‘It’s an interconnected world’ is such an understatement, where, in the Philippines alone, more than 90 million are netizens. Social media poses both a boon and a bane. AI and crypto are the current buzzwords also for good or evil. Digital dependent, we all are.
This dependency has proven everyone vulnerable to cyber threats that transcend borders and posing challenges to technology. From personal to national, to global security, being cybersafe and cyber-resilient is what separates most users from the more discerning ones.
Behind the shaping of national security, one woman stands out as a fierce protector of digital frontiers. Meet Jan Chavez-Arceo. A powerhouse in the field of cybersecurity, cyber policy, and public service, Jan is not only breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space but also lighting the way for countless young women aspiring to build careers in tech.
Whether she’s delicately slurping over a large bowl of prawn noodles from a hawker stall, or commanding a panel of C-Suite level gentlemen on the state of telco in the ASEAN region, this lady is graceful and engaging, as she is quick and sharp of wit.
From Broadcast to Cyber Battlegrounds
Jan’s journey began in the creative world of Broadcast Communication at the University of the Philippines, where she honed her skills in media, in the art of communications and reaching out to the public. This public service mindset soon evolved into a career of mission-driven pursuit of digital resilience and national defense which actually started when she moved from advertising agency account management to product management at Globe Telecom in the late 1990’s when the company led the Philippine telco industry from analog to digital mobile telephony.
Moving forward, Jan beefed up her credentials getting diplomas and certifications with the best institutions to hone her craft. Specialized studies in Cybersecurity and International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati, and advanced training in Counterterrorism and Emerging Technologies from the Near East South Asia Center and the National Defense University, hers is a well planned career allowing Jan with the credits and credentials that bridge the gap between technology and strategy at the highest levels.
Now with almost two decades as Founder and CEO of the Impact Solutions Institute, this lady’s work-focus on socio-tech governance that bridges cybersecurity and operations with human behaviour and policy has gained her enough brownie points to be heralded a respected voice in cybersecurity strategy, systems integration, public policy, and now the emerging world of cyber diplomacy. Hers is not an immediate rise. It’s one that thoroughly went through the ranks, amassing the learnings and experience along the way, a rise powered by years of diligent academic research and operational immersion in cybersecurity incident handling and countering cybercrime operations. Her expertise and an unshakeable commitment to national service, education, and the empowerment of others makes her definitely a strong female force.
“Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge that every Filipino must overcome, but also a national strategic imperative. Investing in cyber education and training is investing in national resilience, economic stability, and the defense of democratic institutions that is key to our national progress and survival.”
An ASEAN-Recognized Leader
In 2022, Jan received merit and inclusion in the ASEAN Top 10 Women in Security, a recognition reflecting her contributions across multiple fronts—cyber diplomacy, victimology, intelligence, and education. Jan is not only shaping cybersecurity policies in the Philippines but is actively contributing to a broader scheme, to ASEAN and global level strategies on countering cyber and emerging technologies threats.
During her stint at the Department of Justice, she was also a member of the ASEAN Experts Working Group of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) which is the primary ASEAN body that coordinates regional policies and cooperation on combating transnational crime among ASEAN Member States. The Experts Working Group which Jan was a member of is a technical-level body established under the SOMTC to focus on specific transnational crime areas and composed of subject-matter experts and national focal points.
She is a recognized thought leader, regularly consulted by international and regional media, with her perspective widely cited in key reports.
Championing Women in Tech and Cyber Diplomacy
Advocacy is second nature to Jan. Her career journey is deeply rooted in advocacy as a mentor, educator, and public speaker that persistently challenges outdated notions about who belongs in the world of cybersecurity or alternative approaches to various digital technology challenges. Her work through the Impact Solutions Institute and five years at the Department of Justice or her involvement in think tanks such as the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations, Asia Society, and Stratbase ADR, plus her active involvement in the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) program, not only focused on the technical aspects of data protection, security systems and intelligence but also on diversity and inclusivity creating a safe and inclusive space for women to thrive in tech.
Carved from the highest standards of the University of the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Management to international institutions like Chatham House or the East-West Center , Jan continues to redefine what it means to be a cybersecurity leader. Her vision is a world where digital security and public trust go together—and where young women are not just participants, but pioneers in shaping the future of tech.
Jan continues to elevate women’s voices in security, governance, and innovation motivating via a style that’s hands-on, and on stable ground from the confines of her workspace to speaking to senior military officer-students at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College and the Philippine Public Safety Coullege among others.
Jan Chavez-Arceo safeguards cyberspace just as she is building a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and equity. And for every young woman looking toward a future in technology, Jan is proof that the code to success starts with courage, with bold and brave moves befitting any leader taking the cudgels.
“Empowering women in tech and cybersecurity isn’t just about inclusion – it’s about unlocking the full potential of innovation and defense. Women must not only take space in tech and cybersecurity – we need their vision, values, and vigilance at the frontlines of innovation and defense.”
Inspiring a New Generation of Digital Defenders
As cyber threats continue to evolve, Jan believes the most powerful weapon is not a tool or a firewall—it’s education. That’s why she actively supports EdTech programs and leadership development for young women, often stressing that cyber safety is not just a technical issue, but a societal and human rights concern.
Jan Chavez-Arceo isn’t just safeguarding cyberspace—she’s building a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and equity. And for every young woman looking toward a future in technology, Jan is proof that the code to success starts with courage.
“In the ever-evolving cyber domain, women’s leadership is not optional – it’s strategic. True cybersecurity leadership means advancing women in tech while anchoring innovation in integrity and good governance. When women lead with both skill and principle, we strengthen the systems that protect our future.”