Hi Lynn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into STEM, particularly cybersecurity, began with an NSF-funded grant at the National Centers for System Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA) at Moraine Valley Community College. This was my first exposure to cybersecurity, and while the field seemed almost mystical at the time, I quickly realized how essential and attainable it is. It sparked my passion for making cybersecurity more accessible, especially for women, given the immense opportunities for career growth and financial security. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to streamlining cybersecurity education and workforce initiatives. This journey eventually led me to WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity), where I found a home for both my passion and my mission.
Although I officially joined WiCyS in 2019, my involvement with the organization began a few years earlier in a supportive role. Attending the 2018 WiCyS conference was a transformative experience—it solidified my commitment to the field and connected me with a community that shared my vision of a more inclusive cybersecurity industry. Stepping into the role of Executive Director in 2019 was an incredible honor and a testament to the belief WiCyS had in me. It allowed me to combine my passion for cybersecurity with meaningful work that builds a diverse and thriving workforce in this critical field.
Today, I also serve on the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) AI Initiative and the UMGC CIT Advisory Board, helping shape the future of AI and technology education. I deliver over 100 speaking engagements each year, raising awareness about advancing women in cybersecurity. I contributed to “The Privacy Leader Compass” and wrote the foreword for “Stronger Together: Women in Cybersecurity.” I previously served on the advisory board for Women in Cybersecurity – Beyond Borders and continue to contribute as an inaugural member of the (ISC)² Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has not always been smooth. Cybersecurity has historically been a male-dominated field, and overcoming biases was a significant challenge early on. At times, it felt like the industry wasn’t designed for women to thrive, which only strengthened my resolve to break those barriers. Along the way, I’ve had to advocate for myself and other women, constantly pushing against the status quo. These challenges fueled my drive to ensure other women don’t face the same obstacles I did. One of the biggest hurdles has been navigating the evolving legislative landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). However, fostering relationships and building a supportive community has been key to overcoming these obstacles.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Lynn is the Executive Director of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), where she channels her passion for inclusion and allyship into mobilizing the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the cybersecurity field. With over two decades of experience, Lynn has become a key strategist, aligning businesses, nonprofits, and grant-funded initiatives to cybersecurity workforce initiatives and goals. Her dedication to advancing women in lucrative cybersecurity careers over the last 16 years has made her an influential voice in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Lynn’s leadership has established WiCyS as a leading model of how a collaborative, multi-organizational ecosystem approach can strengthen the cybersecurity workforce.
In 2024, Lynn was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science & Technology from Champlain College and was recognized as one of CS Hub’s Top 25 Cybersecurity Leaders. Her accolades also include the People’s Choice Award for Cybersecurity Woman of the Year, the Light that Shines award from EmpoWE-R Women of Infosec, and being named one of the Top 100 Women in Cybersecurity by Cyber Defense Magazine. Under her leadership, WiCyS was recognized as Ally of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
Lynn also serves on the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) AI Initiative and the UMGC CIT Advisory Board, shaping the future of AI and technology education. A passionate advocate for inclusion and equity, she participates in over 100 speaking engagements annually, raising awareness about advancing women in cybersecurity. She contributed to “The Privacy Leader Compass” and “Stronger Together: Women in Cybersecurity.” She was previously an advisory board member for Women in Cybersecurity – Beyond Borders and an inaugural member of the (ISC)² Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.
Outside her professional commitments, Lynn enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her dog, camping, listening to bluegrass, and sipping coffee on her front porch.
What matters most to you?
I am passionate about making a lasting impact by promoting inclusion, allyship and equity in cybersecurity. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the significant lack of representation, especially for women and underrepresented groups, within the industry. It’s crucial to fill these gaps with diverse talent, not only for equality but also for the innovation and resilience of the cybersecurity workforce as a whole.
As the Executive Director of WiCyS, my main goal is to establish pathways for women to excel in cybersecurity. I am committed to ensuring that these opportunities are accessible, breaking down the barriers women encounter, and fostering a community where every voice is valued. Diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen the cybersecurity workforce, making it more capable of addressing today’s evolving digital threats.
Through our programs, partnerships, and community-building initiatives at WiCyS, I am constantly reminded that this work transcends any one individual. It’s about shaping a future where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can thrive in a field crucial to global security. Witnessing lives change because of our efforts is what motivates me every day, and it’s why creating a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce matters the most to me.
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