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Webinar: Transforming Media Narratives in Cybersecurity & Tech

Explore how media shapes perceptions of women in tech and cybersecurity, using new research to empower creators with tools for authentic, inspiring, and inclusive storytelling.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

In partnership with:

The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media hosted a powerful virtual event titled Transforming Media Narratives in Cybersecurity and Tech on May 13, 2025. This interactive salon convened entertainment professionals, researchers, and technology leaders to explore how media can better portray women in cybersecurity and tech roles. Featuring findings from the newly released Portray Her 2.0: An Analysis of STEM Representation in Media, the event offered strategies to challenge stereotypes and inspire the next generation of women in STEM fields.

Speakers and Panelists

Geena Davis, Founder and Chair, Geena Davis Institute
Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute
Craig Newmark, Founder, craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Betsy Cooper, Founding Director, Aspen Policy Academy
Dr. Meredith Conroy, VP, Research and Insights, Geena Davis Institute
Marcela Escobar-Alava, Head of Global Agile Infrastructure Capabilities, Sony
Jenny Lumet, Actor, Writer, and Producer
Dr. Larissa Terán, Director of Media Research, Geena Davis Institute

Event Highlights

Dr. Larissa Terán closed with actionable recommendations from the Institute’s new research toolkit, developed in partnership with the Lida Hill Foundation.

Opening Remarks from Geena Davis emphasized the significant underrepresentation of women in tech roles and the impact this has on inspiring future generations.

Craig Newmark discussed his Cyber Civil Defense initiative and emphasized the critical need for inclusive, accurate representation in tech to secure the digital future.

Betsy Cooper’s keynote challenged outdated images of cybersecurity workers and laid out four essential changes: better media representation, accessible mentorship, vocal advocacy, and empowerment through education.

A Fireside Chat moderated by Madeline Di Nonno featured a dynamic conversation between media creators and tech executives on how to shift storytelling paradigms.

Key Takeaways

Visibility in Media Matters: Girls and women are significantly more likely to pursue careers in cybersecurity and tech when they see relatable, capable women in these roles on screen.
Challenging Harmful Tropes: Stereotypes that depict tech professionals as isolated, inherently gifted geniuses deter women, who often value collaboration and perceive tech as requiring perfection.
Role Models Have Power: Characters like Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds and Abby Sciuto from NCIS serve as beloved examples of how to effectively depict skilled, authentic women in tech.
Intersectional Representation Is Critical: True equity in media requires accounting for overlapping identities including race, age, and ability—not just gender.

Actionable Insights

Subvert Expectations: Writers are encouraged to flip familiar stereotypes and highlight the diversity, community, and persistence involved in STEM careers.
Use Diagnostics and Research: Content creators should leverage tools like the Institute’s script analysis services to identify unconscious bias and build more equitable narratives.
Expand Character Roles: Feature women in underrepresented technical positions such as coders, hackers, and cybersecurity leaders—not just doctors or lab assistants.
Recruitment Through Storytelling: Storylines should reflect the real challenges and joys of STEM to attract underrepresented groups, especially young girls, into these fields.

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Webinar: Transforming Media Narratives in Cybersecurity & Tech

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