cyversity

Cyversity Announces Partnership with INDY NXT Driver Josh Green

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:02:08 GMT

New York – February 22, 2023 , Cyversity , a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of minority cybersecurity students and professionals, announced today a partnership with American racecar driver Josh Green. Josh will pilot the #3 car with HMD Motorsports in the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone series.

The INDY NXT by Firestone season commences March 5th at the Firestone Grand Prix of St Pete, FL , in conjunction with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES , where the Cyversity logo will be brought to the world’s attention. The full schedule can be found here .

“We are honored to partner with Josh, and our logo to be displayed on his car during his races as part of the INDY NXT by Firestone series,” said Beverly Benson, Executive Director at Cyversity. “This will raise awareness of our cybersecurity workforce diversity and inclusion efforts and our mission of achieving the consistent representation of minority cybersecurity students in the cybersecurity industry.”

“Motorsports is currently one of the fastest expanding sports in the world. With the series becoming exponentially more advertised and fan bases growing by the millions, it’s a privilege to see drivers supporting diversity in the paddock. Equality of opportunity is a simple right that should be afforded to all humans on the planet, yet it hasn’t been in the entirety of our existence. I’m ecstatic to have the Cyversity logo on my car and support their cause for just that reason, equality for all,” said Josh Green

The auto industry has evolved to a high-tech, sophisticated computer on wheels and is a critical part of our daily lives. It is imperative that we build diverse cultures and perspectives to solve current and future cyber challenges,” said Craig Smith, Senior Director of Information Security and author of The Car Hacker’s Handbook: A Guide for the Penetration Tester .

Josh has had success at every level of the Road to Indy ladder, fighting his way up into INDY NXT in 2023 after honing his skills in the junior rankings. In 2019 he first stepped up to race cars and immediately experienced success. So far, he has won in all but one season of his racing career, showing his prowess in every car he’s driven since. He looks forward to moving up in 2023 and into the future!

Learn more about Josh Green: https://www.joshgreenracing.com/

Follow Josh on:

Instagram @Joshgoesracing
Facebook: @Josh Green Racing
Twitter: @joshgoesracing
Tik Tok: @JoshGoesRacing

About Cyversity

Cyversity was created as a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of minority cybersecurity students and professionals. Cyversity tackles the ‘great cyber divide’ with scholarship opportunities, diverse workforce development, innovative outreach, and mentoring programs.

Contact

Leslie Kesselring, Cyversity

leslie.kesselring@cyversity.org

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Collaborates with Cyversity to Offer Cybersecurity Mentorship and Training Opportunities for Next Generation of Diverse Leaders

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:56:51 GMT

Chicago – April 10, 2023 , Today, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) announces its collaboration with Cyversity, a nonprofit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of minority cybersecurity students and professionals, to create a mentorship and training program designed to sponsor the next generation of diverse security leaders through a combination of education, experience and networking.

The program offers Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and Cyversity members foundational education in governance risk and compliance and a choice to further pursue studies in one of three cybersecurity cohorts: application security, network security, or cloud security.

“We’re excited to announce our collaboration with a proven leader in readying motivated and talented individuals to enter the cybersecurity workforce,” said Chris Lugo, BCBSA’s vice president and chief information security officer. “By making cyber skills education and mentorship opportunities available to Cyversity members, we’re aiming to bolster ready-now diverse security leaders to fill the countless open cybersecurity positions. We believe a diverse and inclusive cyber workforce is paramount to solving some of the most complex cybersecurity challenges existing today.”

Members will have access to Cyversity’s mentorship program, including resume writing workshops, mock interviews and private sessions with BCBSA cybersecurity professionals.

BCBSA and Cyversity share the goal of promoting diversity within the cybersecurity industry and ensuring individuals from all backgrounds are equipped for the exciting and lucrative career opportunities it offers. With more than 1.8 million job openings worldwide, the industry is keen to develop new, innovative talent to continue protecting consumer, business and government data.

ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 34 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.

About Cyversity

MEDIA CONTACTS: Blue Cross Blue Shield Associationpress@bcbsa.com

Cyversity and United Airlines to Provide Cybersecurity Training Scholarships to Cyversity Members

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:54:30 GMT

Program designed to equip women and underrepresented individuals with necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in cybersecurity

New York – May 30, 2023 , Cyversity , a 5013 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of women and underrepresented individuals, today announced that they have teamed up with United Airlines to award scholarships for cybersecurity training to its members.

