WiCyS | Executive Leaders Network
2026-03-19, 2026-03-25, 2026-04-16, 2026-04-22, 2026-05-21, 2026-06-18, 2026-07-16, 2026-08-20 and 7 more dates | Virtual
The Executive Leaders Network brings together top cybersecurity leaders to share insights, solve challenges, and build a trusted community of peers. In a field that is constantly changing and where leadership can often feel isolating, this network offers a space for open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic support. It also helps identify and elevate mid-career professionals into senior roles, supporting our mission to strengthen and diversify leadership across the cybersecurity workforce.
Meeting Cadence: Monthly, Invite-Only
Please complete the form HERE only if you are a cybersecurity C-Suite, President, VP, or Director.

WiCyS | SANS Executive Cybersecurity Exercise Program at RSAC Conference 2026 Invite Only
2026-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Francisco, CA, United States
About the SANS Executive Cybersecurity Exercise at RSAC Conference 2026:
This 90-minute SANS Executive Cyber Exercise will put you inside a simulated cyber event to help your organization understand what it takes to respond to a cyber incident from a strategic perspective. The simulated exercise will emphasize the importance of a well-practiced cyber crisis plan and the leadership skills required to deal with today’s threats. SANS facilitators will use real-world experience and industry best practices to expose areas for improvement in their crisis response plans within a safe environment.
Date:
This SANS ECE (RSAC 2026 Conference) will be held in-person on March 23rd, 1 – 3pm PST in San Francisco. Location details will be provided to accepted participants.
Requirements:
Open to Senior-level Managers – Deputy CISO/CISO/CIO/VPs who support WiCyS’s mission to recruit, retain, and advance women in cybersecurity.
Registered to attend the in-person RSAC 2026 Conference. Please note participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodations as this is not covered by WiCyS or SANS.
Key Learnings:
Ability to better assess organizational readiness for a business response to a cyber crisis.
Apply industry best practices in cybersecurity, organizational structure, and crisis communications.
Understand and plan for emerging trends in cybercrime.
Applications are open from January 29, 2026 to February 26, 2026.
To learn more about the WiCyS SANS ECE at RSAC Conference 2026 and timeline click HERE
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the WiCyS Program Coordinator, Adaeze Udoh at adaeze@wicys.org. We look forward to your application!

WiCyS Decoding Dialogue | Translating Tech: Speaking So They'll Get It Applications Open
2026-03-24 - 2026-04-03 | Virtual
As cybersecurity professionals advance, the ability to clearly explain technical work to non-technical audiences becomes critical. This session helps mid-career professionals communicate complex ideas in ways that resonate, influence, and build credibility.
Participants will learn how to simplify technical concepts without losing expertise, structure explanations clearly, and adapt messaging for executives, clients, and broader audiences.
Open to: Mid-career WiCyS members
Session date: April 21, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT
Learn more and apply on our website

WiCyS Decoding Dialogue | Power & Presence: Public Speaking Learning Sprint
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual
Confidence and presence are essential for mid-career professionals navigating leadership moments, presentations, and high-pressure conversations. This learning sprint is designed to help participants access grounded confidence and communicate with clarity and authority.
Participants will learn practical, body-based, and voice techniques to regulate nerves, project presence, and transform anxiety into authenticity. This session is ideal for those looking to strengthen how they show up when it matters most.
Session date: March 24, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT
Learn more on our website

Webinar | WiCyS + ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification Spring Camp
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | BrightTALK
Join us for an informational webinar for the WICYS + ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification Spring Camp. The WICYS + ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification Spring Camp will take 500 WiCyS members through a 14-hour self-paced, technical mentor-supported, training program for ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification.
All participating WiCyS members will also receive a voucher to take their certification. You do not need experience — just the passion and drive to enter a demanding and rewarding field, one that opens limitless opportunities worldwide. Certified in Cybersecurity from ISC2 – the new entry-level certification from the world’s leading cybersecurity professional organization known for the CISSP® — gives you the knowledge and skills you need to begin your first role ready for what’s next.
When you’re Certified in Cybersecurity, you’ll gain access to a wealth of career-building ISC2 member benefits and our global network of 350,000 certified members, associates, and candidates. Start your career with a certified advantage!
Register for this webinar and view the recording if you are unable to join live.

