Role Model for Women in Tech
A trailblazer in myriad ways, Gry Evita Sivertsen stands testimony to the power of women and youth in the male dominated world of Global Tech. The young and charismatic Gry is an International Expert in Information and Cybersecurity, as well as the Founder – Gritera Stavanger & COO – Gritera Security. She’s also a powerhouse Mentor, especially for women in tech.
“My passion lies in solving complex cybersecurity challenges and creating tailored solutions that provide real value. What drives this passion is the dynamic nature of the field and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in organizations’ security postures. Additionally, mentoring and supporting Women in Tech fuels my dedication, as I strive to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry, helping others achieve their potential and drive innovation.”
Based in Norway, Gry completed her Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Stavanger in 2017, followed by various licenses and certifications in the field. She then worked through Nokas AS, boost.ai, and PwC Norway, before founding Gritera Stavanger in 2024.
With ‘grit’ as their central theme, Gritera’s values comprise freedom, fairness, grit and transparency. Their business portfolio is designed to deliver top notch and tailored services to clients in areas of Data Analytics, ERP, Test and Quality Assurance, Enterprise Architecture, Project and Portfolio Management, Sourcing, and Agile approach.
“We are committed to creating a community of leading advisors and the idea behind our portfolio is to attract the best talents by fostering an environment of integrity and collaboration. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering tailored, effective solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients across various domains. By prioritizing creativity and strategic thinking, we aim to drive success and create lasting value for the organizations we work with.”
Gry’s journey is defined by continuous learning and the drive to connect the right pieces for success. Throughout her career in Information and Cybersecurity, she has embraced roles from Head of Information Security to Senior Advisor. Each position enriched her expertise and broadened her perspective. Working in a startup that grew into a leading vendor, she learned to navigate diverse functions and operations.
However, she faced numerous challenges too – from navigating complex cybersecurity issues to adapting to rapidly changing technologies. But as usually the case, hard work and perseverance consistently paid off. Building strong relationships and effective networking became crucial to Gry’s success. Active on LinkedIn with a global network and nearly 10,000 followers, she leveraged these connections to exchange knowledge and seize opportunities.
“While luck can play a role, it’s hard work and strategic networking that truly drive long-term success and create meaningful impacts in the industry. The rat race emphasizes competition, but I prioritize collaboration and innovation. I believe in being a tiger, focusing on teamwork and harnessing the strengths of diverse teams. It’s essential to see the bigger picture and connect the dots to create effective solutions.”
A result-oriented security expert, Gry is already a respected leader in the industry. For her, leadership is about leading by example, empowering others and fostering creativity and freedom. She believes in guiding people to develop their strengths rather than micromanaging. By inspiring and mentoring others, she cultivates a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring long-term success and growth for the entire team.
This winsome approach has seen Gry bag many laurels – She was named ‘The One To Watch’ at The Real Cyber Awards 2023 in Leeds. She was also a finalist for the Rising Star of the Year at the Nordic Women in Tech Awards in 2024, 2022 and 2020, where she has been recognized by NWITA as a Role Model. Additionally, she will be a judge for both The Real Cyber Awards in Leeds and the Cyber Security Awards in London this year.
These accomplishments reflect Gry’s dedication to excellence and impact in the cybersecurity field. Speaking about what inspires her to keep going, she sums up: “As an ambitious soul, I dare to dream big and set high goals. I believe in manifestation and that hard work pays off. Rather than comparing myself to others, I focus on identifying my own strengths and weaknesses, using them to continuously grow and improve. I’m inspired by seeing others succeed and driven by the desire to achieve my full potential. My ultimate goal is to make a significant impact in the cybersecurity industry.”