The scholarship offers a comprehensive training package, which includes Cybersecurity Network Defense (Blue Teaming), Application Security (Red Teaming), and Cloud Security. Recipients will also receive computer-based and simulation training, allowing them to enhance their knowledge and skills in the cybersecurity field. The scholarship covers the cost of the certification exam fee, enabling individuals to obtain industry-recognized certifications without financial burden.

“We’re thrilled to team up with United to provide our members with a multitude of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships will give individuals from underserved communities a jump start in their cybersecurity careers, increasing their chances of success,” said M.K. Palmore, vice president at Cyversity. “It’s exciting to see our continued growth at Cyversity by partnering with so many fantastic organizations that believe in our mission.”

All recipients will receive Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) training. After the GRC training, recipients will choose one of three additional training areas: Cybersecurity Network Defense (Blue Teaming), Application Security (Red Teaming), and Cloud Security.

“Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to secure our digital world is critical to our airline,” said United Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Deneen DeFiore. “We’re excited to offer scholarships for Cyversity participants for cybersecurity training to support and encourage the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”

The online, on-demand training program, spanning from May 30, 2023, to November 17, 2023, will require five to seven hours of weekly dedication to complete. The entire training program consists of two phases: Phase I focusing on Governance, Risk, and Compliance topics, which must be completed within one to two months to progress to Phase II. In Phase II, recipients will have the option to specialize in one of the three training paths: Application Security (Red Teaming), Network Security (Blue Teaming), or Cloud Security, and the completion of this phase will take approximately three to four months.

Scholarship eligibility:

To be eligible for participation individuals must be a Cyversity member in good standing.

About United Airlines

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” From our U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers. United is bringing back our customers’ favorite destinations and adding new ones on its way to becoming the world’s best airline. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com . United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

About Cyversity

Cyversity was created as a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of minority cybersecurity students, veterans and professionals. Cyversity tackles the ‘great cyber divide’ with scholarship opportunities, diverse workforce development, innovative outreach, and mentoring programs. Visit Cyversity at https://www.cyversity.org/.

Contact

Leslie Kesselring, Kesselring Communications for Cyversityleslie@kesscomm.com

Cyversity Announces Advisory Board to Shape the Future of the Cybersecurity Industry

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:50:29 GMT

Industry leaders from ISC2, Johnson & Johnson, Google Cloud, Rapid7 and NPower join forces to fortify Cyversity’s commitment to tackle the ‘great cyber divide’

NEW YORK – Aug. 22, 2023 , Cyversity , a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of women, underrepresented minorities, and Veterans, today announced the launch of its newly formed Advisory Board comprised of industry experts, cybersecurity veterans, and thought leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Cyversity’s mission of diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

A diverse cyber workforce, including individuals from various ethnicities, genders, cultures, and unconventional backgrounds, is essential to meet the daily threats faced by our governments, corporations, and communities. It goes beyond cybersecurity expertise, requiring a balanced mix of skills and perspectives within information technology and security to offset these evolving challenges.

“We are honored to have distinguished experts join our mission and propel us to new heights. Their expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping a future where the cybersecurity industry is both multicultural and differentiated, ensuring representation for women and underrepresented minorities,” said MK Palmore, Vice President of Cyversity. “Together, we are dedicated to building a more resilient and inclusive industry, fortified by a rich tapestry of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives.”

The Advisory Board is comprised of the following leaders: Clar Rosso , Chief Executive Officer at ISC2; Marene Allison , (Retired) Global CISO Johnson & Johnson; Phil Venables , Chief Information Security Officer, Google Cloud; Corey Thomas , Chairman & CEO at Rapid7; and Bertina Ceccarelli , Chief Executive Officer, NPower.

“The mission of Cyversity is one that has a long-standing commitment to driving actionable change around diversity and inclusion,” said Clar Rosso, Chief Executive Officer at ISC2. “As an Advisor, I am excited to leverage my expertise to propel this cause forward and create a lasting impact in the cybersecurity landscape. Together, we will foster a more inclusive industry that embraces diversity and empowers individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in cybersecurity.”

