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Mary-Jo de Leeuw

Founder of the International Women,
Cyber Security Foundation

NETHERLANDS | CYBERSECURITY

Bits and bytes fascinated Mary-Jo ever since she got a Commodore 64, back in the 80’s. What followed in the next 25 years, was much, much more (digital) toys and the “investigation” of it. But this toy story doesn’t end by “a doll on a payroll”. Nothing whatsoever. It is therefore not surprisingly that Mary-Jo founded the Dutch think and do tank Platform Internet of Toys where scientist, toys manufacturers and politicians meet and discuss the breaches within connected toys and also the lack of privacy and legislation loops within it. You’ll find out that her nickname ‘Mario’ appeals to the imagination because of her Nintendo “addiction”.

Last but not least:  Mary-Jo de Leeuw is an international award winner, is the “go to media expert on tech” and appears on the national radio every single week. Furthermore she is the founder of the international Women in Cyber Security Foundation and the founder of the Dutch Cyberworkplace where school dropouts are thought 21s century skills. She is a member of the advisory board of WomentTech Network, CyberTrust EU, Women Leaders @Digital and Coding Girls.

Honours and rewards (summary):

  • SC Media: Europe’s 50 most influential women in cybersecurity 2019.
  • Inspiring50 the Netherlands 2019.
  • Top-50 UK influencers cybersecurity 2019 en 2018.
  • Opzij Top-100 influencers in Holland 2019 en 2018 (Dutch honour).
  • IFSEC Global influencers in cybersecurity, 2018, ranked #10 (global award).
  • TheNextWomen to watch 2018 (Dutch honour).
  • Finalist: Women in the Media Award 2018 (Dutch honour).
  • Winner: Cybersecurity Excellence Awards 2018, category Europe (global award).
  • Winner: Iconic Women 2017, Creating a Better World for All (global award).
  • Finalist at Women in IT Awards 2017, category: security champignon of the year (global award).
  • Finalist: Cyber Security Awards 2018, category Woman of the Year (global award).
  • Finalist 2018: Middle East Security Awards, category Women Security Leader (global award).