Jessica Robinson and Vandana Verma-- WIA: Women in #AppSec

How can application security become a field where more women enter, contribute, and advance? Jessica Robinson and Vandana Verma discuss OWASP Women in AppSec, its local committees, mentoring, training, and conference activities. They explain how chapters can create opportunities without isolating the initiative from the broader community, and why visible leaders and practical support matter. The conversation includes lessons from OWASP Bangalore, Nullcon, networking events, and the challenge of sustaining volunteer programs across geographies. Jessica and Vandana also offer concrete guidance to chapter leaders and allies who want to help: make an explicit commitment, create space for participation, and support people as they build expertise and confidence. The episode frames inclusion as community work that requires repeated action.The Application Security Podcast is brought to you by Security Journey.About Security JourneySecurity Journey provides application security education for developers and everyone in the software development lifecycle.→ Learn more about Security JourneyConnect with Jessica Robinson and Vandana Verma:→ OWASP Women in AppSec→ Vandana VermaMentioned in this episode:→ OWASP Women in AppSec→ OWASP Bangalore→ NullconFollow the Application Security Podcast:➜ Home➜ X➜ LinkedIn➜ YouTube➜ Instagram➜ FacebookChapters:00:00 Women in application security03:07 Vandana Verma’s path into security05:19 The purpose of Women in AppSec07:46 Local committees and chapter activities12:48 Training events and Nullcon16:13 Mentoring and community support21:10 Building welcoming professional networks25:47 Growing leaders across geographies30:31 What chapter leaders and allies can do32:49 Final recommendations