“I am pleased to work with Cyversity, a vitally important organization working to establish a diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce,” said Phil Venables, Chief Information Security Officer, Google Cloud. “I look forward to collaborating with Cyversity’s other Advisory Board members to help overcome challenges and shape a future for the industry where diversity is embraced and thrives with unwavering representation for women and underrepresented minorities.”

Cyversity Advisory Board Member Bios:

Clar Rosso, Chief Executive Officer at ISC2

Clar Rosso, Certified in Cybersecurity, has more than two decades of experience helping global professional associations and certifying bodies grow and strengthen member value. As CEO of ISC2, she has established a forward-looking strategic framework and set bold goals for the future of the cybersecurity profession.

Under Clar’s leadership, ISC2 has experienced record growth of its global community through the launch of several key initiatives. The association’s pledge of One Million Certified in Cybersecurity has provided a pathway for individuals to access foundational cybersecurity education, and a free opportunity to take the Certified in Cybersecurity exam. This addition to the ISC2 portfolio develops a pipeline to fill the cybersecurity workforce gap. Clar oversaw the creation of an Advocacy team that has strengthened – and raised – the global profile for ISC2 with key policy makers around the world. These efforts help ensure cybersecurity professionals are consulted and considered during the formation of cybersecurity policy, legislation, regulations and standards on the global stage.

Under her direction, ISC2 established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) with the goal of ensuring the cybersecurity profession better represents the diversity of the world it protects and that rewarding cybersecurity jobs are accessible to more people.

Prior to joining ISC2, Clar served as the executive vice president, engagement and learning innovation for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) where she led the development and execution of strategy to support global competency development and lifelong learning for the finance and accounting profession.

Clar holds a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communications from the University of California, Davis and a master’s degree in special education from San Francisco State University. She also holds the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification.

Marene Allison, (Retired) Global CISO Johnson & Johnson

Marene Allison has recently retired as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for Johnson & Johnson, joining them in 2010. She has had over 30 years of corporate risk and security responsibilities that have included not only J&J but also Medco Health Solutions, as their Chief Security Officer having had responsibility for all aspects of security, both physical and IT as well as Business Continuity and Identity and Access Governance for the corporation. Setting up their HIPAA security and privacy compliance and Head of Global Security for Avaya communications where she worked on securing the World Cup Network in Korea and Japan in 2002 and Vice President of Loss Prevention and Safety for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. Before joining the corporate world, she served as a Special Agent in the FBI working on undercover drug operations in Newark, NJ, also working on the Roger’s bombing in San Diego, CA. She developed and participated in the nuclear terrorism exercise, Compass Rose in 1988 at Camp Pendleton, CA. Marene is a graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, in the first class of women. She served in the Army in the Military Police, at Ft Hood, Texas, Ft Chaffee, AR and Ft McClellan, AL. She has served on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services appointed by the Secretary of Defense and the Overseas Advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary of State. She served on the Health ISAC Board of Directors and is a founding member of West Point Women and currently serves as their President representing almost 7000 women west point graduates. She is also serving as an advisor to CISA/DHS on national resiliency. She and her husband operate an organic blueberry farm and are currently the largest producers of organic berries in Madison County Florida.

Phil Venables, Chief Information Security Officer, Google Cloud

Phil Venables is the Chief Information Security Officer of Google Cloud where he leads the risk, security, compliance, and privacy teams. Before joining Google, he was a Partner at Goldman Sachs where he held multiple roles over a long career, initially as their first Chief Information Security Officer, a role he held for 17 years.

In subsequent roles, Venables was Chief Operational Risk Officer, an operating partner in their private equity business and a Senior Advisor to the firm’s clients and executive leadership on cybersecurity, technology risk, digital business risk, and operational resilience. In addition to this, he was a Board Director of Goldman Sachs Bank. Before Goldman Sachs, Venables held multiple Chief Information Security Officer roles, and senior engineering roles across a range of finance, energy, and technology companies.

