New industries, new innovations—women pioneers are everywhere. For this inspiring series, we’re asked our partner companies to submit one woman “Pathfinder” to represent their work, their products, their industry, or their values. (And often, all of the above.)
Meet Diana Jouard, a senior product manager at Ping Identity Corporation. Learn how her career has evolved as a woman in the male-dominated cybersecurity industry—and all about the skills that have helped her thrive.
What path are you forging?
I'm forging a path as a leader in the decentralized identity space, a field that’s rapidly evolving and critical to the future of digital trust and privacy. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry like cybersecurity adds an extra layer of responsibility and opportunity for me. I’m passionate about not only advancing the technology but also paving the way for more diversity and inclusion in this field.
What inspired you to pursue this field?
My inspiration to pursue decentralized identity and cybersecurity stemmed from an interest in how technology can empower individuals while safeguarding their privacy. Early in my career, I worked in roles that exposed me to the vulnerabilities in our digital systems and the complexity of traditional verification and authentication systems. I realized that decentralized identity has the potential to redefine trust in a digital landscape, giving people more control over their personal information. My journey here has been a mix of curiosity, continuous learning, and seeking out challenging opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
What’s a cool project or program you’ve developed as a result of your work in this area?
One of the most exciting projects I've been involved in was integrating digital credentials into the employee lifecycle, starting with the hiring process. One of my customers, a large U.S. bank, encountered a unique type of fraud where the candidate who excelled in the interviews was not the person actually hired for the job. Instead, the candidate posed as the identity of a subcontractor who took over after the hire. By implementing high-assurance proofing captured in a verifiable credential, we ensured that candidates maintained control and privacy over their personal information while providing the bank with complete assurance of the candidate's identity throughout every step of the interview process.
What resources or people have been influential in your success in your field?
I have several mentors here at Ping that have been critical to my understanding of DCI including my manager Darrell Geusz, architect Gaurav Khot, and other members of my technical team. Additionally, I've found a lot of inspiration from Lenny's Podcast, a pod that interviews world-class product leaders.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to break into and make an impact in emerging industries or technologies or at their company?
My advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. Emerging industries like decentralized identity and cybersecurity require a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills, so invest time in building a technical foundation. Don’t be afraid to take on projects that challenge you—those are the opportunities where you’ll grow the most.
