Shorefunmi Bola-Saliu’s remarkable journey in the world of technology and governance has earned her the prestigious recognition as the 155th Certified Global Tech Hero and the 23rd Certified Professional in the Security Category. This accomplishment highlights her groundbreaking work at the intersection of cybersecurity, governance, and law, showcasing a unique ability to transcend professional boundaries with skill, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From transitioning from a promising legal profession into the ever-evolving domain of cybersecurity, Shorefunmi’s career exemplifies the essence of versatility and resilience. Her decision to embark on this bold career transformation is not only a testament to her fearless pursuit of growth but also an inspiration to all who seek to challenge traditional career trajectories. As an Information Security (GRC) expert and Legal Counsel at Hacktales, she has successfully merged the intricate demands of governance, risk management, and compliance with the legal frameworks necessary to build secure and sustainable technological ecosystems.
Shorefunmi’s exceptional contributions to cybersecurity and governance extend far beyond her current role at Hacktales. She has a proven track record of leveraging her legal expertise and technical acumen to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity. Her work has consistently demonstrated an impressive depth of critical thinking, attention to detail, and an unrelenting pursuit of innovation.
During her tenure at Unilever, Shorefunmi’s extraordinary ability to lead, collaborate, and deliver value became evident. By supporting the development of comprehensive cybersecurity policies for acquired businesses, she played a critical role in improving the security posture of corporate systems and safeguarding sensitive digital infrastructures. Her involvement in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities through penetration testing highlighted her technical proficiency and dedication to ensuring the resilience of digital ecosystems. This ability to combine technical insights with actionable strategies enabled her to provide executive-level reporting that helped shape long-term cybersecurity goals for the organisation.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Shorefunmi’s contributions to advancing digital inclusion and cybersecurity awareness stand as pillars of her legacy. As a Fellow at Paradigm Initiative, her advocacy for digital rights underscored her passion for equitable access to technology and her vision for a more inclusive digital society. In this role, Shorefunmi’s efforts to campaign for fair policies, educate underrepresented groups, and advance public understanding of digital resilience helped build more secure and inclusive digital communities.
One of her most innovative accomplishments was being named the top fellow at Resilience Technologies’ Spyware Fellowship. In this capacity, Shorefunmi spearheaded groundbreaking research into spyware governance and its implications for civil liberties across Africa. This research not only bridged the gap between cybersecurity and policy but also positioned her as a leader capable of influencing global conversations about digital security, governance, and human rights. Her dedication to creating meaningful impact through such efforts reflects her relentless commitment to driving societal progress through technology.
Shorefunmi’s work at Hacktales has elevated governance, risk, and compliance initiatives to new heights. Her focus on nurturing and empowering young cybersecurity professionals exemplifies her belief in the transformative power of mentorship and education. Under her leadership, initiatives aimed at equipping students with the technical and critical skills required to navigate the digital world have made a significant impact. By providing hands-on training, fostering a culture of accountability, and emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity ethics, she has inspired a new generation of talent to pursue impactful careers in this field.
In recognition of her inspiring journey and trailblazing achievements, the panel at The Connected Awards remarked on her ability to orchestrate a career that combines law and cybersecurity into a powerful force of governance, risk management, and compliance. This unique synthesis sets her apart as a luminary in her field and a role model for professionals worldwide. Shorefunmi’s courage to break barriers and thrive in uncharted domains demonstrates the boundless potential of integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Shorefunmi’s peers and mentors consistently celebrate her intellectual curiosity, leadership, and empathy as defining characteristics of her professional persona. From her early roles at organizations like Filerskeepers, where she rose from a research analyst to a consultant due to her extraordinary analytical and research skills, to her current accomplishments at Hacktales, she has showcased an innate ability to adapt, lead, and deliver.
Her philanthropic endeavours further enhance her legacy, as she dedicates time to volunteering, mentoring, and promoting digital literacy among underserved populations. Her initiatives, such as free digital skills, The Nexter project and cybersecurity training for young students, underscore her unwavering commitment to building a safer, more inclusive digital world. By empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to protect themselves online, Shorefunmi has not only fostered a culture of safety but also inspired countless young minds to pursue careers in technology and cybersecurity.
The impact of Shorefunmi’s work is multifaceted, encompassing organisational transformation, policy advocacy, and community empowerment. Her achievements in integrating ISO/IEC 27001 standards with business objectives reflect a profound understanding of how governance and compliance can drive not just security but also innovation and growth.
As a celebrated thought leader, Shorefunmi continues to share her insights through keynote speeches, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives. Her active participation in forums, such as the Pan African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance, and her ongoing studies in policy and governance at the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance highlights her commitment to shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
The recognition of Shorefunmi Bola-Saliu as a Certified Global Tech Hero marks a milestone in a career defined by passion, resilience, and an enduring quest for excellence. Her groundbreaking journey exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one’s aspirations with dedication and vision. By building bridges between disciplines, inspiring a new generation of leaders, and fostering inclusive digital ecosystems, Shorefunmi has set a precedent for what it means to be a true tech hero.