Outside of Google, Venables is a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. He also serves on the boards of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the NYU Stern Business School Volatility and Risk Institute, the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board of NIST and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Corey Thomas, Chairman & CEO at Rapid7

Corey Thomas is the CEO of Rapid7, as well as the chairman of its board of directors. In 2023, Corey was appointed to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) and elected chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Corey is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts board of directors, LPL Financial board of directors, and Vanderbilt University board of trust. He is an active angel investor to technology companies, advisor to organizations undergoing technology transformation, and sought after speaker and panelist. He previously served on the U.S. Commerce Department’s Digital Economy Board of Advisors. Corey has extensive experience leading technology companies to the next stage of growth and innovation. Prior to joining Rapid7, Corey spent time at Parallels, Inc., Microsoft, Deloitte Consulting, and AT&T. Corey received a B.E. in electrical engineering and computer science from Vanderbilt University and a MBA from Harvard Business School.

Bertina Ceccarelli, Chief Executive Officer, NPower

Bertina Ceccarelli is the Chief Executive Officer of NPower, a national tech training and job placement nonprofit, rooted in community, and on a mission to advance equity in the tech industry. She joined NPower in 2016 with a passion to disrupt the status quo and build more inclusive workplaces. Under her visionary leadership, NPower has grown five-fold, expanding their proven program to several new cities.

Bertina’s commitment to helping young adults and military-connected individuals launch tech careers and break social and economic mobility barriers has led to her involvement in strategic alliance organizations including: Founding member of TechPact; member, CEO Action; steering committee member, American’s Promise; Wall Street Journal CEO Council; as well as membership on Forbes Council and Concordia communities. She was named as one of the Tech Industry’s Brightest Superstars by the US Black Engineer & IT magazine.

An engineer by training, Bertina has worked as a technology leader at Procter & Gamble and NBC before pivoting to the nonprofit sector. Growing up in a working-class family and the first to graduate from high school, she was drawn to a community that once supported her own educational endeavors. After a successful career in the corporate sector, Bertina chose to transition her skills to the nonprofit sector. Bertina held senior leadership roles at United Way of New York City and the Wildlife Conservation Society where she was responsible for generating over $85 million annually in programmatic funds. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and received an MBA from Harvard Business School.

She is an engaged storyteller, who leads with heart, committed to moving the mission of NPower to new heights. She is the co-author, together with Susanne Tedrick, of the upcoming book, “Innovating for Diversity: Lessons from Top Companies Achieving Business Success through Inclusivity” to be published by Wiley March 2023.

A native Californian, Bertina is now a proud resident of Brooklyn where she lives with her husband and teenage son.

About Cyversity

Contact

Leslie Kesselring, Kesselring Communications for Cyversityleslie@kesscomm.com

Cyversity Announces Annual Power Up Conference Agenda and Keynote Lineup

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:42:52 GMT

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Cyversity , a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of minority cybersecurity students, veterans and professionals, announced today its annual Power Up conference taking place in Orlando, Florida on October 29 – October 31, 2023, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. The event offers cybersecurity professionals of all levels, from beginners to seasoned experts, the chance to engage with industry leaders through insightful keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, fostering networking and knowledge exchange while staying updated on cybersecurity trends and techniques.

The three day event will feature the industry’s most prominent voices, including Adwoa Dadzie , CPO, Hearst Magazine; Clar Rosso , CEO, ISC2; Elizabeth Agosto , COO, BNY Mellon; Deidre Diamond , CEO, CyberSN & Founder, SecureDiversity.

“At Cyversity, our mission is to bridge the ‘great cyber divide’ by creating pathways for minority cybersecurity professionals, veterans and students and our annual Power Up conference is a testament to our commitment to fostering diversity, innovation, and collaboration in the cybersecurity industry,” said MK Palmore, Vice President of Cyversity.

“We are excited about our return this year, reuniting with familiar and new faces and empowering them to drive diversity and excellence in cybersecurity, especially in the face of ongoing challenges.”

Keynote sessions throughout the day include:

Fostering Innovation through Collaboration to Empower Underserved Communities in Cyber
Diverse Representation in Cybersecurity for Underserved Populations
Stepping Into My Strength
Equity Comes Before Diversity and Inclusion

The full agenda can be found here .

Cyversity will host two pre-conference training workshops led by acclaimed industry leaders, SANS and ISC2. These workshops are open to all registrants and present an exceptional chance to expand knowledge and skills in the cybersecurity field. More information on the topics covered during the workshops can be found here .

