“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.”
—Arlyssa Jaquez, Cybersecurity Architect, Verizon
As a Cybersecurity Architect at Verizon, Arlyssa Jaquez has spent over a decade building her career in an industry where women remain vastly outnumbered. But it was her involvement with Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) that helped her find a supportive network, a sense of belonging and new opportunities for growth. Today, Arlyssa’s mission to leave cybersecurity better than she found it continues to inspire and empower the next generation of security professionals.
Arlyssa first discovered WiCyS in 2015 while working at Lockheed Martin. Though the organization was still in its early stages—and departmental budgets limited her ability to get involved—she kept WiCyS on her radar. “I would get the newsletters and look through them,” she recalls, “but I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a conference back then.
That changed when Arlyssa transitioned into her role at Verizon, a prominent WiCyS Strategic Partner. Verizon’s leadership, including male allies, actively encouraged employees to engage with WiCyS—a gesture that left a lasting impression. “They were like, ‘Please join; you need to be part of this,’” she said. Encouraged by their support, she attended her first WiCyS Conference virtually in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.
But it was the 2023 WiCyS Conference in Denver that marked a turning point. Experiencing the event in person and being surrounded by a community of women passionate about cybersecurity ignited a deeper connection. “That was my ‘wow’ moment,” Arlyssa said. “I really wanted to do more for the organization.” The camaraderie, teamwork and genuine desire to uplift one another made her feel instantly at home.
Motivated to contribute, Arlyssa joined the WiCyS Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Affiliate and quickly stepped into a leadership role as Marketing Chair. Her impact was immediate. She helped organize events, expanded affiliate communications and led a six-week cybersecurity learning series, collaborating with Verizon leaders to offer valuable programming for aspiring professionals.
She also spearheaded the launch of a dedicated Slack channel for WiCyS DFW members, fostering deeper community connections. Members use the platform to support one another’s certification journeys and share job opportunities. “Whenever someone messages me on LinkedIn about cybersecurity or certifications, I try to shift them into our Slack group. It’s about building community beyond a single message,” she explained.
Arlyssa’s dedication to giving back didn’t stop there. After earning her CISSP certification in 2023, she began leading CISSP training groups within the DFW affiliate to help others achieve their own certification goals. Her motivation is grounded in a philosophy she first heard from WiCyS keynote speaker Blakely Wall: “Don’t just join to take. Join to give.” That message struck a chord. “Every time you’re doing something, it should be, ‘How can I serve?’” Arlyssa shared. “That really resonated with me, because I did get a lot of help, but once you reach your goals, how do you give back to others who need that same support?”
Looking back, Arlyssa reflects on what she was missing before WiCyS—camaraderie. Years of working on male-dominated teams often left her without the peer support she craved. Through WiCyS, she found not only technical development opportunities but also a renewed commitment to uplifting others. “It’s great to point people in the right direction and help them however I can,” she said.
When asked what advice she would offer to others considering a cybersecurity career, Arlyssa is quick to encourage: “If it crossed your mind, it’s possible. It crossed your mind for a reason. It’s not easy—it takes work—but if you’re willing to study and put in the effort, you can absolutely do it.” Sometimes, she adds, all it takes is one relatable person to make the journey feel possible.
For Arlyssa, WiCyS has been more than a professional organization—it has been a life-changing experience that reignited her passion, introduced her to like-minded women and inspired her to pay it forward. Through her leadership in the WiCyS DFW Affiliate and her dedication to supporting future security professionals, Arlyssa exemplifies the WiCyS mission: to recruit, retain and advance women in cybersecurity.
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