Communities have a unique knack for bringing together strengths that often go unnoticed. But in the cybersecurity field, where women are increasingly represented, these support networks have become invaluable. As we prepare to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, now is the time to shine a spotlight on the incredible community that provides unparalleled support for women in cybersecurity.
This year's theme, Inspire Inclusion, encourages advocacy for and investment in women, propelling us towards a future that is not just more just, but more just. What better time than now to shine a spotlight on and celebrate our vibrant communities of women?
These are not only aimed at guiding and promoting the advancement of women in male-dominated fields. It's about creating an environment where acceptance and recognition flourish. These are the backbone of empowerment and ensuring all women feel celebrated as well as included in their journey through the cybersecurity landscape.
Join The Cyber Express as we embark on a journey to unveil the top 10 communities of women in cybersecurity coming together, collaborating, and growing. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, we've curated the definitive list of communities where you can connect, learn, and evolve with like-minded women.
black girl hack
BlackGirlsHack was founded in 2019 by Tennisha Martin and focuses on training to increase diversity in cybersecurity. Bridging the gap between educational curriculum and industry demands. It emphasizes inclusivity and envisions a cyber industry with diverse representation, including Black women, in technical, leadership, and executive positions.
Despite its name, membership is open to all genders and ethnicities. Martin, who is also Executive Director, leads the organization toward the goal of building an inclusive and thoughtful community within the cybersecurity field, championing underrepresented groups while aligning skills to industry needs. We are ensuring.
WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity)
Founded by Ambareen Siraj in 2013, Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) operates as a nonprofit organization and was initially funded by a National Science Foundation grant to Tennessee Technological University. WiCyS is dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the cybersecurity field, providing networking, mentoring, and professional development resources.
Active globally since 2012, WiCyS hosts an annual conference to foster connections and knowledge sharing among women in the field. Through its work, WiCyS aims to strengthen diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in cybersecurity for individuals around the world.
AWSN (Australian Women's Security Network)
Founded in 2014 by Jacqui Loustau, the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the education and participation of women in security in Australia. Lustau, who also serves as executive director, started the group after noticing the lack of female representation at cybersecurity events.
With 2,817 members nationwide and chapters in major cities, AWSN facilitates informal gatherings and professional programs to foster connections and support among women in the security field. Over the past three years, AWSN has provided her more than 1,300 professionals with a variety of career-focused initiatives, including mentoring and technical skills development.
Breaking Barriers Women in Cybersecurity (BBWIC) Foundation
Breaking Barriers Women in Cybersecurity (BBWIC) Foundation was founded by Aastha Sahni in January 2021 as Lean-In Circle and aims to unite women entering the cybersecurity industry. Sahni's efforts evolved into a non-profit organization under Canada's Not-for-profit Act by October 2021, due to increased membership and global interest.
BBWIC serves as a support network for immigrants to the United States and Canada, providing mentorship to women around the world. They focus on providing a safe environment to develop leadership, recognize opportunities, and address challenges through networking, education, and training efforts to foster overall character growth.
Women in security at SIA
The Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum Promote inclusivity and professional development For both women and men. The forum aims to support women's involvement in cybersecurity through a variety of programs, networking events, and professional growth opportunities.
Key initiatives include the SIA Progress Award, which recognizes individuals who are driving the advancement of women in the security industry, as well as networking events and SECURE Perspectives, a monthly column highlighting successful women in the industry. And so on.
Additionally, the forum promotes diversity through initiatives like the all-female SIA Technology Insights journal. These initiatives contribute to creating an environment where women can thrive and make meaningful contributions to the security industry.
Seahacks KE
Founded in 2016 by Laura Tich, Evelyn Kilel, and Patricia Jerotich, SheHacks KE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a supportive platform for professional development for women in cybersecurity.
of communityis comprised of women from diverse backgrounds and regions across Kenya and aims to address the lack of representation of women in cybersecurity workplaces and conferences.
SheHacks KE fosters interaction, learning, and skill development among women in cybersecurity and fosters an environment where members can collaborate and support each other in their professional endeavors. This initiative aims to empower women to excel in the cybersecurity industry by creating opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collective growth.
Girls Who Coding Cybersecurity Club
Girls Who Code is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology. They recognize historical and systemic barriers. contributes to gender disparity in the field of computer science. Their focus extends to young women from marginalized backgrounds, such as those from minority groups and low-income households, who may have limited exposure to or access to computer science education.
Additionally, Girls Who Code values diversity of identity and experience and welcomes individuals who identify as women, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming to our programs. They prioritize creating an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and contribute to the advancement of technology.
Executive Women's Forum (EWF)
Executive Women's Forum (EWF) was founded in 2002 by Joyce Brocaglia, Managing Director and Global Practice Leader for Cybersecurity at Alta Associates, and is dedicated to advancing the careers of women in information security, IT risk management, and privacy. Masu.of EWF offers thought leadership programs We provide networking opportunities to our members with the goal of helping them build their knowledge and professional networks.
EWF is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cybersecurity field through partnerships with companies and collaborations with industry leaders, universities, and the U.S. government. Its offerings include an annual conference, an online community called EWF CONNECT, a mentoring program (the Lift Mentoring Program), regional conferences, forums, and a Women of Influence Roundtable for senior executives.
EWF is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunity in our leadership, board, membership, initiatives, policies, and practices. Individual membership costs $1,250 per year and provides access to a variety of resources and networking opportunities within the community.
FirstBoard.io
FirstBoard.io is said to be a curated network of female technology founders, CXOs, and executive leaders working together to increase women's representation on corporate boards. Established in 2020 The platform, created by executive search partner Rita Scroggin, aims to increase the presence of female technology leaders on boards across a variety of sectors, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
We strive to achieve this by bridging the gap between qualified women leaders and companies seeking diverse boards. Unlike traditional membership-based models, FirstBoard.io operates with a unique approach, recruiting only board-ready individuals who actively contribute to the organization's mission without charging membership fees. doing.
chief
Chief is a community specifically designed for female executives, providing a platform to connect with VPs and executives across a variety of industries and expertise. Founded in 2019 by Lindsey Kaplan and Carolyn Childers, Chief supports female executives by providing one-on-one executive coaching, powerful colleagues, and access to exclusive programs. That's what I'm aiming for.
of organization welcomes leaders who identify as women, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming, and its leadership vets applicants for executive seniority to ensure members receive support from authentic peers. Masu.
With a network spanning 10,000 companies, Chief boasts an impressive roster with 77% of Fortune 100 companies represented and 40% of Chief members holding executive positions in their companies. Annual fees for Chief membership range from $5,800 to $10,900, depending on the access level you choose.
The vibrant community we've explored is more than just a support system. These are the starting points for a future where women in cybersecurity are not only empowered, but also architects of the digital landscape. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and leadership development, these groups are breaking stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative cybersecurity industry.
So don't just find your tribe, help build it. You can also join the community, mentor new people, or start your own initiative. Every action, big or small, contributes to a future where female excellence in cybersecurity is the norm, not the rarity.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for informational purposes only and the user is solely responsible for the reliability of the information. Cyber Express assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information or the consequences of its use.