In addition, Cyversity will be presenting its Awards Gala, open to all registrants recognizing the accomplishments of the brightest minds in the cybersecurity industry. The gala includes fine dining, dancing, and the presentation of awards such as the Founders Award, Partner of the Year Award, Sponsor of the Year Award, Rising Star Leadership Award, Ally of the Year Award, and Mentor of the Year Award. Confirmation of attendance will be asked during registration and there will be no extra costs associated with the event.

About Cyversity

Contact

Leslie Kesselring, Kesselring Communications for Cyversityleslie@kesscomm.com

Cyversity Announces New Executive Leadership and Board of Directors to Bring Diversity to the Next Level in Cybersecurity

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:24:15 GMT

Security leaders from CyberSN, eSentire, Google Cloud, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lynx Technology Partners, Nextdoor, and Tenable bring diverse representation to further the mission for Cyversity

WAKEFIELD, MA–January 16, 2024 – Cyversity , a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to achieve the consistent representation of women, underrepresented communities and all veterans in the cybersecurity industry through programs designed to diversify, educate, and empower, today announced new executive leadership and its newly elected board of directors for the 2024-2026 term effective January 1, 2024.

The seven new board members will each bring a unique perspective toward the same unyielding drive to build a more diverse workforce. New members joining the board of directors include:

The new members will join existing board member Sherron Burgess, Senior VP and CISO, BCD Travel , who will take the role of Chairman of the Board, and Cyversity Vice President MK Palmore, Director, Office of the CISO, Google Cloud , who will take the role of President.

The 2023 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates that nearly 4 million security professionals are needed globally to keep up with growing threats and vulnerabilities within our societies. With only 26% of cybersecurity professionals identifying as women, the Cyversity board has stepped into a critical and timely mission.

“The new board’s long and diverse history of leadership will advance our initiatives to tackle the resource shortage and will work towards increasing representation for women, veterans and underrepresented communities,” said Sherron Burgess, incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, Cyversity. “We look forward to working closely with the board members, each contributing a unique set of skills that will allow us to benefit from their expertise and insights. Together we will build a better and more diverse cybersecurity community.”

More information on the board of directors can be found here .

About Cyversity

Cyversity was created as a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to achieve the consistent representation of women, underrepresented communities and all veterans in the cybersecurity industry through programs designed to diversify, educate, and empower. Cyversity tackles the ‘great cyber divide’ with scholarship opportunities, diverse workforce development, innovative outreach, and mentoring programs. Visit Cyversity at https://www.cyversity.org/.

Contact

Leslie Kesselring, Kesselring Communications for Cyversityleslie@kesscomm.com

CyberSN and Cyversity Partner to Advance Diversity in Cybersecurity

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:22:42 GMT

We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between CyberSN and Cyversity, aimed at advancing diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry. This collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster a more inclusive workforce, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.

At Cyversity, our mission is to diversify, educate, and empower. Our goal of bridging the diversity gap in cybersecurity aligns perfectly with CyberSN’s belief that diverse attackers require diverse defenders. As Deidre Diamond , CyberSN’s Founder and CEO, says, “Diversity is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for innovation and resilience in cybersecurity. Partnering with Cyversity is beneficial to all of our clients who need to defend against diverse attackers. Cyversity’s programs are for all underrepresented humans, not just gender based. Together, we plan to offer more diverse talent to employers utilizing flexible employment options of capital and operational budgets."

Through this partnership, CyberSN will offer clients a greater diversity pool of candidates and a comprehensive program for hiring new cybersecurity professionals who have undergone hands-on training through Cyversity. This initiative includes student training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed as contractors or permanent employees in cybersecurity.

Together, we can make a significant impact on the cybersecurity industry by fostering inclusive and diverse environments. Attract, hire, develop, and retain a diverse cybersecurity workforce with CyberSN and Cyversity. View CyberSN’s diversity staffing solutions across talent matching, contract-to-hire programs, diversity talent pipeline development, and workforce risk management. To support Cyversity’s mission through sponsorship or donations, get in touch .

Cyversity Announces Six End of Year Award Winners

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:11:17 GMT

Cyversity is proud to present our 2024 All-Star Team!