WiCyS | VDP Webinar 2026 (Invite-Only)
2026-04-03 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
About the WiCyS VDP Webinar 2026:
This live, interactive webinar is designed to give WiCyS VDP members hands-on knowledge of Vulnerability Disclosure Programs, including how to identify, document, and responsibly report vulnerabilities. You’ll walk away with practical skills you can apply right away.
This session is invite-only and limited to 40 active WiCyS members selected through the application process. The session will be recorded and shared with all WiCyS VDP members afterward.
Date: April 3, 2026 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM CT
Key Learnings:

How to identify and document real-world vulnerabilities using browser developer tools
Best practices for writing clear, actionable vulnerability reports
Understanding the responsible disclosure process from discovery to submission
How to navigate the Bugcrowd platform for triaging and tracking your findings
Practical strategies for getting more out of VDPs and bug bounty programs

To learn more about the WiCyS Vulnerability Disclosure Program, feel free to visit: https://www.wicys.org/benefits/vdp/

WiCyS | Tenable x AWS "Exposure Quest Edition" Capture the Flag (CTF) - Applications Open
2026-04-08 08:00 - 2026-04-23 17:00 UTC
Applications are open until April 23rd for the “Exposure Quest Edition,” an exciting 3-day virtual Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge co-hosted by Tenable, AWS and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS).
This virtual CTF experience is for WiCyS members that are college students and early career level professionals. Participants of the CTF can be beginner or intermediate level. Tenable is partnering with AWS in this CTF to host a virtual Women’s Leadership Panel featuring women leaders in the cybersecurity industry.
The 3-day event will be virtual ONLY from May 12 – May 14, 2026.
Participants will work through engaging challenges in OSINT, Cryptography, Vulnerability Scanning, Wireshark Forensics, Reverse Engineering, Cloud Security, Web Exploitation, Binary Exploits, and AI-Driven Security, using free tools such as Nessus Essentials, Wireshark, Nmap, and more.
This opportunity is for 50 participants upon selections. (Please note: A maximum of 250 applications will be accepted for this opportunity with 50 moving forward to participate in the program.)
Please apply HERE and view details, requirements and the timeline.

WiCyS | Rising CISO Leadership Development Program Applications OPEN
2026-04-21 - 2026-05-11 | Chicago, IL, United States
The Rising CISO Leadership Development Program, in partnership with Optiv, is a bold commitment to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity executives. This is an exclusive opportunity for hand-selected, senior-career WiCyS members and security leaders to master the influence required to step into a CISO-level role. It is a transformative, 2-day, in-person event, held in Chicago on July 20-21, 2026, that leaves behind slides and lectures for fully immersive, hands-on creative experiences.
The program enables participants to discover authentic leadership, understand their ‘why,’ and build confidence through action, reflection, and genuine human connection. Guided by Jason Weiss’s philosophy, it provides the clarity, challenge, and connection necessary for emerging leaders to explore authentic leadership, master influence, and build confidence.
Submit your application today HERE

WiCyS Decoding Dialogue | Translating Tech: Speaking So They'll Get It
2026-04-21 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual
As cybersecurity professionals advance, the ability to clearly explain technical work to non-technical audiences becomes critical. This session helps mid-career professionals communicate complex ideas in ways that resonate, influence, and build credibility.
Participants will learn how to simplify technical concepts without losing expertise, structure explanations clearly, and adapt messaging for executives, clients, and broader audiences.
Session date: April 21, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT
Learn more on our website

WiCyS Google Cybersecurity Cohort Program - Applications Open
2026-04-22 08:00 - 2026-05-11 17:00 UTC | Virtual
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Cohort Program is a nine-course series that was developed to provide an understanding of the importance of cybersecurity practices and their impact on organizations. Learners will identify common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as techniques to mitigate them. Hands-on experience with Python, Linux, and SQL is also included in the module. The courses are beginner-level and do not require any prior experience in cybersecurity. Though members can move at their own pace, the program includes WiCyS Technical Mentors that will provide support with the coursework to help learners successfully earn their certificate in less than 6 months.
WiCyS members accepted to the program will:
Be provided a free limited-time license to gain access to the certificate courses in Coursera
Be invited to the program Interest Group to engage in the cohort community
Receive a digital badge to share with their network
Receive a Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate upon completion of the program
Available To:
200 WiCyS Members who have not participated in the WiCyS Google Cybersecurity program previously
U.S. and international WiCyS members
Members willing to fully commit to the less than 6 months it takes to complete the program
Applications are open from April 22 to May 11.
To learn more about the program and apply, please visit HERE

