Dr Fauzia Idrees Abro recognised for trailblazing work in cybersecurity, leadership, and advocacy for women in STEM
We are proud to celebrate one of our alumni, Dr Fauzia Idrees Abro, who has been named a winner of the Top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50) Awards by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) – a remarkable achievement that recognises her as one of the UK’s most influential female engineers.
The WE50 Awards, established in 2016 in collaboration with The Telegraph, are announced annually on 23 June to mark International Women in Engineering Day, a global celebration of the achievements of women engineers and a platform to inspire future generations.
This year’s recognition is a fitting tribute to Fauzia’s exceptional career – one that has been defined by pioneering spirit, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to empowering women in STEM.
Breaking barriers, building futures
Fauzia’s journey began in rural Pakistan, where she was raised by parents who, despite having no formal education themselves, believed in the power of learning and opportunity. They encouraged her to pursue engineering – even when that meant being the only woman in a class of 200 men.
She went on to become the first female PhD student to serve in Pakistan’s armed forces, specialising in Information Security during a 22-year career in the Air Force. Her work focused on communication and networking – fields in which she would become a recognised expert.
But Fauzia wasn’t content to stop there. Fuelled by a desire to make tech careers accessible to women, she founded Cynosure Technologies, a cyber security consultancy with an ambitious goal: to employ a workforce that is 80% female, offering flexible, remote working long before the pandemic made it mainstream.
From the skies to the boardroom – and beyond
With vast technical knowledge and leadership experience, Fauzia joined Kent Business School’s MBA programme to develop her expertise in marketing, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
“The MBA at Kent was a perfect match for me,” she says. “I wanted to work for communities and create lasting change – and the skills I gained helped me build something with impact.”
That impact extends well beyond her business. Today, Fauzia is Associate Professor, Director of Distance Learning, and Deputy Director of the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education at Royal Holloway, University of London. She also serves as a Global Ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI and as a Policy Adviser for cyber studies and research.
An inspirational role model
Fauzia Idrees Abro’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and transformation – a shining example of what women in engineering can achieve when barriers are broken and opportunities embraced.
At Kent Business School, we are honoured to count her among our alumni, and thrilled to see her receive the recognition she so richly deserves as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering.
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, Fauzia reminds us all of the power of education, resilience, and leadership to shape a better future.