Voices That Matter: Women Leading Innovation at F5
As co-chairs, we're proud that F5 Connects Women is working to educate, inspire, connect, and mentor over 1,000 members and allies today. Founded in 2012, F5 Connects Women is the company’s largest employee inclusion group (EIG) and is active in attracting, growing, and retaining exceptional talent to deliver the best outcomes for our customers.
Innovating at the intersection of application delivery and security—and AI—takes time, determination, and talent. A lot of talent.
With technology jobs projected to grow at twice the rate of non-tech roles in the coming decade (with particular emphasis on data science, AI, and cybersecurity), increasing the number of women in these fields is crucial. At F5, we're proactively addressing the challenge through the Connects Women EIG.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we're proud to showcase the contributions of four remarkable women at F5 around the world, highlighting their journeys and insights into the world of cybersecurity and engineering.
Smitha Sriharsha: Embracing the spirit of innovation
Smitha Sriharsha, Sr. Manager of Platform Security Engineering, based in India, embodies the spirit of innovation in cybersecurity. Her career ambition was sparked by a deep curiosity about how security impacts every layer of technology.
“I recognized that effective cybersecurity isn't just about finding vulnerabilities but also empowering businesses to innovate confidently,” she says.
In an environment of diverse and constantly evolving cyber threats, Smitha believes that "having a workforce that reflects different backgrounds enhances our ability to anticipate and respond effectively." It is also key to the future cybersecurity workforce, underlining the critical need to “dismantle stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment where future generations can see themselves thriving in cybersecurity careers.”
Orna Zakaria: An advocate for mentorship
A F5 Vice President of Engineering based in Israel, Orna Zakaria brings decades of insight to her role. Her journey began with a desire to improve the user experience during her military service, leading her to pursue computer engineering. Orna is a strong advocate for mentorship and representation, recognizing their power to inspire and empower women in tech.
Through initiatives like the Young Women Hackers event hosted by F5 Israel, Orna and her team are actively creating pathways for young women to explore cybersecurity. “When women see others in leadership and technical roles, it reinforces that they belong,” says Orna.
Maryrita Steinhour: A strong focus on security
Maryrita Steinhour has dedicated her career to operating system design and development, with a strong focus on security. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer in the U.S., her expertise spans architecture, design, development, and program management – all of which makes her a valuable asset to F5's security efforts.
“I have been fortunate to work in companies and with people who have a strong commitment to diversity and have always received opportunities based on merit,” Maryrita says.
Her advice to women considering cybersecurity? "Know that you can do anything you put your mind to, polish your strong points, and strengthen your weak ones."
Remi Cohen: Inspiring the next generation of women
Remi Cohen, a Senior Cybersecurity Manager for Threat Intelligence and Investigations in the U.S., brings a different perspective to her role. Initially drawn to computer science for its problem-solving potential, she discovered her passion for cybersecurity through an internship in cyber threat intelligence.
“I learned that I could use my computer science degree to break systems and solve problems in an even more creative way…and haven't looked back since,” she says.
Remi stresses the importance of visibility and education in encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers. She says that by "talking about it more and showing girls and young women that there are different ways for them to use their skills," we can inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Empowering women to innovate and lead
As we celebrate International Women's Day, we continue to foster an inclusive environment where women's contributions are recognized and valued. We’re dedicated to creating a workplace where women are empowered to innovate and lead, in the belief that this is crucial for building a more secure and equitable digital world.
Find out about diversity and inclusion at F5 here.