BSidesSF 2026 - More Role Models in AppSec: How to Get It Right (Alexandra Charikova)

This talk by Alexandra Charikova focuses on promoting diverse leadership in Application Security (AppSec). Drawing insights from conversations with over 100 security leaders, she highlights the importance of people skills in achieving AppSec success, emphasizing that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient. The session delves into strategies for fostering inclusion within the AppSec community by mentoring future leaders who can combine technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills.