Optiv Wins 2025 EWF Corporate Award for Advancing Women in Cybersecurity

Optiv has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) Corporate Award in recognition of its dedication to fostering the growth and representation of women in the cybersecurity sector. This accolade highlights the company’s efforts in creating an inclusive workplace that supports the advancement of women within the commercial cybersecurity landscape.

The EWF Corporate Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity through initiatives such as employee resource groups, mentorship programs, and bias training. Selection criteria include the representation of women in leadership roles, their career progression in security and privacy, and the overall performance of the company.

Kevin Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Optiv, emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “Inclusion is more than a core value at Optiv — it’s a competitive advantage.” He added that when individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate, it fosters innovation and a thriving company culture. This recognition not only honors the women at Optiv but also acknowledges the allies who contribute to creating an environment where all employees can excel.

Optiv’s commitment to enhancing women’s roles in commercial cybersecurity is evident through various impactful initiatives. These include the Optiv Women’s Network and Lean In Circles, designed to empower women through networking, mentorship, and leadership development. The company has implemented a formal mentorship program that has facilitated over 160 mentor pairings, benefiting employees across the board.

To further support women’s advancement, Optiv has conducted more than 10,000 live and on-demand learning sessions, which include training focused on leadership and mentorship. The company has also sponsored four STEAM Labs located in Denver, Kansas City, Toronto, and Bangalore, aimed at encouraging underrepresented youth, especially young women, to pursue STEM careers.

Optiv has initiated employee-led programs that provide tech education access for girls and women, highlighted by its first all-women hackathon held in India. In the United States, women represent 38% of Optiv’s people leaders, with nearly 30% of its total workforce comprised of women, figures that significantly exceed industry benchmarks.

“This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates the spirit of connection and leadership that defines the Optiv Women’s Network (OWN),” remarked Heather Rim, Chief Marketing Officer and Chair of OWN. She noted that what began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a global employee resource group with over 300 members — women and allies alike — working collaboratively to shape the future of cybersecurity.

In addition to the recognition from the EWF, Optiv’s female employees have received national honors throughout the year. Notably, several women have been included in the SIA’s Women in Security Forum Power 100, and others have been recognized among CRN’s 2025 Women of the Channel. These accolades further reflect Optiv’s commitment to promoting women into leadership positions.

For ongoing updates and news from Optiv, interested parties can visit the company’s newsroom at www.optiv.com/company/optiv-newsroom. Optiv continues to position itself as a leader in cybersecurity, offering comprehensive solutions and services to nearly 6,000 companies globally across various industries. The firm’s mission is to manage cyber risk effectively, enabling its clients to secure their full potential.

For more information, visit www.optiv.com.