“My journey with WiCyS has truly been life-changing, both as a mentee and a mentor. The mentorship I’ve received has significantly shaped my professional growth, while mentoring others has given me the chance to give back and strengthen this incredible community. Being a part of WiCyS has deepened my passion for cybersecurity, empowered me to step into leadership and given me a real sense of belonging.”

"When you find a true passion, it becomes natural to want to share the process, the work, the stories and help others along the way. For me, WiCyS has provided that space, not only to deepen my cybersecurity knowledge but also to connect with like-minded professionals and build a meaningful network. As a member of WiCyS, there’s no shortage of inspiration or opportunities. It’s a place where everyone is eager to lift each other up and make a lasting impact, and that’s something I’m proud to be part of."

"A defining moment in my career was attending the 2019 WiCyS conference, where I reconnected with a former classmate, setting me on the path to a successful cybersecurity career at Adobe. Saying yes to unexpected opportunities and trusting the power of connections transformed my path from creative storyteller to cybersecurity leader. The WiCyS conference was the catalyst that reminded me: growth begins when you believe in yourself and stay open to the possibilities around you."

 "WiCyS has been a defining force in my cybersecurity journey, providing me with opportunities that have shaped my career and strengthened my confidence in this field. Through WiCyS, I’ve been honored to participate in incredible programs that expanded my skills, broadened my network and fueled my drive to innovate and empower others. Most importantly, being part of this global community has deepened my gratitude for the unwavering support and inspiration that WiCyS provides to aspiring cybersecurity professionals around the world."

"WiCyS has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities and a supportive community that have greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth. Through my participation in the WiCyS Target Cyber Defense Challenge, I’ve built meaningful connections with other women in the field and gained confidence in my abilities. The encouragement and shared experiences within the WiCyS community have inspired me to embrace new challenges in cybersecurity and remain committed to continuous learning."

“The WiCyS Target Cyber Defense Challenge was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to develop new skills while participating in real-world offensive and defensive security scenarios. I embraced the challenge, stepping out of my comfort zone to acquire knowledge within a limited timeline. This experience sharpened my problem-solving skills and enhanced my documentation capabilities as a cybersecurity researcher. The intensity of the challenge allowed me to showcase my resourcefulness and ability to thrive under pressure. It reinforced to me the power of collaboration and support available within the WiCyS community.”

“WiCyS helped me build a strong foundation in cybersecurity through globally recognized scholarships and certifications. Programs like the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and the Target Cyber Defense Challenge expanded my network and provided invaluable hands-on experience. Coming from Eastern Europe, where cybersecurity is still emerging and biases about women in the field persist, WiCyS empowered me to realize my full potential and provided an entry point into the global dialogue of outstanding female cybersecurity professionals.”

"My first WiCyS Conference was a turning point in my career. It showed me that I didn’t need decades of experience to share valuable insights. The connections I made, the skills I gained and the confidence I found there transformed how I approach my career. Today, I’m mentoring others, sharing knowledge on LinkedIn and preparing to present at the next WiCyS Conference, which is an opportunity I had never imagined before attending. WiCyS is redefining what’s possible for me and so many others in the cybersecurity field."

"In my journey, WiCyS has been more than an organization—it's been my anchor and my launchpad. It's shown me that in cybersecurity, representation matters deeply. When I first attended a WiCyS conference in 2018, I saw women who looked like me, excelling and leading in this field. That visibility gave me the confidence to step boldly into my career. WiCyS not only transformed my path but empowered me to transform others'. It's a community where we don't just break barriers; we build bridges for the next generation of women in cybersecurity."

"WiCyS has been a community that made me believe in my potential and my place in cybersecurity. The 2015 conference was a turning point that gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my passion with purpose. Now, I am dedicated to giving back and supporting the next generation of women in cybersecurity, ensuring they have the same opportunities and encouragement I received."

“From establishing the first WiCyS student chapter at the University of Houston to founding the WiCyS Houston affiliate, my commitment to empowering women in cybersecurity has remained steadfast. Through partnerships and leadership roles, I've strived to break barriers and create opportunities for women in this male-dominated industry. WiCyS has not only shaped my career but has also fueled my passion for mentorship and advocacy, ensuring that every woman has the support and resources needed to succeed in cybersecurity."

