Trish Dyl has built her career on a foundation of strategic thinking, public service, and an unwavering commitment to impact. After more than two decades as a senior public affairs leader with the Government of Ontario, she brought her expertise to Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, where she now serves as Director of Skills Development and International Programs. Her work bridges the public and private sectors, expanding opportunities for cybersecurity training and workforce development in Canada and on the global stage.
Trish’s leadership style is grounded in clarity, focus, and a deep sense of responsibility. She’s known for bringing calm authority to complex challenges and for creating opportunities where others see obstacles. But she’s also candid about the lessons she’s learned along the way — and how those lessons inform how she mentors the next generation of leaders.
“’There was a time when it wasn’t clear exactly how I could help advance roles for women in cyber,’ she reflects. ‘But leadership demands that you take on tough challenges and work hard to drive good outcomes – and I think we’re doing that.’
When asked what advice she gives the women she mentors, Trish is direct. “Engage your strengths, absolutely. But invest in the areas that challenge you. That’s where real growth happens.” It’s an ethos that has shaped her own career and one she now uses to help other women navigate theirs.
Trish understands how perception shapes opportunity. “People often describe me as strong, and I take that as a compliment,” she says. “When I walk into a room, I’m intentional about the energy I bring. That’s part of leadership — owning your space.” She may joke about being an Academy Award-winning actor, but the truth is, her presence at the table is earned through experience and preparation.
When she joined the Catalyst, Trish was new to the cybersecurity sector. One of her first assignments was developing an RFP for a highly specialized training initiative. She took it on without hesitation. “I didn’t have a background in technology, but I know how to solve problems,” she says. “I asked questions, did the research, and built something from the ground up.” It’s a hallmark of her approach — combining strategic insight with a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar.
That resilience was forged early. Leaving home at seventeen to attend university, she quickly learned how to navigate new environments. But the professional landscape, particularly in economic development, came with its own set of challenges. “There weren’t many women in the room,” Trish recalls. “I had to figure out where I belonged — and who would advocate for me.”
Throughout her career, Trish has understood the importance of building authentic alliances to drive change. In industries where leadership tables were often dominated by men, she recognized that progress required partnership. “The reality was, those seats of influence were occupied,” she reflects. “Allyship was finding those who would open doors, offer guidance, and amplify my voice when I wasn’t in the room.”
When Trish joined the Catalyst, diversity and inclusion were already front and center. “From the beginning, it was clear that women were essential to solving the cybersecurity talent gap,” she says. “We weren’t just talking about representation. We were building pathways for women to lead in this space.”
The Advanced Cybersecurity Training Program (ACTP), one of the Catalyst’s early initiatives, made significant strides in closing the gender gap in cybersecurity. By intentionally recruiting and supporting women, the ACTP demonstrated the power of inclusive design in workforce development. That focus has remained a core part of the Catalyst’s mission ever since.
A few years into her tenure, Trish spearheaded the development of a new initiative powered by Mastercard: the Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI). “There were plenty of programs aimed at early career professionals,” she notes. “But what about the women already in mid- and senior-level roles who kept hitting barriers? We needed to focus there — to accelerate their leadership journeys.”
Today, ELCI is a standout success. Trish lights up when she speaks about the community it has fostered. “It’s not about checklists or quotas. It’s about building genuine connections among women who are often isolated in their organizations.” She describes ELCI as a space where senior leaders from corporate Canada come together to support each other, address challenges, and advance collectively. “These women are accomplished and capable — and yet, many of them struggle with imposter syndrome. ELCI creates a space that cuts through that and reminds them they belong.”
For Trish, it’s about more than programming. It’s about creating lasting change. “We’re not running a club. We’re building a leadership community that’s reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.”
Looking back, Trish reflects on how far things have come. She remembers being among the few women in economic development and recognizing the need for allies to amplify her voice. Now, she’s the one empowering others to take their seat at the table — and to bring others with them.
“I’ve spent my career building partnerships and developing leaders,” Trish says. “And I’m proud of the impact we’re having. The work isn’t done, but we’re moving the needle.”
