Optiv has been recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) Corporate Award for its significant efforts in promoting the advancement of women in the cybersecurity sector. The award, announced on October 21, 2025, highlights Optiv’s initiatives to engage, develop, and elevate women within commercial cybersecurity, a field where representation has traditionally lagged.
The Executive Women’s Forum bestows its Corporate Award on organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity through various programs, including employee resource groups, mentorship opportunities, STEM initiatives, and bias training. Selection criteria include the representation of women in leadership roles, career advancement opportunities in security and privacy, and overall company performance.
Optiv’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Lynch, emphasized the company’s belief in inclusion as a vital competitive advantage. “When people from different backgrounds and perspectives come together with a shared purpose, innovation accelerates and culture thrives,” Lynch stated. He acknowledged the award as a recognition of the impactful contributions made by the women at Optiv and the allies who support them.
Initiatives Driving Change
Optiv’s commitment is underscored by a range of initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive work environment. Key programs include the Optiv Women’s Network, which offers peer networking and mentorship, and a formal mentorship program that has successfully paired over 160 employees. Additionally, the company has provided more than 10,000 learning sessions, focusing on leadership and mentorship training designed to support the advancement of women.
The organization has also made strides in community engagement through the establishment of four STEAM Labs located in Denver, Kansas City, Toronto, and Bangalore. These labs aim to inspire underrepresented youth, particularly young women, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Furthermore, Optiv has hosted its first all-women hackathon in India, showcasing its commitment to expanding access to technology education for girls and women.
Currently, women represent 38% of Optiv’s leadership and nearly 30% of its total workforce, figures that exceed industry benchmarks. Such statistics reflect the company’s dedication to gender diversity within its ranks.
Recognition of Individual Contributions
The EWF Corporate Award is not the only recognition that Optiv has received this year. Individual accomplishments of women within the organization have also been honored nationally. Notably, members have been featured in the SIA’s Women in Security Forum Power 100 and recognized among CRN’s 2025 Women of the Channel. These accolades further highlight Optiv’s commitment to cultivating women leaders in cybersecurity.
Heather Rim, Chief Marketing Officer and chair of the Optiv Women’s Network (OWN), remarked on the significance of the award. “This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates the spirit of connection and leadership that defines OWN,” Rim said. She noted that what began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a global employee resource group with over 300 members, including women and allies, all working collaboratively to shape the future of cybersecurity.
Optiv’s recognition by the Executive Women’s Forum demonstrates its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry. As the company continues to implement innovative programs and initiatives, it sets a precedent for others in the field to follow, contributing to a more equitable workforce.
For updates on Optiv and its initiatives, visit their official newsroom at [Optiv Newsroom](https://www.optiv.com/company/optiv-newsroom).
