Women shaping cybersecurity and AI, plus the latest NZ tech hiring figures.
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The Monthly Newsletter

She Sharp

October 2026

   

A note from our founder

Kia ora,

I honestly can’t believe how quickly this year has gone.

On 8 October we were at Xero in Auckland for Beyond the Code, with Secure Code Warrior. A live secure-coding tournament, a room full of laptops, and brilliant women showing exactly why cybersecurity sits at the heart of AI. Thank you to everyone who came along.

For me personally, the month included:

- A live panel on Three about how New Zealand can harness AI

- Talks with U3A Wānaka and Selwyn Village, a reminder that it’s never too late to get curious about AI

Every one of these rooms carried the same message: AI isn’t just for the experts. Your voice belongs in these conversations too.

Next, we’re heading to Christchurch for the very first time. On 3 November we’re partnering with HCLTech for Do You Own Your AI Future?, an evening on AI security, governance and sovereignty at Rydges. If you’re in the Canterbury region, come along and bring a friend. I’d love to see you there.

Dr. Mahsa McCauley, Founder & Chair, She Sharp

Dr. Mahsa McCauley, Founder & Chair, She Sharp

   

Next up · 3 November

Do You Own Your AI Future?

Do You Own Your AI Future?

Tuesday, November 3 · 4:00pm – 7:00pm NZDT · Rydges Latimer Christchurch, Christchurch

AI is changing how we work and make decisions. Join HCLTech and She Sharp to explore AI security, governance and sovereignty through expert insights, panel discussions and interactive roundtables, and connect with others shaping the future of AI.

Register now · Add to calendar

Last month

Looking back

Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI: Event Recap

Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI

Empowering women in tech through cybersecurity, AI, continuous learning, and meaningful connections.

She Sharp, in collaboration with Xero and Secure Code Warrior, hosted an inspiring evening bringing together technology professionals, students, and aspiring cybersecurity enthusiasts to explore career opportunities, secure coding, and the evolving role of AI.

The panel featured valuable insights from Fatemah Beydoun, Prasanth Pavithran, and Mehika Manocha, with Ben Amadi as MC. Speakers encouraged attendees to embrace new opportunities, recognise their existing skills, showcase personal projects, and build supportive professional communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Opportunities: Step outside your comfort zone, explore new career pathways, and never wait until you feel completely ready.

• Showcase Your Skills: Personal projects, academic work, and practical experiences demonstrate your capabilities and potential.

• Champion Inclusion: Meaningful workplace inclusion comes from everyday actions, equal opportunities, and recognising diverse contributions.

• Adapt and Grow with AI: Strengthen uniquely human skills such as creativity, curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking while learning to use AI effectively.

• Build Your Network: Find supportive allies, contribute consistently, and create opportunities for yourself and others.

Attendees also participated in an interactive Secure Code Warrior tournament, gaining hands-on experience identifying and addressing code vulnerabilities while developing greater awareness of secure software development.

The evening reinforced an important message: Success in technology is not about knowing everything, but about staying curious, continuously learning, sharing your work, and supporting one another.

A heartfelt thank you to Xero, Secure Code Warrior, our speakers, volunteers, and the She Sharp community for making this an insightful and empowering event!

Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI

Thursday, October 8

Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI

About the event →

Snapshots

Moments from the month

Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI
Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AIBeyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI
Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AIBeyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI
Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AIBeyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI
Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AIBeyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI
Beyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AIBeyond the Code: Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and AI

View all photos →

   

NZ Tech Pulse

18.8%

of NZ ICT ads mention AI skills

AI skills appeared in 18.8% of Information & Communication Technology job ads in New Zealand in September.

Source

What we're reading

Your prompt can change how professional AI makes you sound

Johns Hopkins researchers found that prompts using language associated with women produced less formal, less complex workplace writing across the chatbots tested.

23 Oct →

Junior roles are changing, but employers still plan to recruit

In a Korn Ferry report, 81% of firms planned to increase early-career hiring over the next two years, while some organisations were redesigning junior roles around reviewing and validating AI output.

23 Oct →

Could AI bring specialist know-how onto the factory floor?

Industrial AI could help New Zealand manufacturers apply scarce expertise to everyday operations, supporting quicker decisions and improved productivity.

23 Oct →

Did you know? AUT's Women in Tech programme has delivered 30+ events, workshops and networking sessions for women in STEM since 2022 — right here in Auckland. (Source)

3500+

Members

50+

Sponsors

98+

Events since 2014

Get involved

Opportunities this month

Volunteer with us

Help shape the next She Sharp event. Bring your skills, meet others in the community, and lend a hand behind the scenes.

Learn more →

Support the mahi

Help She Sharp create more opportunities for women and young people to explore STEM, build connections and learn together.

Learn more →

With thanks

Thank you to Xero and Secure Code Warrior for partnering with She Sharp on Beyond the Code, and to the volunteers who support our community.

   
She Sharp

Empowering women in STEM

 

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She Sharp — a registered New Zealand charity (CC57025)

Bridging the gender gap in STEM, one woman at a time · Auckland, New Zealand

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