Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2026’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words.
In 2026, the awards were sponsored by BT, Bridewell, Plexal and Fidelity International. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH) and Seidea.
What does your job role entail?
I work as a Senior Technology Compliance Product Owner at Adobe, where I lead and drive security and compliance initiatives across our technology landscape.
My role focuses on ensuring our products and services meet key regulatory and security requirements across EMEA, including BSI C5, TISAX, SPAIN ENS, Cyber Essentials Plus, NIST PRISMA, and privacy related inquiries.
I partner closely with engineering, security, and business teams to translate complex compliance requirements into practical, actionable steps that can be embedded into everyday operations.
I also contribute to shaping and strengthening our compliance frameworks, helping the organisation stay ahead of evolving regulations while maintaining strong security and customer trust.
At its core, my role is about bridging the gap between compliance and innovation, enabling teams to build securely while continuing to move fast.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
I didn’t start out in cybersecurity, my background is in Sociology, which gave me a strong understanding of people, behaviour, and systems.
My journey into cybersecurity was sparked by curiosity and exposure to the field through my husband, which inspired me to start learning more about how organisations protect data and manage risk.
I took intentional steps to build my knowledge and gain hands on experience in governance, risk, and compliance, and over time, I found my place within the industry.
What stood out to me was that cybersecurity is not just about technology, it is about people, processes, and decision making, and that perspective continues to shape my work today.
Alongside my career, I have developed a strong passion for mentorship and lifting women up. I actively support women transitioning into cybersecurity, helping them build confidence and navigate their journeys.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is being one of the few women in the room in certain spaces, and feeling the pressure to constantly prove my value.
There have been moments where I had to find my voice, speak up with confidence, and trust my expertise even when I was still growing. At the same time, I have also been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues and allies who created space, encouraged my growth, and recognised my contributions.
I overcame this by being intentional about my development, continuously learning, and showing up even when it felt uncomfortable. Over time, I stopped focusing on proving myself and started focusing on the value I bring.
That shift has been important for me, not just in how I show up at work, but in how I support others.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
I am passionate about making cybersecurity accessible and actionable, especially for women, because I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the field without the right guidance.
I actively mentor women at different stages of their careers through personal mentoring, providing practical guidance, career direction, and helping them build confidence as they transition into or grow within cybersecurity.
In addition, I volunteer with WiCyS, where I currently mentor four women, supporting them with structured guidance, shared experiences, and community based learning.
Within my workplace, I intentionally inspire and uplift colleagues by encouraging knowledge sharing, collaboration, and creating an environment where people feel supported to grow.
I also contribute to the wider cybersecurity community through mentorship, speaking engagements, and community initiatives, sharing my experience to help more women and underrepresented groups thrive in the industry.
Who has inspired you in your life/career?
I have been inspired by a mix of people throughout my life and career.
My husband has been a strong source of inspiration, especially in how he approaches growth, consistency, and resilience. Being exposed to his perspective and mindset played a role in sparking my curiosity and journey into cybersecurity.
I have also been inspired by leaders and mentors I have worked with, whose support, guidance, and belief in my potential have helped shape my confidence and career direction.
Beyond that, I draw a lot of inspiration from the women I mentor and support. Seeing their determination, growth, and willingness to keep going despite challenges constantly reminds me why I do what I do.
Overall, I am inspired by people who show up with intention, stay consistent, and create opportunities not just for themselves, but for others as well.
The post MIWIC26: Funke Omolere, Senior Technology Compliance Product Owner at Adobe appeared first on IT Security Guru.
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