03 Jun Annual WiCyS 2021 Conference For Women In Cybersecurity
Sponsorship for this year’s event is still available
– Northport, N.Y. – Jun. 3, 2021
One of the hottest tickets in cyberspace, the annual WiCyS 2021Conference is the go-to event for organizations to recruit, retain, and advance women in cybersecurity. Doors open this September in Denver.
Among the first physical events for our industry since Covid-19 put the world on pause, WiCyS 2021 will look a little different than previous years — but in the best way possible.
“We’re excited to move forward with an in-person conference, and this year, we will be incorporating some new virtual components,” says Dr. Janell Straach, chairman of the board at WiCyS (Women In Cybersecurity), a global community of women, male allies and advocates dedicated to bringing talented women together to celebrate and foster their passion and drive for cybersecurity.
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the upcoming event is its virtual career fair, which will be held two weeks before WiCyS 2021 kicks off.
“With this career fair, we’re giving sponsors and attendees — both of whom are invited to participate — the opportunity to connect and meet up, which opens the door to set up those important interviews in advance,” Straach explains.
Once the conference starts, guests will be treated to a series of 16 educational workshops alongside informative presentations, panel discussions, student and executive meetups, and, of course, the keynotes, which will now be broadcasted online.
WiCyS 2021 also marks the release of a new report from Cybersecurity Ventures covering the growth and percentage of women in the cybersecurity field. Hillarie McClure, multimedia director at Cybercrime Magazine, will be on hand to officially present the report.
Another new element of this year’s event is the Senior Leadership Summit — a workshop exclusive to mid and senior-level cybersecurity practitioners.
“At WiCyS, we’re all about advancing and supporting established professionals in their careers,” notes founder Dr. Ambareen Siraj, but the organization also caters to many students.
The WiCyS Conference is the largest of its kind to have an equal representation of students and professionals, regardless of gender. However, “there is no general registration for students,” says Straach. “Each student is vetted,” and those who are selected to attend do so via a scholarship, grant, or fellowship.
But WiCyS doesn’t only offer support for students. This year, there will be a faculty grant up for grabs, as well as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) fellowship, and a veteran fellowship. Winners will receive free registration, lodging, and a travel stipend — all of which is made possible by sponsors.
“Industry support is the foundation of all things WiCyS,” shares executive director Lynn Dohm. “Sponsors come to us for many reasons — one of which is to support the cybersecurity workforce, of course, but also to support their own professional development by serving as mentors and recruiting from the talent at our conference.”
As the flagship event for women in cybersecurity, the WiCyS Conference plays an integral role in increasing female representation in cyberspace. By the end of this year, women will account for 25 percent of the field’s workforce — an all-time high. But WiCyS is determined to keep that number growing.
“WiCyS is a group of people who can see each other and see the future,” Straach declares. To reach 50 percent of women in cyber, “we’re going to need the support of not only our community, but that of advocates and allies as well.”
No matter who you are in this industry, “WiCyS has a place for you.” Find it at the 8th annual WiCyS Conference, which will be held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center from September 8 to 10. Registration opens June 28.
Sponsorship for this year’s event is still available. Interested parties can apply here.
– Amanda Glassner is a staff writer and reporter at Cybercrime Magazine.
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