Over the past year, Queen Bees has regularly shared inspiring career insights from women leading in the cybersecurity hive. We've had the privilege of interviewing these incredible professionals and hope to inspire others to pursue careers in cybersecurity! Do you know an inspiring female leader with a story to share? Contact us! 

For this special edition, we feature Melis Böke Yazıcıoğlu, a cybersecurity leader whose career began in computer engineering and transitioned into cybersecurity working along with PwC Türkiye and Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Türkiye Software Federation, a Board Member of the Cyber Security Organization Association, and an international mentor at Women4Cyber. Get inspired by her story!

Could you briefly describe your career path and current position?

I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering from İskenderun Technical University in 2017. In 2018, I started working in the network field and, with great effort and determination, transitioned into cybersecurity.

Currently, I work as a Senior Information Security Associate at PwC Türkiye, where I contribute to strengthening the company’s internal security posture. However, my career is not limited to corporate roles. I am actively involved in raising cybersecurity awareness, delivering training, and mentoring professionals in the field.

Additionally, I serve as the Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Türkiye Software Federation, a Board Member of the Cyber Security Organization Association, and an international mentor at Women4Cyber. I also provide national and international training programs and write articles on information security.

When and why did you decide to work in cybersecurity? Was there anything or anyone sparking your interest in cybersecurity? Were you already interested in IT security when you were young? 

My interest in cybersecurity started during my third year of university, when I focused on penetration testing (pentest) and attack techniques. The process of identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening systems sparked my passion for the field.

Initially, I was mainly interested in offensive security and penetration testing, but as my career progressed, I gained experience in various security domains, which helped me develop a broader perspective. I realized that cybersecurity is not just a technical discipline but also a strategic field that impacts businesses, users, and organizations.

This discovery was a turning point in my career, allowing me to combine different aspects of cybersecurity and develop a more holistic approach to security.

How would you describe your experience as a woman in this field?

Cybersecurity is still a male-dominated field, but I have never seen this as a barrier. Instead, I view it as an opportunity to make an impact. I strongly believe that diversity and different perspectives add significant value to cybersecurity, and having more women in the industry is a great advantage.

One of the most important things I have realized is that women in cybersecurity need to be more visible. Through my technical expertise, training programs, and industry involvement, I have accessed many opportunities and learned that success in this field is based on knowledge and skills, regardless of gender.

I have also seen the importance of raising awareness and being a role model. Through my mentorship activities at Women4Cyber, I support women entering the field and help them strengthen their career paths. I believe that women interested in cybersecurity should be encouraged and supported more.

Were there any unique challenges to overcome to get to the position where you are now? Did you ever encounter any gender-related stereotyping? Feel free to mention examples.

Transitioning into cybersecurity was not easy. Since I had no prior experience in the field, I faced many rejections and had to work very hard to get my foot in the door. Just when I was about to consider giving up, I received the news that I had been accepted into a Security Operations Center (SOC) team.

At the time, I shared with my management that I had almost given up, and they told me something that has stayed with me ever since:

"You may not have received the opportunity yet, even though you have the skills. But what if the opportunity had come, and you lost it because you weren’t prepared enough?"

This statement was incredibly meaningful to me and taught me that waiting for an opportunity is not enough—you must be ready when it arrives.

As a woman working in cybersecurity, I also faced some challenges. At times, I felt that my technical expertise was questioned in certain discussions. However, through my knowledge, experience, and continuous learning, I was able to break these biases and establish myself in the field.

Another challenge was the lack of female role models. When I first entered the industry, I noticed that women were mostly in management or supporting roles, while they were underrepresented in technical and leadership positions. However, this motivated me to work even harder and inspire other women in the field.

Do you have any role models (in the field or outside)?

Rather than a single person, I draw inspiration from individuals who challenge conventional approaches and create meaningful change.

Leaders who pave the way for women in cybersecurity

Experts who combine technical expertise with strategic leadership

Innovators who introduce fresh perspectives and drive industry-wide transformation

Additionally, I see my current manager as a role model. Their ability to combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking and their impactful contributions to the field inspire me. Their leadership and approach to cybersecurity have helped shape the way I want to develop my own career.

I especially admire those who raise awareness and leave a lasting impact in the industry.

What actions do you think should be taken in order to close the gender gap in cybersecurity?

Closing the gender gap in cybersecurity requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Early education and awareness: Introducing cybersecurity concepts to young girls through workshops and school programs.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities: Connecting women with professionals who can guide them in their careers.
• Inclusive hiring and leadership programs: Organizations should actively encourage and support women in technical and leadership roles.
• Visibility and representation: Showcasing female professionals in cybersecurity through media, conferences, and publications to create role models for future generations.
• Diversity is not just about gender equality, it is also critical for strengthening cybersecurity as a whole by bringing in different perspectives and skill sets.

Do you have any suggestions for women to pursue careers in cybersecurity? They can be educational, professional, personal…

Absolutely! Here are my key suggestions for women looking to enter cybersecurity:

• Explore different domains: Cybersecurity is a broad field. Discover areas like penetration testing, risk management, compliance, security awareness, and incident response to find what excites you.
• Stay up to date: The field evolves constantly. Follow cybersecurity news, research papers, and certifications to keep learning.
• Join professional communities: Organizations like Women4Cyber, ISACA, and (ISC)² offer great networking and learning opportunities.
• Be confident and take on challenges: You don’t have to know everything from the start. What matters is a willingness to learn and adapt.

Most importantly, believe in yourself, cybersecurity needs diverse talents and perspectives!

As a closing line, what would be your message for women in cybersecurity?

"You belong here. Your skills, insights, and perspectives are invaluable to the future of cybersecurity. Stay curious, stay resilient, and never hesitate to take your place in this ever-evolving industry. The cybersecurity world needs more women to lead, innovate, and inspire the next generation."