WiCyS
Global Student Chapter Initiative
made possible by Microsoft Philanthropies
Women in Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
According to (ISC)2 and Cybersecurity Ventures, women in the cybersecurity workforce make up roughly 20-24%. This alarming statistic clearly showcases the risk to the inclusion and diversity efforts in the workforce and also is a threat to the cybersecurity career pipeline. As cybersecurity continues to be a severe threat to all, Microsoft Philanthropies is working hard to close the cybersecurity skills gap and has now expanded its efforts by including a WiCyS Global Student Chapter Initiative.
Learn more about the Microsoft skilling campaign HERE
Learn more about the Microsoft expanded effort to 23 countries by including a WiCyS Global Student Chapter Intiative HERE
Learn more about WiCyS Student Chapters HERE
Press release: Microsoft Philanthropies collaborates with WiCyS to help close the cybersecurity skills gap
Our Vision
In collaboration with Microsoft Philanthropies, WiCyS will make a measurable impact on the talent shortage and lack of diversity in cyber across the globe by scaling the WiCyS Student Chapter program.
- Essential at a time when we are in a global cybersecurity workforce shortage
- COVID-19 has displaced some women from their educational institutions,
conventional learning environments and careers - Doors closed for many professional development opportunities in which
college/university women were dependent on - Women in cybersecurity need a foundational community to excel in their
courses and keep their academic momentum going strong
Strategic strategic partners can help mitigate the potential long-term workforce shortage in the cybersecurity talent pipeline AND increase diversity & inclusion in cybersecurity by engaging women through WiCyS Student Chapters.
Program Impact
WiCyS student chapters, members and faculty gaining wrap-around services
through WiCyS Global Student Chapter Initiative made possible by Microsoft Philanthropies.
- Power of global cybersecurity community
- Retaining women already in the field of study
- Recruiting more women to join through student chapter outreach activities
- Builds more women in leadership roles to highlight on resumes, Linkedin,
and speak to during interviews - Empowers faculty by attending the WiCyS technical conference
- Inspires student chapter presidents by attending the WiCyS technical
conference where they can meet their president peers - Opens up the gateway for future WiCyS opportunities for students such as the
mentor/mentee program, skill development trainings, internship program, and more - Students will be gaining knowledge and skills not offered otherwise
- Provides students the confidence, motivation and determination to remain
in their academic cybersecurity studies and collectively advance because of
their network, community, opportunity, and more - Gives a wrap-around experience they can speak to during interviews, gain
employment from, and continue to advance in their careers because of it
Together. We Thrive!
If you’re interested in learning more please contact [email protected]
Lynn Dohm
WiCyS Executive Director
“WiCyS Student Chapters help create reliable paths for women to launch and advance their cybersecurity careers while recruiting more into the pipeline, supporting and retaining those that are in their programs and advancing in their courses and ultimately careers because of the power of community.”