ESET Canada awards CAD $15,000 to women in cybersecurity

ESET Canada has revealed the recipients of its 10th annual Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, recognising seven Canadian students for their achievements and potential in cybersecurity.

The scholarship, introduced in North America in 2016, aims to empower women entering the tech sector and emphasises the importance of diversity in cybersecurity roles. Each year, applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance, commitment to the cybersecurity field, and impact within STEM disciplines. This year's selection process involved a competitive pool from across Canada.

Trailblazer award

The 2025 scholarship programme included the Cybersecurity Trailblazer Award, which ESET Canada designates for applicants who demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency, leadership skills, and sustained engagement in cybersecurity. The two recipients of this distinction, Azka Siddiqui from Mississauga, Ontario, and Constance Prevot from Mount Royal, Quebec, were each awarded scholarships of CAD $5,000.

Azka Siddiqui developed an early interest in computer science after participating in programming activities in primary school. Her focus on cybersecurity deepened during an internship at Nokia in 2024, where she contributed to the development of a tool monitoring over 10,000 alarms. Siddiqui has held leadership roles, including Vice Chair of a national nonprofit promoting girls in STEM, led a coding club spanning three provinces, and conducted research on smart-grid anomaly detection and eye-tracking technology. She will begin her Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, planning to concentrate on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence with a focus on creating safer digital environments for women.

As a young woman of colour in tech, I've often felt like I had to work twice as hard just to be seen. Winning the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship reminds me that I do belong — not just in this field, but at the forefront of it. With ESET's support, I'm committed to not only advancing my own journey in building ethical and secure technologies but also to challenging the barriers that keep others, especially women, from stepping into these spaces.

Constance Prevot began her journey into cybersecurity at Concordia University, where she discovered her passion through a Capture-The-Flag competition. She represented Canada at the 2024 International Cybersecurity Competition in Chile, has worked as a Security Operations Centre Analyst at OnePoint for Desjardins, and conducted research at GoSecure, presenting her work at conferences such as HOPE and BSides. As President of Concordia's Software Engineering and Computer Science Society, Prevot has launched initiatives to expand access to cybersecurity education, including the "compétitionsquebec" platform for local competitions and training resources.

I believe in creating environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. By continuing to bridge research, practice, education, and community engagement, I hope to help build a more secure and inclusive cybersecurity ecosystem.

Future leader award

This year, ESET introduced the Future Leader Award tier to highlight emerging talent in cybersecurity. The scheme awards CAD $1,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate strong promise for contributing to the field. The five recipients are:

• Yushika Jhundoo (Ottawa, Ontario) – Computer Science, University of Ottawa
• Meadow Agbor (Calgary, Alberta) – Computer Information Systems, Mount Royal University
• Tina Ismail (Mississauga, Ontario) – Electrical Engineering, McMaster University
• Vrinda Joshi (Markham, Ontario) – Systems Design Engineering (Co-op), University of Waterloo
• Yashvi Shah (Caledon, Ontario) – Computer Engineering (Co-op), University of Toronto

These students have demonstrated involvement in areas including inclusive tech outreach, digital safety advocacy, STEM equity initiatives, and innovative technology research.

Programme expansion

ESET Canada awarded a total of CAD $15,000 in scholarships to Canadian students this year. This figure marks an increase from previous years, reflecting the 10th anniversary of the programme and a stated commitment to fostering diversity and a secure digital future.

Celeste Blodgett, Vice President of Human Resources at ESET North America, commented on the significance of the initiative's tenth year:

This scholarship has always been deeply personal to us at ESET. As we celebrate its 10th year, I'm incredibly proud to recognize this group of brilliant and driven women. With so many outstanding applicants this year, selecting the final recipients was no easy task. What set these winners apart was not only their technical excellence, but also their drive and dedication to strengthening Canada's cybersecurity pipeline. They represent the future of cybersecurity, and we're honoured to support them on their journey.

Blodgett added:

ESET extends heartfelt congratulations to all of this year's winners. Their drive, curiosity, and commitment to cybersecurity exemplifies the very best of what the next generation has to offer. As ESET looks ahead to the future, the company remains dedicated to supporting women in cybersecurity and building a more inclusive and secure digital world for all.