Tara Dharnikota is a Chief Information Security Officer with close to two decades of experience across information security, risk, governance and strategy, spanning higher education and telecommunications. She has led major enterprise initiatives across identity, data security, intelligence and security operations, always with a strong focus on practical, real world outcomes. Tara also serves as a Board Director at the Australian Access Federation and an advisory member. She actively contributes to AWSN, AISA and other communities. She is passionate about building resilient organisations, supporting others in their careers and creating inclusive, connected cyber communities.