"WiCyS was a game-changer in my journey, offering unwavering support and invaluable resources that reshaped my entire life. Through attending conferences and founding a student chapter, my involvement with WiCyS directly led to securing my dream job at Modern Health. The organization's dedication to empowering women in cybersecurity not only bolstered my confidence but also provided the vital connections I needed to thrive in this field."

"WiCyS has played a crucial role in shaping my career journey. After completing the WiCyS Veterans’ Apprenticeship Program, I launched my career at Bloomberg, marking the beginning of a rewarding path in cybersecurity. Three years later, this career has provided for my family beyond my wildest dreams and has empowered me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. If you look up 'tenacity' in the dictionary, you'll find me right there!"

“The mentorship, resources and community support I received through WiCyS opened doors to the cybersecurity world and shattered long-held misconceptions about my capabilities. WiCyS empowered me to believe in my worth, leading me from financial instability to financial independence in under three years. The journey wasn't just about finding a career—it was about rediscovering my confidence and ability to provide for my family. WiCyS transformed my life, and I am committed to paying it forward by mentoring other women entering the field.”

“Becoming a member of WiCyS has been both eye-opening and door-opening for me. Coming to the United States from Nigeria, where cybersecurity wasn't yet a rising industry, I initially perceived it as a male-dominated field that seemed inaccessible due to its technical nature. WiCyS shattered my preconceived notions, broadened my horizons and provided me with the resources and encouragement I needed to thrive as a student in the field. Wherever I venture in my career, I recognize that my journey began here, with WiCyS.”

"WiCyS has truly changed my life in ways I never imagined possible. The sense of community, mentorship and empowerment I've found within WiCyS has profoundly impacted my life. WiCyS' unwavering support has fueled my personal growth, inspiring me to pursue a career in cybersecurity. This sense of community—knowing I have a network of like-minded women who support and uplift each other—has made a world of difference." 

“WiCyS’s Capture the Flag challenges ignited my passion for cybersecurity. Growing up surrounded by video games, the gamification of security through CTFs spoke directly to my interests. It showed me the dynamic possibilities within cybersecurity, proving that there are myriad paths to discovering one's passion for cyber beyond traditional education. CTFs transformed my perspective, showing me that cybersecurity isn't just a subject to learn, but a world to explore and conquer." 

“To me, WiCyS means a community where I can show up as my most authentic self and be not only supported, but encouraged. WiCyS is an environment where I can learn and grow professionally and personally. It’s a community, a family like no other.”

"WiCyS means community, support, and most importantly, it means pathways. For me, it gave me a path and a purpose in my life of where I wanted to be in cybersecurity."

"Prior to joining WiCyS, I had never participated in a capture-the-flag and I had no hands-on experiences. WiCyS has not only allowed me to learn quickly about many Cyber Security concepts and solidify my passion for this field, they also created a thriving environment of women empowering other women."

"The WiCyS community has great opportunities, resources,  phenomenal mentors, and events to network and learn. Being a part of the community has helped me to build and improve my cybersecurity skills and knowledge by getting involved in as many ways as I can. The WiCyS organization paved the path for me to land a SOC Analyst position at a great company called Ideal Integrations. The knowledge and training I received from WiCyS allowed me to move from a SOC Analyst 1 position to a SOC Analyst 2 in as little as 5 months. This platform encouraged me to be a stronger, prouder and a more independent woman."

"I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of the WiCyS community! The WiCyS Security Training Scholarship enabled me to establish wonderful connections with those in my amazing cohort, gain valuable knowledge and experience, build my confidence in this field, and advance my progress towards my career goals."

“The WiCyS Job Board++ helped me find my new job in 3 months! Rather than having to scour generic job postings or corporate careers pages, I was able to easily find companies interested in hiring cybersecurity professionals. It drastically cut down on my research time so that I could apply to numerous roles in one day.”

“WiCyS has given my cybersecurity dreams, wings to fly! Not only do I feel included, but super valued as person of color. The engaging year-round programs WiCyS offers, inspire and guide me to forward my career in cybersecurity. Being a part of this wonderful community has been life-changing!”

“I joined WiCys to connect with passionate cybersecurity professionals who have diverse skills and backgrounds. This network has provided me with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow.”