In order to celebrate the dedication, achievements, and positive impact of our Cyversity community throughout the year, we have selected a team of six All-Stars. Nominated by their peers, these awardees represent an unwavering dedication to the Cyversity mission and a fierce commitment to doing the work to achieve it.

The winner of the 2024 Cyversity Educator of the Year Award is Mea Clift! Mea was selected as this year’s Educator of the Year for creating impactful educational opportunities through the Fundamentals of GRC Program that she created and teaches for Cyversity. The 12-week course offers lectures, hands-on labs, and homework assignments that walk students through the entirety of Governance, Risk and Compliance. Outside of her contributions to Cyversity’s educational programs, she has also become a member of the Twin Cities Chapter Leadership Team and chosen to serve as a Cyversity Mentor since joining the organization in 2022.

Mea created the Fundamentals of GRC Program because she believes that GRC skills are essential in the cybersecurity industry and noticed a lack of in-depth GRC training available in the cyber landscape. She is now in the middle of her fifth cohort and has many fond memories of the program thus far - top among them the students who got creative with their final presentations by incorporating pop culture elements and the student who landed their first GRC job just three months after completing the course!

On winning this award, Mea had this to say: “In cybersecurity, sometimes, it's hard to see that you're making a difference, or that what you do is valuable- knowing that I am helping people learn and grow, and that it is appreciated is just so incredible for me and I am incredibly honored to have this award.”

The winner of the 2024 Cyversity Leadership Award is Monique Head! Monique was selected as this year’s Leadership Award winner in honor of the incredible work that she has done to revitalize Cyversity’s Security Education Program. With experience in instructional design that ranges from universities to her own, Europe-based company, she has brought a fresh perspective to Cyversity’s curriculum in order to help increase learning opportunities for our members. Besides leading the charge for the Cyversity Security Education Program, Monique has been a strong presence within the Cyversity ecosystem since joining the organization in 2020.

Monique has had many wonderful experiences as the Head of our Security Education Program, but among those experiences, one particular moment stands out above the rest: the moment she received word that her first student had completed their certification! She further explained that this moment is particularly memorable because it gave her a sense of accomplishment. “I thought that is why I am here,” she said. “To help this happen as much as possible.”

Monique expressed a sincere gratitude for being selected to receive this award. “If I look around me to all the others that… have received an award, that serves as validation that I am making a difference in my own way. Seeing the success of others helps amplify the success I feel,” she explained. “[I look] forward to growing and learning more as I support others to learn and grow.”

The winner of the 2024 Cyversity Community Impact Award is Abby Carlton! Abby was selected as this year’s Community Impact Award Winner for her contributions to community outreach, education, and support within the Cyversity organization. She currently serves as the Senior Program Manager for Cyversity, and through that role has helped to revitalize the Chapter and Mentorship Programs and expand the overall reach of the organization.

Abby joined the Cyversity team in May of 2022 after completing her undergraduate degrees at Florida State University, and cited a passion for nonprofit work as her motivation. “I’ve spent nearly my entire life in the nonprofit space,” she commented. “Through my work with Cyversity, I have been able to continue serving others and doing work that I can see the positive impact of everyday!” Abby also expressed great pride in being able to say that the work that she is doing is in service of creating a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity community.

“To win an award that recognizes my impact on the Cyversity community as a whole is a huge honor,” Abby concluded. “Interacting with members of the Cyversity community and hearing about all of the ways that Cyversity has impacted their careers is something that I find great joy in, and it’s very rewarding to know that my efforts are appreciated."

The winner of the 2024 Cyversity Ally of the Year Award is Jeffrey Wheatman! Since joining the organization in 2022, Jeffrey has been an impactful community member. He first joined Cyversity looking for an opportunity to give back. He has served as a mentor in every cohort of our Mentorship Program since joining, has volunteered as a speaker, and has engaged with Cyversity at various events - including our 2023 Conference, where he gave a fantastic presentation on IT Risk! Outside of Cyversity, Jeffrey hosts Risk and Reels: A Cybersecurity Podcast, which he uses to highlight the perspectives of cybersecurity professionals from a diverse array of backgrounds.

