Women Who 'Hacked the Status Quo' Aim to Inspire Cybersecurity Careers

This article profiles Cisco security researcher Chi-en (Ashley) Shen, her career path through organizations like Mandiant, Google, and Cisco Talos, and her role on a Black Hat USA 2025 panel titled "Hacking the Status Quo: Tales From Leading Women in Cybersecurity." The piece focuses on challenges women face in cybersecurity, strategies Shen uses for resilience and professional growth, and initiatives (scholarships, meetups, mentorship) aimed at increasing female representation and support in the field.