"WiCyS has opened up a whole new world of opportunities and made me realize my true potential. I'm thankful to WiCyS for introducing me to this invaluable community of amazingly talented women from whom I learn every day!"

"As a WiCyS Mentee, I had the opportunity to learn from cybersecurity professionals practicing in the field as cybersecurity professors and data scientists. We shared our interests in IoT, machine learning, threat intelligence, incident response, and critical infrastructure. Most of all, I learned that by using our innate superpowers as women we can add great value to any role we choose to pursue in Cybersecurity and ultimately, make an impactful difference in Cybersecurity."

"Becoming a member of the WiCyS community has become one of the most rewarding decisions I've made to date in my professional life. Being a part of the WiCyS/SANS/Google Scholarship program has not only given me a tremendous boost to forwarding my career in cybersecurity, but has connected me with some of the most amazing women in the industry- both established and up and coming, which is an absolute honor and privilege."

“After attending my 1st WiCyS national conference, I felt a sense of belonging and being valued in the cybersecurity industry. The WiCyS values and its impact on the next generation inspired me to launch the NC local chapter, thus granting others the same platform to learn, get inspired, motivated, and mentored in cybersecurity. Truly humbled and honored to be part of the WiCyS Org.”

“The WiCyS mentorship program has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Our mentor and mentees quickly established a comfortable rapport, and I am really enjoying learning from the group. It’s encouraging to hear others’ perspectives and experiences. Biggest takeaway: We are not alone!”

"Being a part of WiCyS over the years has been very beneficial to me especially since I want to one day work in the Cyber Security field. Attending the WiCyS conference has given me insight into what Cyber Security professionals do on a day-to-day basis. Being involved in the WiCyS student organization at my University has given me a chance to hone my Cyber Security skills through CTFs and Cyber Security Activities. I have been fortunate to attend Cyber Security Talks hosted by the WiCyS Student Chapter which allowed me to ask questions, that I normally would not get to ask, of Cyber Security Professionals currently working in the field. Overall, I feel as though WiCyS is more than just an organization, but a community of like-minded individuals that wants to see everyone succeed in Cyber Security!"

"NICE and WiCyS share a commitment to encouraging women of all backgrounds to consider cybersecurity careers. The WiCyS community is a supportive environment in which to learn."

"WiCyS empowered me to take forward my journey in this wonderful field of cyber security. The scholarship trained me to face real life problems, helped sharpen my skills and kick start my career path."

 "Through the WiCyS Mentee/Mentor Program, I gained connections with professionals and peers, networking skills, and valuable insight on being a woman in Cyber Security. My experiences in this program helped me with a local career fair and a virtual conference so far, and I know the advice I got from my mentor will continue to help me in the future as well."

"Mentorship has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development. Learning about the experiences of people in different parts of the world has also broadened my understanding of the cybersecurity industry. Serving as a mentor and giving back to the community has been a rewarding experience."

"As a student and career changer, hands-on learning opportunities like AWS GameDay are both rare and truly valuable. It was exciting to take on the role of a Senior Security Consultant at the startup Unicorn.Rentals if only for a few hours. Thanks to WiCyS, AWS, and my teammates for the chance to problem solve together! While I still have so much more to learn in cloud security, I feel so fortunate to have participated and look forward to growing and collaborating at future events."

"I joined WiCyS in 2017 when I decided to transition my career into the cybersecurity industry. As a military spouse, I wanted to build a career path that offered flexibility and growth as my family moved from duty station to duty station. Three military moves and three kids later, WiCyS has served as my true bellwether by keeping me inspired, helping me grow my network, providing support/mentorship, and offering learning opportunities. Thank you WiCyS community!"

"In the cyber realm, where a 'good ole' boys' club' has traditionally prevailed, WiCyS stands out as a beacon of change, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere led by women. It's reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, providing a network where I no longer feel dependent on traditional channels. Instead, I can lean on the relationships cultivated through conferences and programs. It's empowering to be part of this transformative movement, where a diverse group is leading the way forward."

"WiCyS has shown me that there are women who uplift other women. In a world where some see competition, WiCyS embodies collaboration and support. It's not just about breaking barriers; it's about paving the way for others, amplifying voices and creating a community where every woman thrives. Let them say no, but let us keep saying yes to each other's success."