WiCyS | AI Learning Series Applications Open
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-20 | Virtual
This is a 6-part virtual learning experience designed for mid- to senior-level cybersecurity professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of how artificial intelligence is shaping the field.
Each 90-minute session is led by an industry expert and includes live instruction, curated prep materials, and interactive group discussions. Participants explore practical use cases, real-world risks, governance frameworks, and AI-specific red teaming strategies while building community and professional insights with their peers.
Open to: Mid- to Senior-career WiCyS members
Learn more and apply HERE

WiCyS | Tenable x AWS "Exposure Quest Edition" Capture the Flag (CTF)
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-14 | Virtual
Join us for the “Exposure Quest Edition,” an exciting 3-day virtual Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge co-hosted by Tenable, AWS and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). In addition to the tournament, participants can expect to attend a virtual Women’s Leadership Panel featuring women leaders in the cybersecurity industry.
The 3-day event will be virtual ONLY from May 12 to May 14, 2026.
Participants will work through engaging challenges in OSINT, Cryptography, Vulnerability Scanning, Wireshark Forensics, Reverse Engineering, Cloud Security, Web Exploitation, Binary Exploits, and AI-Driven Security, using free tools such as Nessus Essentials, Wireshark, Nmap, and more.
Learn more, view details, and timeline HERE.

WiCyS | Amazon x Fortinet "Together We Hack" Capture the Flag (CTF) - Applications Open June 10th
2026-06-10 - 2026-07-07 | Virtual
Join us for “Together We Hack,” an exciting fully in-person Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge co-hosted by Amazon, Fortinet, and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). Open to both experienced professionals and cybersecurity enthusiasts, this event offers skill-building opportunities, industry networking, and career development through keynotes and engaging challenges.
The one-day in-person ONLY event will be held August 4th at Amazon – Frontier Office in Seattle, Washington. The challenge categories may include AI, web, pwn, networking and more. While participation is individual, collaboration is permitted. The CTF platform will remain open for 8 hours!
There will be 120 attendees, with a goal of attracting mid-level career professionals (2+ years of post-graduate industry experience preferred).
Please apply HERE and view details, requirements and timeline

WiCyS | The Cyber Competency Builder with Just Hacking Training (JHT)
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | BrightTALK
Join us on Thursday, June 18 at 1:00 PM CT for an inside look at an exciting new initiative: The Cyber Competency Builder with Just Hacking Training (JHT)!
Hosted by JHT Co-Founder and Managing Partner Don Donzal, this introductory session will unveil a data-driven, three-part training program built specifically to bridge critical skills gaps and map directly to high-demand industry roles.
Whether you want to dive into AI Cyber Defense Ops, master Script-Based Malware Analysis, or level up in Web App Pentesting, this session will show you how this elite partnership can systematically elevate your technical capabilities.
Register for this webinar HERE and view the recording if you are unable to join live.

WiCyS | Create Your Leading Edge Application OPEN
2026-06-22 - 2026-07-06 | Virtual
Create Your Leading Edge is a 12-week leadership development program designed for mid-career professionals in cybersecurity who are ready to grow their influence, confidence, and career impact. The program focuses on developing self-awareness, understanding workplace dynamics, and building practical strategies for professional advancement in complex technical environments.
Through weekly live sessions, curated content, and guided reflection, participants gain tools to navigate organizational systems, strengthen leadership presence, and make intentional career decisions. The cohort-based format emphasizes community, accountability, and real-world application, supporting participants as they move from insight to action. Create Your Leading Edge is designed for professionals who are ready to show up with clarity, lead authentically, and take ownership of their next chapter.
Open to: Mid-career WiCyS members
Program Runs: Aug 10 – Oct 26
See full timeline, learn more, and apply HERE

WiCyS | Rising CISO Leadership Development Program
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-21 | Chicago, IL, United States
The Rising CISO Leadership Development Program, in partnership with Optiv, is a bold commitment to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity executives. This is an exclusive opportunity for hand-selected, senior-career WiCyS members and security leaders to master the influence required to step into a CISO-level role. It is a transformative, 2-day, in-person event, held in Chicago on July 20-21, 2026, that leaves behind slides and lectures for fully immersive, hands-on creative experiences.
The program enables participants to discover authentic leadership, understand their ‘why,’ and build confidence through action, reflection, and genuine human connection. Guided by Jason Weiss’s philosophy, it provides the clarity, challenge, and connection necessary for emerging leaders to explore authentic leadership, master influence, and build confidence.
