Catalyst Awards & Recognition
Honouring leaders shaping a safer digital future
Catalyst Award for Cybersecurity in the Public Interest
Since our founding in 2018, the Catalyst has been committed to honouring members of the Catalyst Community and the broader ecosystem for their specific contributions to cybersecurity and privacy.
The Catalyst Award for Cybersecurity in the Public Interest is awarded to one recipient annually and reflects specific Catalyst values: Excellence in professionalism; a commitment to mentorship, building outstanding teams, developing talent, and recognizing that cybersecurity and privacy must advance the public interest; and the security and safety of society as a whole.
2025 Award Recipient
Laurie Pezzente
For 35 years, Laurie has been a leader in Canadian cybersecurity, driving cybersecurity excellence across her organizations, always adapting to new technologies and regulatory requirements while focussing on building up her people and creating outstanding teams.
She was named one of Canada’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Women” by the Women’s Executive Network in 2018, one of Canada’s “Top Women in Cyber Security” by IT World Canada in 2020, and a “Top Woman in Cyber” by Deloitte in 2023.
- Nominees must reside and be employed in Canada.
- Current and former full-time employees of the Catalyst and/or Toronto Metropolitan University are not eligible for this award.
- Mentors, instructors, and other part-time collaborators with Catalyst programs are eligible.
- In alignment with the Catalyst’s values, nominees must demonstrate the following:
- Excellence in professionalism;
- A commitment to mentorship, building outstanding teams, developing talent, and recognizing that cybersecurity and privacy must advance the public interest;
- And the security and safety of society.
- Evidence of meaningful engagement in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity.
- All nominations must be submitted through the online form
- Anyone can nominate a member of the Catalyst community or broader ecosystem, including self-nominations
- Nominations are accepted year-round, on a rolling basis. To be considered for selection in 2026, nominations must be received by October 1, 2026, and meet all eligibility requirements.
- Nominators may submit multiple nominations in a year, provided each is for a different person.
- Nominations not selected in the year of submission will continue to be considered in subsequent years, provided the nominee remains eligible.
- Nominators and nominees will be notified via email if the nomination is successful.
- Once awarded, the Catalyst Award for Cybersecurity in the Public Interest may be revoked if Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst determines that association with the recipient may call into question the integrity or reputation of the Catalyst.
Champion Canada’s Cyber Leaders
Celebrate a leader that is helping to shape a safer digital future in Canada through cybersecurity, mentorship, and public service.