Create Your Leading Edge

The WiCyS State of Inclusion Benchmark Report reveals a career plateau for women in cybersecurity after 6-10 years. Yet, our N2K Cyber Talent study proves WiCyS members outperform their peers, even in advanced roles. WiCyS is here to help change this narrative.

Join other ambitious mid-level professionals in our exclusive 12-week program, designed to unlock your leadership potential and accelerate your advancement. Led by industry veteran Karen Worstell, with a proven track record of over 50% of participants achieving promotions or pay increases within three months, this is your opportunity to transform your career trajectory.

Available To:

• WiCyS members
• Mid-career level professionals only
• Domestic and International members
• Members willing to commit fully to attending all sessions
• Members ready to participate and engage with cameras on throughout the training

What you get:

• A 12-week training program that includes the following:

• • • Weekly 90-minute sessions (typically Mondays at 1:00 pm CT)
    • Live group coaching (optional)
    • Weekly curated content

• You will learn principles and skills to:

  • Master the Broken System: Learn why “meritocracy-based” performance management fails women in tech and gain strategic techniques to advance despite these barriers.
  • Harness Your Six Human Needs: Discover how these fundamental needs drive every decision you make—and how to leverage them for greater career satisfaction and success.
  • Develop Authentic Leadership Presence: Master energetic state management to become the leader others naturally want to follow.
  • Maximize Your Sphere of Control: Focus your energy where it matters most for breakthrough results and lasting impact.
  • Access Your Inner Wisdom: Learn powerful techniques to trust and apply your intuition in professional settings for better decision-making.
  • Build Career-Defining Relationships: Find and cultivate sponsorship connections that accelerate your professional growth.
  • Navigate the Tech Landscape: Understand the historical roots of “bro” culture to confidently maneuver organizational dynamics and create your path forward.

Important to know:

• All of our programs require the full participation and perfect attendance of the participants
• All of the virtual sessions are done with cameras on, and participants will all be called upon to speak and share
• Participants will be expected to obtain a sponsor by week 10 of the program

Want to learn more? Watch our 2025 informational webinar here.

2026 Cohort Timeline

March 4 at 8 am CT: Applications open
March 18 at 5 pm CT: Applications close
March 23: Acceptance status notifications are sent to applicants
March 27 at 5 pm CT: Deadline to submit commitment form
April 2: Participants receive email with digital badge and any instructions
April 9: Launch Webinar at 1:00 – 1:30 PM CT
April 13 – June 29: Program runs

**Accepted applicants will be expected to meet weekly on Mondays from 1:00 – 2:30 pm C.T., except on Monday, May 26th, which is instead of May 25th.

Program Training Schedule (1:00 – 2:30 pm CT)

Mon Apr 13, 2026
Mon Apr 20, 2026
Mon Apr 27, 2026
Mon May 4, 2026
Mon May 11, 2026
Mon May 18, 2026
Tue May 26, 2026 (moved from Mon May 25 for Memorial Day)
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Mon Jun 8, 2026
Mon Jun 15, 2026
Mon Jun 22, 2026
Mon Jun 29, 2026