“I’m grateful for the chance encounter that led me to WiCyS. Even with a master’s in software and security engineering, I knew I was missing something essential: mentorship. As the only woman in my program, I longed for female mentors who could understand my experiences. WiCyS gave me exactly that: a supportive community of women in cybersecurity whose guidance, insights and encouragement have been invaluable to my growth. Through the strategic partner webinars and global network, I’ve gained the confidence and clarity to take the next step in my cybersecurity journey.”
—Udochukwu Nwandikom, Graduate Student, Texas Tech University
Her name means peace. And fittingly, for Udochukwu Nwandikom, finding WiCyS brought a sense of peace and purpose to her cybersecurity journey.
Udochukwu holds a Master of Science in Software and Security Engineering from Texas Tech University, where she was often the only woman in her classes. Despite her academic success, she felt something was missing—mentorship, representation and a sense of belonging. After earning her degree, she wanted to pursue a cybersecurity career but found the job search overwhelming. “I had the education,” she explained, “but I didn’t know where to begin.” Unsure of her next move, she decided to continue her education and is now a Research Assistant and PhD student in Computer Science at Texas Tech.
A “stroke of luck” changed Udochukwu’s path last year when she came across the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) organization through a university-wide email. Intrigued by the opportunity to connect with other women in cybersecurity, she joined and quickly discovered the mentorship, opportunities and encouragement she had been missing.
The WiCyS 2025 Conference in Dallas, Texas, marked her first-ever cybersecurity conference, and it was a defining experience. She describes it in one word: inspiring. The event opened her eyes to the wide range of opportunities available in the field, from research and programming to industry applications she hadn’t realized existed. She pushed herself to join her first-ever Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, a daunting but transformative experience. “It was intimidating at first, but incredibly rewarding,” she reflected. The hands-on challenge deepened her understanding of applied cybersecurity concepts and built her confidence in practical problem-solving.
Throughout the conference, Udochukwu seized every opportunity to learn and connect. She met representatives from WiCyS Strategic Partner Sandia National Laboratories, an especially meaningful encounter, since she had written a paper extending one of Sandia’s research publications. Discussing her work with their team deepened her interest in the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.
The conference’s career fair also became a pivotal moment. Determined to make the most of it, Udochukwu visited every booth, engaging sponsors in conversations about their research, hiring practices and the future of AI in security. “It was fascinating to see what industries are actually doing,” she said. Several companies followed up with her after the event, a sign, she believes, that she’s on the right path.
Now researching the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, Udochukwu is passionate about bridging the gap between academic theory and industry application. Through WiCyS strategic partner webinars, she’s learned how organizations apply cybersecurity solutions to evolving threats. The webinars, she says, help her connect classroom theory with real-world execution, giving her a clearer picture of where her research fits within the broader industry landscape. Hearing from professionals, especially women who transitioned into cybersecurity from other fields, has been both motivating and grounding for her.
“I see WiCyS as a bridge between where I am and where I want to go,” she said. “It connects academic knowledge with real-world experience and makes it all feel possible.”
Encouraged by her experience, Udochukwu is now working to establish a WiCyS student chapter at Texas Tech University to help other women discover the same sense of belonging she did. She also plans to participate in future WiCyS programming, including the Target Cyber Defense Challenge, to continue applying her skills beyond academia.
“WiCyS is an opportunity to grow, discover and have fun,” she shared. “It’s a miracle to have women around to learn from and laugh with.”
For Udochukwu, WiCyS has been more than a professional network; it’s been a turning point. From feeling uncertain about her path after graduate school to confidently shaping her future in cybersecurity, she has found clarity, confidence and community. And as she puts it, this is only the beginning of her WiCyS story.
Learn about all of our WiCyS Stories and submit your own HERE