When asked what allyship meant to him, Jeffrey explained that he sees it as a three-fold effort to: 1. Lead by example; 2. Make yourself available when someone needs help; and 3. Speak up when you see a problem. As for the advice that he wants to offer to others looking to be strong allies in this industry? “Don't assume you understand the problem if you haven't lived the problem; listen more than you talk; [and] stop being offended on other people's behalf,” he said.

“If someone tells you that you acted in a way deemed not aligned with optimal behavior ... don't take it personally and don’t get defensive; [and] if you see/hear something, say something.”

Jeffrey further went on to say that he was deeply grateful to have received this award. “We all see ourselves in certain ways, and often there is a disconnect between what we see and what others see in us. I don’t think we ever get there all the way – this award tells me I’m at least moving in the right direction,” he stated. “In short I am honored in a way that words can’t express.”

The winner of the 2024 Cyversity Partner of the Year Award is CyberSN! CyberSN is a woman-owned business that provides cybersecurity workforce risk management and strategy, offering talent intelligence solutions that empower leaders to diversify, acquire, retain, and develop their teams. Cyversity formally announced our partnership with CyberSN in July, with the stated goal of advancing diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry. As partners, CyberSN and Cyversity aim to collaborate in ways that will leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster a more inclusive workforce, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.

Since formalizing our partnership over the summer, Cyversity and CyberSN have already worked together in many meaningful ways. From offering clients a greater diversity pool of candidates who have undergone hands-on training through Cyversity, to hosting an important roundtable discussion on diversity at Black Hat USA 2024 and collaborating with the Cyversity Bay Area Chapter for a local event, CyberSN has made significant contributions to the organization and demonstrated an exceptional dedication to their relationship with Cyversity.

Through this impactful partnership, Cyversity and CyberSN can make a significant impact on the cybersecurity industry by fostering inclusive and diverse environments. “Partnering with Cyversity was a no brainer for us, win/win all the way,” CyberSN founder Deidre Diamond commented. “Those that sponsor Cyversity's programs want a better way to identify and match talent to their needs; this applies to all talent including diverse talent. With our partnership, Cyversity sponsors get to leverage CyberSN's platform and services to solve major talent problems, including diversifying their teams.”

The winner of the 2024 Cyversity Member of the Year Award is Dorothea Lovelle! Dorothea has been an active and engaged member of Cyversity since joining the organization in 2023, including the completion of two Cyversity-led training programs and volunteering on behalf of the organization at Black Hat USA 2024. Her dedication to career growth and regular involvement within the community are among the reasons that Dorothea was selected as our 2024 Member of the Year!

Two years ago, Dorothea made the choice to pivot from a career in healthcare and into the cybersecurity field, which ultimately led her to Cyversity. Joining provided her with access to a variety of resources to help her career transition, and she has been able to receive certifications in cybersecurity and cloud security and gain practical skills in GRC. She mentioned the GRC training as perhaps the most impactful, explaining that “The GRC training… helped me land my first role as a privacy professional on the Corporate Compliance team of a large, nonprofit health system.”

In reflecting on the journey that led her to receiving this award, Dorothea expressed honor and gratitude for the recognition. “I’m… exceedingly grateful to have been able to rely on Cyversity to continue launching new opportunities for growth for all its members,” she said. “I would recommend the organization without reservation to anyone interested in entering the exciting, rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.”

Congratulations to our 2024 All-Star Team on their amazing accomplishments this year. We're so proud to highlight these impactful members of our team, and can't wait to see the incredible things that our community will go on to do in 2025!

From Career Change to Cybersecurity: How Mentorship Made the Difference

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:17:36 GMT

Breaking into cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially when you're coming from another industry. For one Cyversity member, connecting with an experienced mentor provided the guidance, confidence, and professional network needed to turn a career goal into a new opportunity.

5 Ways to Grow Your Cybersecurity Career Through Community

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:17:35 GMT

Technical skills are only one part of building a successful cybersecurity career. Mentorship, networking, leadership experience, and continued learning can all help professionals discover new opportunities and take the next step forward.

Cyversity Atlanta Chapter Brings the Cybersecurity Community Together

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:17:35 GMT

From networking and professional development to mentorship and volunteer opportunities, the Cyversity Atlanta Chapter continues to create meaningful ways for cybersecurity professionals at every career stage to connect, learn, and give back.