A WORCESTER woman has been awarded an MBE for services to cybersecurity, equality and diversity.

Lisa Ventura is a cyber security specialist whose career spans over 23 years in the industry.

She is also a writer and published author.

Mrs Ventura is an advocate of all things related to neurodiversity after she was diagnosed as autistic in 2018, and with ADHD and BPD traits in January 2023.

After finding out she was being given an MBE, Mrs Ventura said she was shocked and could not believe it was happening.

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She said: "I had no idea what it was until I opened the letter, I couldn’t believe it and I still can’t.

"I can’t put into words what this means to me, it means the absolute world and is a dream come true.

"It is such a huge honour to be recognised in this way for the work I do."

Mrs Ventura was not sure at first if the letter was legitimate when she read 'On His Majesty's Service' on the envelope.

It was about four weeks ago on a Monday; I work from home so it was just another ordinary work day until I checked my post.

"Being in cyber security I was worried it might not be legitimate, so I called the number listed on the letter to be on the safe side and sure enough it was indeed legitimate, you can’t be too careful.

"I’ve been actively working in the cyber security industry for a number of years and I’m passionate about raising awareness of the growing cyber threat to the general public and organisations of all sizes."

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Mrs Ventura was also commended for her work around diversity and inclusion and will be honoured at a formal ceremony which has yet to be announced.

She said: "I also do a lot of work around diversity and inclusion, I myself am neurodivergent, and there is still much to be done for true equality to be achieved.

"I don’t know yet, but it is so exciting! It said in the letter I received that I would hear about a day/time for this separately.