"Women need examples of other successful women role models or influencers in sustained and upward trending leadership roles to be able to visualise themselves in one."
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Meet the team of volunteers who are working towards delivering a non-profit service to the cyber security community!
NIVEDITA (NIVI) NEWAR- FOUNDER
Deputy CISO, UNSW
Nivedita is a senior cyber security executive with extensive experience shaping enterprise security strategy, risk posture, and large-scale transformation across complex and regulated environments. She is recognised for translating organisational risk appetite into clear investment strategies that deliver measurable risk reduction, and for leading multi-million-dollar cyber programs that uplift capability and resilience. Her expertise spans governance, risk and compliance, security operations modernisation through AI and automation, and embedding secure-by-design and Zero Trust principles across enterprise initiatives. Nivedita has built and scaled high-performing cyber functions, strengthened third-party and supply chain security, and delivered key certifications including ISO 27001:2022 while aligning with regulatory obligations such as Essential Eight and SOCI. A trusted advisor to senior leadership, she also contributes to industry advancement through governance roles and as the founder of a nationally recognised Women in Cyber initiative, supporting the development of future cyber talent.
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JEANNETTE NGAU-PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Risk & Compliance Consultant, Monash University
Jeannette is a cyber security professional with over fifteen years of experience across commercial and higher education sectors, specialising in cyber risk and compliance and leading cross-functional teams to deliver successful security initiatives. She is known for establishing strong reporting, planning, and stakeholder engagement practices, with a focus on relationship building and continuous improvement, supported by a solid technical background in application management, implementation, and migration. Jeannette holds CISM and CRISC certifications and contributes to the Tangible Uplift Program as a CISM facilitator and moderator, while actively supporting initiatives that promote diversity and build a more resilient and inclusive cyber community.
MICHELLE RIBEIRO-PROGRAM VOLUNTEER
Cyber Awareness and Engagement Lead, UNSW
Michelle is a cyber security professional focused on driving organisational behaviour change and strengthening security culture. Since joining UNSW as Cyber Security Awareness and Organisational Engagement Lead, she has led a significant uplift in cyber awareness maturity by delivering a data-driven strategy, targeted engagement initiatives, and scalable automation. She is responsible for shaping and executing UNSW’s cyber awareness strategy, aligning it with broader security and organisational priorities, and has successfully delivered key program outcomes while continuing to build capability across the team. Michelle is also committed to continuous learning and capability uplift, supporting certifications across ISACA, Microsoft, and AWS domains, while deepening her own expertise in AI, automation, governance, compliance, and identity. Prior to UNSW, she contributed to the APAC cyber security community by leading industry events and facilitating knowledge sharing among senior practitioners.
LEIGH DIXON-CISM DOMAIN TRAINER
Cyber Security Lead, Department of Justice QLD
Leigh is a seasoned cyber security leader with over 20 years of experience across IT, cyber, and information security, spanning strategic leadership, operational delivery, and technical program execution. Currently serving as Director of Cyber Security in Queensland Government , she specialises in leading large-scale security uplift programs that strengthen organisational defensive capabilities. Leigh brings deep expertise across governance, risk and compliance, as well as hands-on experience in security operations, vulnerability management, and incident response, enabling him to drive practical, outcome-focused security improvements.
JYOTI SHARMA-PROGRAM LEAD
Senior Project Manager, Monash University Australia
As a Senior Project Manager in cybersecurity, Jyoti specialises in delivering high-impact programs that build resilient, future-ready organisations. Beyond managing complex enterprise transformations, she is a mentor and advocate for diversity in technology. Grounded in integrity and a deep understanding of the threat landscape, she leads with a commitment to excellence and inclusive growth.
BAHAR FARD-LEARNING FACILITATOR
Senior lead security solution Architect, Lumen Technology
Bahar is an experienced cyber security professional with over 17 years of experience across a diverse range of roles, giving her broad expertise across both technology and security domains. Her core strengths include network security, secure infrastructure design and implementation, and governance, risk, and compliance. She also brings valuable experience in technical sales, enabling her to bridge the gap between business and technology and deliver practical, outcome-focused security solutions.
ANITHA CHINNAIH-CISM DOMAIN TRAINER
Cyber Security Specialist (Senior Development Officer), QLD Government
Anitha is an emerging cyber security professional with over 16 years of experience in Queensland, currently working within a cyber security team while transitioning into a full-time role in the field. Over the past year, she has strengthened her expertise by completing her CISM through the Tangible Uplift Program and achieving CISSP certification. She is passionate about contributing to the community and is particularly interested in supporting the delivery of Domain 3 concepts, with a strong commitment to expanding her involvement as she progresses further in her cyber security career.