“We are all pieces of a puzzle, creating the image of women together” - Women in cybersecurity

Francesca manages sponsorships and partnerships at Kaspersky, overseeing relationships with key global partners and driving initiatives that promote awareness and positive change across various industries.

I’ve spent many years working in communications, both in Italy and internationally, gaining a 360-degree perspective across multiple industries. My experience has spanned from writing and directing magazine content to producing visuals and video clips that tell compelling stories for a variety of media—whether in print or digitally. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to studying communications and, more specifically, human relationships. I dreamed of becoming either a journalist or a lawyer. I’ve always had a deep curiosity about human nature, particularly in times of crisis or during moments of vulnerability. For me, journalism was a way to report the truth — to capture what’s really happening in the world.

But the truth is complex; it’s often difficult to find, tell, or even explain. This pursuit of truth has always mattered to me because it’s about us — about human beings. I believe our purpose on Earth is to help and support one another, something I’ve always held close to my heart.

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— by sharing our knowledge, we’re looking out for people

Francesca Chiapponi Sponsorship Program Manager at Kaspersky

The career of a lawyer, which I had also envisioned, attracted me due to its focus on humanitarian causes. In a way, I’ve found a path to fulfill that ambition as well. Today, I’m involved with the Red Cross as a delegate in international cooperation, serving as a volunteer. This role allows me to contribute to humanitarian efforts, while combining my passion for supporting people.

I became a volunteer during the COVID pandemic, when I felt the need to step up and help in any way I could. It was a time we called the ‘time of kindness,’ where volunteers assisted families impacted by COVID, delivering medicines and food to those who were quarantined. We were essentially acting as a bridge between families and hospitals, which, of course, was risky given how rapidly the virus was spreading.

No matter how many hours I dedicated to volunteering—whether in the evenings after work or on weekends—I always felt that I received so much more in return. That’s what volunteering is about: there’s no real equation; you give your time, but what you receive in exchange is far greater.

In a way, what we do at Kaspersky is also about combating a different kind of virus—a digital one—and helping people

Since 2018, I’ve been working in Kaspersky as the Sponsorship Program Manager. When selecting our partners, we look for organizations that operate in sectors distinct from ours, yet all share a common goal—caring. Whether it’s looking after the planet, caring for people, or raising awareness about important issues, our partnerships are built on the idea of doing the best we can to make a meaningful impact.

After joining Kaspersky, I understood that my past experience in communications is an essential tool to build a safer future for everyone. Today, almost everyone has a device in their hands. My role is to take something that could be quite technical and translate it into a language that the vast majority of users can easily understand. We’re talking about everyone, from very young children to older adults, each using technology for different purposes. The core belief behind this is that everyone has the right to be free, safe, and protected when they are online.

I truly believe in this mission: that we all need to care for one another to make the world a better place. It’s about working toward a purpose that’s bigger than us, a purpose that benefits everyone around us.

I’m also grateful that Kaspersky took care of me during a difficult time in my life. I can say this personally because I’ve experienced trauma, both from accidents and other shocking periods that deeply affected me. The company was always there to support me, even though I’m just one of thousands of employees. It’s rare to find companies that give you the time to process and heal from the trauma life throws at you. On a personal level, I’ve never felt like just a number, and Kaspersky has shown me that they truly value each and every one of us.

I’m especially thankful to my colleagues for their unwavering support: either with the challenges I faced when I had just joined the tech sphere or during vulnerable times in my life — they were always there for me.

Throughout my career, and especially at Kaspersky, I’ve had the privilege of working with many inspiring women. Early on, I didn’t fully grasp the challenges women still face in the workplace. But I’ve learned that to succeed, we need courage. Courage empowers us to break stereotypes, voice bold ideas, and take risks — even in environments where women are underrepresented. It allows us to demand what we deserve and embrace leadership roles with confidence.

Self-expression is another essential tool for women, especially in tech. Bringing our unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches to the table, fuels innovation. It’s through diverse points of view that the most creative solutions arise, and tech teams thrive when they are open to collaboration and new ideas.

I also believe in the power of crafting a personal narrative. Sharing our stories — how we’ve navigated obstacles and achieved success — helps to inspire others. Women can use digital platforms, create blogs, engage on social media, or even produce short videos to humanize their experiences and reach younger generations who aspire to enter the tech industry. Authenticity is key. By being true to ourselves, we can build trust and inspire others to follow their paths.

That’s what I’ve learned — not just from one person, but from all the women I’ve read about, watched in movies, or seen in documentaries. Whether it’s female lawyers who made history or women who’ve broken barriers in countless fields, they’ve all inspired me: even though I may not have met them personally, but I know of them.

One of my inspirations is Oriana Fallaci, an Italian journalist who lived in New York for many years and covered wars all over the world. Another is Samantha Cristoforetti, the first Italian woman to command a space mission.

But I also want to recognize the women who don’t have famous names, who worked behind the scenes and paved the way for us. Their efforts allow us to stand here today, to speak up, and to be ourselves without fear.

I want to remind every woman: we’re all unique, and that’s the beauty of it. We are like pieces of a puzzle. Individually, we may seem small, but together, we create a larger image — a collective force which is called “women”.