Diversity, equality, and inclusion is more than just a goal for the technology world — it’s a necessity. That’s why Mission Critical hosts the annual Women in Technology contest. As the demands for data generation, consumption, sharing, storage, processing, and more continue to grow and cybercriminals become increasingly more threatening, it’s clear that the industry needs more people to collaborative on innovative solutions to consumer needs, sustainable connectivity, and cyber safe infrastructure.
Women from all over the world in a wide range of technology sectors, including data centers, health care, and food processing, were nominated for their admirable contributions to the industry and the people who rely on it.
As Rebecca Ellis, president of Questions & Solutions Engineering Inc. and one of this year’s winners, so matter-of-factly put it, “If technology is to benefit all people, then all people need to be represented in the development and application of that technology.”
And, with that, Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2022 Top 25 Women in Technology.
Vishi Bindra
Title: Director, Cyber Security Services
Company: KPMG LLP
Education: Bachelor of Engineering in electronics and telecommunication
Professional Credentials/Accreditations: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
Organizational Affiliations: International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), ISACA, and Ascend
Achievements/Awards: Honoree of Channel Futures DE&I 101 for 2021 , recipient of 2021 KPMG Chairman’s Award, member of KPMG's Network of Women (KNOW), and author KPMG’s point of view on cloud data protection
What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in technology?
I always had intellectual curiosity and a deep passion to learn how technology worked. I wanted to make IT happen as I believed that technology is the future of humanity, if used correctly.
What inspires you to do what you do?
The ability to dare, dream, and think out of the box.
What role does sustainability play in your life?
Upcycling what we can and recycling the rest.
What is the most fascinating thing you have learned while working in this industry?
I have learned many things through experience and collaborating, including, but not limited to, dealing with disruptions and servicing our clients.
“I am passionate about advancing toward a digital future, as it’s a significant issue for educators, cyber experts, and our future cyber leaders. The rapidly evolving challenges are what makes it such an exciting time to work in our fields of data protection and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity professionals have never been in more demand, and training and capabilities are essential.”
- Vishi Bindra, Director, Cyber Security Services for KPMG LLP
What’s something unique about you personally?
Perseverance is my greatest value and quality. I believe the key to success is your passionate action and the essential part in action is perseverance.
What’s something unique about you professionally?
With more than 20 years of experience in the information technology industry, I have developed a strong ability to build and sustain relationships with public and private stakeholders and lead innovative projects and cross-functional initiatives.
I am passionate about advancing toward a digital future, as it’s a significant issue for educators, cyber experts, and our future cyber leaders. The rapidly evolving challenges are what makes it such an exciting time to work in our fields of data protection and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity professionals have never been in more demand, and training and capabilities are essential. By understanding the information life cycle — from collection to storage to destruction; taking a privacy, security, and testing by design approach; and recognizing the human element in how we interact with data, future cyber leaders will be well equipped to help take us into a safe and people-centered digital future.
What’s your most admirable quality?
It is hard to pick one. I am empathetic, evolving, and diverse.
Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion important to you?
I grew up learning that unity is our strength and experienced that success lies in inclusive environment. Diversity is an art of thinking independently together.
At KPMG, we inspire confidence and empower change in all we do. We challenge ourselves to bring our absolute best to clients, to the public, and to one another every single day. We set ourselves apart through our passion, pride, expertise, curiosity, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the leaders of tomorrow.
What aspect of the industry do you think has the most potential for growth, and, on the other hand, which aspect do you think needs the most improvement?
Diversity and inclusion have the most potential for growth and opportunity for improvement. Despite all of the documentation that diversity and inclusion improve the business outcomes, the rate of diversity and inclusion adoption is slow. It is up to the people in leadership to look at people and opportunities differently if they want more innovative solutions and enhanced business results.
When you imagine the future of the technology industry, what does it look like?
Hyper automation using cloud platforms for accelerated business delivery, thus enhancing customer, employee, and user experiences.
