.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Women in Cybersecurity
To women considering a career in cybersecurity or tech, Nicole offers this advice:
“Trust in your abilities and know that your perspective is incredibly valuable. It’s natural to feel intimidated in a male-dominated field, but diversity strengthens cybersecurity teams. Don’t be afraid to take up space and share your voice—you belong in the room just as much as anyone else.”
While Nicole encourages women to confidently step into the industry, Prekshya highlights the deeper cultural barriers that can shape—or limit—career choices. She is passionate about shifting these norms to empower women to forge their own paths:
“Make your own career choices without the fear of societal consequences. In cultures like Nepal where women's futures are often shaped by family and marriage prospects rather than personal goals, it's crucial to encourage women to pursue careers in tech—or any field they choose—without fear of judgment. Empowering women to follow their own paths builds confidence and allows them to shape their own futures on their terms.”
When asked what we can do to take action, Roopa emphasizes the need to engage young women early in their careers:
“Cybersecurity is still a relatively young industry niche, and I believe marketing the scope of work to younger females is crucial. Corporate sponsorship of STEM organizations for young girls, scholarships, internships, and recruitment efforts can help fuel interest at an earlier age. We need to engage females early and establish initiatives that maintain their interest in the field.”
Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Future for Cybersecurity
Women like Nicole, Prekshya, and Roopa are shaping the future of cybersecurity and technology, not just through their work but by inspiring others. Their journeys highlight the importance of mentorship, inclusion, and breaking barriers in the industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we encourage more companies to take action—whether by supporting mentorship programs, fostering inclusive hiring practices, or simply amplifying the voices of women in cyber.
