Overview:

This Black History Month, Snyk and Panelle invite you to an afternoon that’s anything but business as usual. A celebration built from the ground up to honour the power, pride, and progress of Black women in cybersecurity and tech.

We’re taking over Snyk HQ to spotlight the bold and brilliant leadership of Black women shaping the future of this industry, and we’re doing it our way. That means intentional conversations, real connections, and an unapologetic celebration of culture and excellence. Every detail will be crafted to reflect and respect the richness of Black heritage, and will be powered and supported by all.

Expect a powerhouse panel of Black women tech leaders who are breaking barriers, building networks, and carving out space in systems not built for them - and who are ready to share the real strategies for doing the same. We’ll talk self-advocacy, career elevation, community, and how to keep the door open for the next generation.

Whether you're just entering the tech world or you’ve been holding it down for years, this is your space - to be seen, heard, inspired, and celebrated.  

Come as you are. Whether you’re supporting the mission or you’re trailblazing it.  

Leave more connected, more empowered, and more determined than ever.

Let’s stand firm in our power. Let’s celebrate our pride. And let’s shape what’s next together.

Agenda:

2:00 PM - Welcome & Arrival

Doors open - come through, connect, and vibe. Enjoy music curated by Black women artists and light bites by Black-owned caterers as we settle into the space.

2:30 PM - Opening Words

Kickoff messages from the hosts who made this celebration possible.

Ashley Ladd, Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Social Impact at Snyk

Lisa Carter, Founder of Panelle

2:45 PM - Honouring Our Powerhouses: Meet the Women Shaping Tech

Led by Panelle’s founder Lisa Carter, this session introduces all of you, our guests! The incredible Black women being celebrated today - sharing who you are, what you do, and why you’re just getting started.

3:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Power, Pride, and Paving the Way

A real, grounded conversation with trailblazing Black women in cybersecurity and tech.

Topics include:

• Redefining leadership on your terms

• Advocating for yourself while building community

• Turning visibility into lasting impact

Followed by 15 minutes of open Q&A - bring your voice, your questions, your curiosity.

4:00 PM - Connection, Conversation & Celebration

Mingle, meet, and continue the dialogue. This is your space to build community, exchange ideas, and just enjoy being surrounded by brilliance.

5:00 PM - Event Close

Leave lifted, inspired, and ready to carry the energy forward!

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Panelle Discussion Topics:

Let’s take a deeper diver into this conversation…

Redefining Power: What It Means to Lead as a Black Woman in Cybersecurity

How Black women are reshaping leadership in spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented.

Talking Points:

• Leading authentically in systems not built for you

• Balancing technical excellence with cultural integrity

• The pressures of being ‘the first’ or ‘the only’ and how to thrive regardless

Protecting More Than Data: Advocating for Yourself While Building Up Others

Self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and mentoring without burnout

Talking Points:

• Navigating career advancement without assimilation

• Saying ‘no’ with power and purpose

• Uplifting others while preserving your own wellbeing

From Visibility to Legacy: Creating Space and Changing the System

Building pipelines, networks, and policies that support sustainable change

Talking Points:

• Creating career pathways for other Black women in tech

• Holding companies accountable beyond performative allyship

• Using your platform to drive systemic impact, not just representation