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The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” calls us to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the journeys that still lie ahead for creating inclusive work environments.
This year, we have the privilege of speaking with Erin Casteel, an esteemed expert in ISO standards, cyber security, and information security management systems. With her impressive career and years of contributions to international standards, Erin embodies this year’s theme through her work, mentorship, and advocacy.
Below, Erin shares her insights on inspiration, inclusion, and advice for the next generation of women in tech and auditing.
Who are the women in your life that inspire you?
“My mother was always my biggest inspiration—she was fearless. She overcame great obstacles and conveyed to me the belief that I could achieve anything. That belief has stayed with me throughout my career,” Erin reflects.
Erin also acknowledges the women she’s collaborated with on the international stage. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many brilliant women in the development of ISO Standards—leaders such as Bridget Kenyon, Angelika Eksteen, Sabrina Feng, and others. These women have been instrumental in creating standards that make our world and organisations stronger, safer, and more resilient.”
Erin’s recognition of these trailblazing women highlights the profound impact of collaboration in shaping industries like information security and cybersecurity.
What is one step you’d like to take to build a more inclusive future?
“The information security industry is significantly more inclusive than it used to be. I can remember being in meetings in the 1990s in Latin America where I was the only woman in the room. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case.
We have to keep working toward an even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. Doing so is not just the right thing—it also benefits everyone, fostering innovation and mutual growth.”
What would be your advice for young women?
“To every young woman, my advice is this – find what makes you passionate and give it your whole heart and brain. With dedication and resilience, you can achieve anything.”
Erin’s message of perseverance and purpose is a powerful mantra encouraging young professionals to focus on their vision, seize learning opportunities, and confidently carve their paths.
About Erin’s Remarkable Career
Erin Casteel is deeply embedded in shaping global standards for cybersecurity, privacy, and service management. Representing Australia within ISO/IEC committees, her contributions include co-authoring the “ISO/IEC 27001 Practical Guide for SMEs” and serving as the editor of ISO/IEC 27013, a guidance on integrating ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 20000-1. Her career spans nearly two decades of developing frameworks that create organisational resilience, agility, and sustainable value.
Additionally, Erin’s expertise is reflected in her work as the Lead Architect of ITIL 4 (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and author of the ITIL 4 Foundation book. She has helped organisations across sectors implement integrated management systems that drive significant operational efficiencies.
Celebrating and Continuing the Journey
Erin exemplifies the spirit of “Rights. Equality. Empowerment” through her commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and excellence. Her work ensures that the standards shaping industries today reflect values that empower all.
On this International Women’s Day, Erin reminds us that creating equality is a collective responsibility and shares an optimistic vision for industries that are open to all.