Honoring Amy Cadagin

Twenty years ago, a Program Manager stepped into a growing organization built on an ambitious idea: that industry competitors could collaborate, that technical expertise could be shared across sectors, and that together, we could outpace online abuse.

She could not have known then that she would help shape that idea for the next two decades.

When Amy Cadagin joined M3AAWG, the organization was still defining its structure, its voice, and its global reach. From the beginning, she did more than manage programs. She built trusted relationships across the community, connected people who needed one another, and ensured that ideas discussed in meetings translated into meaningful action long after those sessions ended.

Before 2020, M3AAWG operated through its Committees and Special Interest Groups, guided by dedicated Chairs and Vice Chairs, supported by Technical Advisors, and fueled by member-developed training, best practices, and public policy contributions. The work was meaningful and impactful, but much of it relied on institutional memory and the steady coordination of volunteer leaders rather than formalized tracking or clearly defined priority alignment. As Program Manager, Amy saw both the power of that collaborative model and the opportunity to strengthen it further. 

Over time, Amy began building processes to improve how work was captured, supported, and advanced. She helped introduce clearer coordination, stronger follow-through, and more intentional alignment. Those incremental improvements laid the groundwork for what would later become M3AAWG’s defined Priority Areas and Initiative framework.  This structural evolution strengthened transparency, accountability, and impact across the organization.

In February 2020, Amy stepped into the role of Executive Director. Within weeks, the world shifted. The abuse landscape intensified, digital dependency accelerated, and the need for coordination across the global anti-abuse community became even more urgent.

Under her leadership, the work did not stall. Members remained active and engaged, and our work items aligned with organizational priorities. Committees and communities continued to collaborate, share expertise, and support ongoing efforts. Momentum was protected at a time when it would have been easy to pause.

As threats evolved, so did M3AAWG under Amy’s steadfast support. Today, the organization’s work is clearly aligned around four Priority Areas: Communications & Content, Platform & Infrastructure, User & Endpoint, and Policy & Regulation. This clarity reflects thoughtful evolution. It ensures that volunteer time and expertise are focused on mission-critical work and that members can easily see where they can contribute and lead.

But Amy’s impact cannot be measured solely in structure or strategy.

It is seen in the way she creates space for others. She encourages emerging leaders to step forward, supports new ideas as they develop into Initiatives, and consistently respects the time, expertise, and commitment of volunteers and staff. She keeps complex work moving while making sure others are recognized for the outcomes they help deliver.

There is strength in that balance.

After twenty years of guiding a global organization through growth, transition, and an ever-changing threat landscape, Amy still approaches her role with humility. She often speaks about her contributions as if they are simply part of the job, as if sustaining and strengthening a global anti-abuse community is “no big deal.”

It is a very big deal.

Twenty years represents thousands of volunteers supported, countless conversations facilitated, and a culture built on collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility.

Today, we celebrate not just the milestone but the individual whose steady leadership, relentless follow-through, and respect for this community have helped guide M3AAWG and the anti-abuse community forward for two decades.

Some milestones are measured in years. Others are measured in influence. After twenty years of dedicated leadership, Amy’s influence on M3AAWG is woven into its structure, its culture, and its continued progress.