“WiCyS has been an incredible platform for me to grow both as a mentor and an entrepreneur. Through WiCyS, I have had the opportunity to mentor aspiring cybersecurity professionals, helping them navigate their careers and empowering them with the right resources and connections. Additionally, WiCyS has inspired my entrepreneurial journey, providing insights and networking opportunities that have fueled my passion for innovation in cybersecurity and beyond. The supportive community and wealth of knowledge at WiCyS continue to shape my path as a leader in the industry.”
—Rashmi Bharathan, Graduate Student, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
For Rashmi Bharathan, WiCyS is more than a professional network; it’s a catalyst for change. With over 13 years of IT experience across retail, pharmaceutical and finance industries, she has built a strong foundation in technology and leadership. Her career has included roles such as Dotcom Support Specialist, ITSM Specialist, IT Auditor, Configuration Audit Manager and Senior Analyst. Now, as an international MBA student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Rashmi is combining her technical expertise with business strategy to prepare for her goal of becoming a product manager in cybersecurity.
Rashmi’s journey with WiCyS began in early 2024 when she joined the WiCyS Global Mentorship Program as a mentor. It was this program, she says, that first drew her to the community. “It’s a space designed to empower women to ask questions, share challenges and grow together,” she shares. Through one-on-one coaching, career advice and technical mentorship, Rashmi has guided women in cybersecurity through pivotal career transitions. Over the past two years, she has mentored six WiCyS members, helping them gain clarity, confidence and direction. In doing so, she’s strengthened her own leadership skills and found immense fulfillment in giving back.
Mentorship quickly became central to Rashmi’s journey, both within WiCyS and across the broader cybersecurity community. As the Student Initiative and Volunteering Engagement Director at the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), she supports more than 250 students, helping them secure internships, writing recommendations and coaching them through the challenges of early career development. Since 2022, she has also mentored through the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and serves as Social Committee Chair at The Institute of Internal Auditors Inc., where she organizes events that build community and collaboration among members.
For Rashmi, this work is deeply personal. She believes students hold immense potential but often lose confidence when opportunities are scarce. By providing access to internships and professional networks, she helps them build the foundations of their careers, reducing stress and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. This commitment to uplifting others recently earned her recognition as Volunteer of the Year from the International Information Systems Security Association (ISSA).
Networking is one of Rashmi’s greatest strengths, and WiCyS has given her a platform to amplify it. From attending conferences to building meaningful relationships across the community, she has found countless ways to learn from others, share her own expertise and grow alongside fellow cybersecurity professionals. At the 2024 WiCyS Conference in Dallas, Rashmi connected with women leaders across the country, expanded her LinkedIn network and sparked ideas for future student-focused workshops. She has also attended WiCyS Chicago Affiliate events and is eager to grow her involvement at the local level.
While giving back fuels much of her work, Rashmi is also clear about her own goals. She envisions herself as a product manager in the cybersecurity space, where she can combine her technical knowledge with her passion for leadership and innovation. WiCyS continues to be a driving force in helping her move toward her dream role. By connecting her with industry leaders, providing professional development opportunities and fostering a community of support, the organization has been instrumental in shaping her career trajectory.
For Rashmi, WiCyS represents more than career advancement; it’s a place where leaders are built, ideas flourish and the future of cybersecurity is shaped collectively. Her journey reflects the power of mentorship and the ripple effect of one woman’s dedication to uplifting others. As she often reminds her mentees: “WiCyS is not just a community. It is a catalyst for change.”
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