NOMINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Anitha Dakamarri, is a seasoned IT professional with over 19 years of experience in the field of information security. Over the years, She have honed my skills in various domains, including threat modeling, application security assessments, and network security assessments. Her work experience spans across reputable organizations like DFIN, USCELLULAR, and Syntel Inc., where she have led teams, developed security standards, and implemented robust security frameworks. hold several industry certifications like CISSP,CISM,CEH,CHFI, which reflect her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Her passion for security extends beyond technical assessments; She has also initiated and conducted security awareness workshops to educate and empower others. She is aN active speaker and volunteer at ISACA(CISM Exam development, Mentor ), ISC2(Exam development and UBK panel) OWASP(Contributor),Women4Cyber(Mentor) and WiCys(Mentor), CSA(Contributor), Microsoft TEALS(TA), BlackandScot,UK(Mentor)
Giving Back Through Education and Advocacy:
Her passion for security extends far beyond technical assessments. She is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and community building.
She has initiated and conducted security awareness workshops in schools, helping individuals and organizations understand risks and protect themselves. Knowledge should not be exclusive it should be shared, especially when it empowers others.
Giving back became an essential part of her healing and purpose. She volunteered with the Treasured Vessels Foundation (TVF) as part of their sex trafficking survivor support program, contributing my time and skills to help survivors rebuild confidence, safety, and independence. That experience was deeply meaningful to her not only because it aligned with her values, but because it reaffirmed her belief that survivors deserve dignity, opportunity, and a future defined by choice.
Education has always been transformative in her own life, which is why she chose to give back through teaching. From 2022 to 2024, she served as a Teaching Assistant through Microsoft TEALS, supporting computer science education in high schools. Working directly with students and teachers, she helped bring real world technology knowledge into classrooms that otherwise lacked access to industry professionals.
she is also an active public speaker, using her voice to educate, inspire, and challenge long standing norms in cybersecurity and leadership. Speaking on stages and panels allows her to advocate for inclusion, ethical security practices, and the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of technology.
In addition to her professional and volunteer work, she has partnered with Black and Scot from UK to deliver DevSecOps education to university students and community audiences. This collaboration allows me to combine industry experience with practical instruction, empowering learners to build secure, resilient systems while fostering a security first mindset early in their careers.

she was also an active member of the DEI Council at DFIN, where she worked collaboratively with leaders and peers to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. That experience reinforced her belief that strong organizations are built not only on technical excellence, but on cultures where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Volunteering and Mentorship
Service has become one of the most meaningful aspects of her journey. she actively volunteer and contribute to global professional organizations, including:
• ISACA: Working on CISM Exam development and serving as a Mentor.
• ISC2: Contributing to Exam development and the UBK panel.
• OWASP: Acting as a contributor to open-source security standards.
• WiCyS & Women4Cyber (UK): Mentoring the next generation of women.
These roles allow her to support the next generation of professionals especially women who may not yet see themselves represented in technology or leadership.
Mentorship is deeply personal to her . she know what it means to walk alone. she know how powerful it is when someone believes in you before you fully believe in yourself. When
Every time she has mentored another woman, she ahs weakened the walls that once tried to block her own path.