“WiCyS transformed my cybersecurity journey in ways I never expected. From my very first Capture the Flag competition in 2023 to my second in 2024, I gained the confidence to analyze threats, think critically under pressure and truly own my place in this field. Through mentorship, hands-on opportunities and the unwavering support of a community that empowers and uplifts, WiCyS helped me see that I belong in cybersecurity, that I am capable, that I have a voice and that I can not only succeed, but thrive.”
—Barbara Golson, IAM RBAC Analyst, Ascension
Barbara Golson’s path to cybersecurity didn’t follow a traditional route, but her journey was defined by resilience, reinvention and relentless determination. After serving eight years in the U.S. Air Force and spending more than a decade in IT service management, Barbara had built a solid technical foundation. Still, pivoting into cybersecurity later in her career brought unique challenges: navigating a male-dominated industry, keeping pace with a rapidly evolving field and finding a community that truly understood her ambitions.
That community came in the form of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), a network that empowered her, connected her with like-minded professionals and helped her confidently take the next step in her career. Barbara first heard about WiCyS through a recommendation from someone in her professional circle. What started as curiosity soon led to a life-changing transformation. “WiCyS completely changed my cybersecurity journey from my first Capture The Flag (CTF) in 2023 to my second in 2024,” Barbara shared. “It gave me the confidence to analyze threats, think critically under pressure and most importantly, to believe that I belong in this field.”
At the time, Barbara had just completed an 11-month intensive cybersecurity defense program through the University of Central Florida, gaining hands-on experience in DFIR, network and cloud security and Python. But it was WiCyS that helped her bridge the gap between education and real-world application. “The CTF pushed me beyond what the classroom could offer. It was intensely hands-on. I had to break things, identify what was wrong and fix it—all while working under pressure. It reinforced everything I had learned and pushed me to think more strategically.”
What resonated with Barbara most was the spirit of support she found in the WiCyS community. “Even in the midst of a competition, people were willing to give you that nudge or word of encouragement when you needed it. It was never about being the smartest person in the room; it was about growing together. I met incredible women whose journeys were similar to mine, and others whose paths were completely different, but we all shared the same goal: to thrive in cybersecurity.”
A pivotal moment in Barbara’s journey came when she received a scholarship to attend the 2025 WiCyS Conference in Dallas. “It was like receiving a golden ticket,” she said. “The conference was more than just a professional development event; it was a place where I saw what’s possible for women in this field. The panels, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities were game-changing.”
Hearing other women share their paths and challenges helped Barbara see the value in her own story. “Everyone has a different journey, and hearing those stories reminded me that there’s no one way to succeed in cybersecurity. That realization was powerful.”
Following the conference, Barbara refined her focus and gained clarity in her career direction. She realized much of her previous work had already involved identity and access management (IAM), giving her a clear sense of where her skills and interests aligned. After reworking her resume to highlight those skills, she landed a new role in IAM at Ascension. “I had been applying for so many jobs, getting rejections and second-guessing myself. But WiCyS helped me stay persistent and believe in what I bring to the table.”
Barbara went on to earn her CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certifications, achievements she now uses to support others on their own paths. For Barbara, WiCyS was not only a stepping stone in her career; it ignited a passion to give back. She now mentors others studying for the Security+ exam and holds regular training sessions to support their certification journeys. “I know how overwhelming it can be to break into cybersecurity. I want to help others the way WiCyS helped me.”
She’s also making an impact in her local community. Living in a senior-populated neighborhood, Barbara reached out to her HOA to host cybersecurity awareness sessions for older adults. “I want to educate them on phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and digital safety basics. I even connected with AARP to include their resources in my presentations.”
When asked to sum up what WiCyS means to her, Barbara didn’t hesitate: “WiCyS means empowerment. It means being encouraged, owning your power and knowing you’re not alone in this journey. It reminded me that it’s never too late to start something new or to keep growing. Especially as women in cybersecurity, we have to lift each other up, build our skills and keep pushing forward.”
Now, as she pursues her CYSA+ certification, Barbara carries with her the same relentless spirit that brought her into this field. Supported by a strong community and grounded in her own hard-earned experience, she is proving that the journey to cybersecurity can be as unique as the women who make it, and that resilience, reinvention and determination are the keys to breaking barriers.
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