Jen, who credits her foundational years at Perse School for Girls with shaping her approach to complex problem-solving, has dedicated her career to reducing cyber risk across society, the economy, and national security. As the founder of NextJenSecurity, she works at the intersection of government, technology providers, and civil society to build a safer, more resilient digital world.

Reflecting on the recognition and her time at the school, Jen shared:

"It's amazing to see the importance of cyber policy being acknowledged... With connected technologies underpinning literally every part of our lives and critical infrastructure now, cyber policy really shouldn't be niche anymore.

I've been very fortunate with the career path I've travelled so far, and it really started with an amazing education at the school, which taught me to question and seek better answers, as well as trying to consider all the sides of an argument or problem. These are skills I now use every day in policy and research conversations."

Stephen Perse Foundation Principal, Richard Girvan, extended his warmest congratulations on behalf of the entire school community, noting how perfectly Jen’s career aligns with the values at the centre of our ethos:

"This is a wonderful and thoroughly deserved recognition of Jen’s work in a field of immense contemporary importance. We are always proud to hear of the achievements of former students, but it is especially heartening when those achievements reflect such a strong sense of public purpose. Jen’s work speaks to qualities we continue to prize deeply at Stephen Perse: intellectual independence, creativity, conviction, and a commitment to making a positive difference beyond oneself."

Alongside running NextJenSecurity, Jen serves on various UK government groups, including the Government Cyber Advisory Board. She is an associate fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), an adjunct senior policy advisor for the Institute for Security and Technology, and a co-chair of IST’s Ransomware Task Force. She serves on the boards of the Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law, the CVE Program, and the Security Research Legal Defense Fund, as well as serving on the board of advisors for various other nonprofits. Additionally, Jen is the lead organiser of Hackers in the House and the Cybersecurity Policy Working Group, and leads or supports many other initiatives to drive collaboration between the cybersecurity, technology, and cyber policy communities. 

Jen says that she is also “the over-excited co-host of the Distilling Cyber Policy podcast”. She cites her career highlights as testifying before the U.S. Congress, opening NASDAQ with Rapid7’s IPO, and being awarded an MBE for services to cyber policy in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026. 

We congratulate Jen on this prestigious and richly deserved honour!