For cybersecurity professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, the field can sometimes feel isolating. Yet, these diverse perspectives are exactly what’s needed to build more agile and resilient cybersecurity solutions.
The need for creative solutions is more pressing than ever, with 90 per cent of businesses reporting they are unprepared for AI-driven cyber threats. But, when teams include varied experiences, backgrounds and ways of thinking, they’re more likely to identify blind spots, anticipate creative threats and create preventative solutions.
While women’s representation in the cybersecurity field in Canada has grown steadily – from 10 per cent in 2019 to 21 per cent in 2025 – they remain underrepresented in the sector. Encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers, including cybersecurity, will ensure that Canada’s businesses – large and small – are more resilient in the age of continuously emerging risks.
Understanding these critical labour gaps in the cybersecurity field, Mastercard has partnered with the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst to provide innovative programs such as the Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI), a year-long program providing women and non-binary individuals with the technical and executive leadership skills required to advance their careers in the cyber field.
The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and with it, the demand for innovative solutions and diverse perspectives in STEM fields. By encouraging and supporting women and girls in pursuing STEM careers, we don’t just fill critical skill gaps – we foster a more resilient, innovative, and equitable future for all Canadians. Their unique insights and approaches are essential to spotting emerging risks early and building the robust solutions our complex digital economy demands.
Investing in women in STEM is investing in a safer Canadian economy
For Ainsley Johnston, Director of Product Management at Mastercard, the decision to dive deeper into the world of cybersecurity was about more than just professional development.
It was about sharpening her leadership skills, expanding her technical understanding, and connecting with other women in STEM who are building a safer digital future for Canada.
Graduating in May 2025, Johnston participated in the ELCI program, which delivered real impact, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate a complex cyber risk landscape.
The program allowed her to seek out mentorship from the program’s roster of guest speakers, many of whom are leading figures in Canadian cybersecurity. Their stories combined technical insight with personal candour about the challenges and milestones of building a career in the field and community in which she felt seen.
During her time at the ELCI, the sense of community was felt throughout, from modules in the classroom and ELCI Alumni Events to weekly Sunday dinners with that week’s subject-matter expert.
The collective energy was inspiring and created a space where collaboration came naturally and imposter syndrome had no place, she added.
“Hearing leaders speak openly about both technical challenges and their personal journeys made the path forward feel tangible and achievable,” said Johnston. “The program didn’t just provide a framework for leadership and innovation, it helped me find my voice in a community that truly supports one another.”
Mastercard
