WICYS
- naome mathieu
- Apr 22, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 25
This is where my passion for attending conferences really began.
The WICYS 2023 conference was a vibrant hub of innovation and inspiration. Set against the backdrop of Colorado, it brought together students, career changers, and seasoned professionals — each eager to stay on top of the latest trends and advancements in cybersecurity.
People from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for cybersecurity, came together for lively discussions, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful connections. It was a space where both newcomers and experienced professionals could network, exchange insights, and grow together.
The conference spanned two dynamic days packed with valuable content. When it came to networking, WICYS truly delivered, sparking connections that continue to shape careers and collaborations .
Keynote Speakers That Inspire
One keynote speaker who really stood out to me was Sylvia Schlaphof from Fortinet, who tackled several common myths in cybersecurity. One myth she addressed was the idea that “women are not treated equally.” Sylvia shared that she had never personally felt mistreated, but she reflected on a time when, out of concern the student might not know the answer, she subconsciously hesitated to call on a female student in her class.
That moment of self-awareness highlighted an important truth: sometimes, different treatment isn’t rooted in overt sexism, but in internalized assumptions shaped by underrepresentation in the field.
Sylvia emphasized that it’s not always about being treated worse—it’s about being treated differently because there simply aren’t many women in the industry. I agree with her to a degree, but I’ve definitely encountered unequal treatment myself.
When I worked as a repair technician, customers often assumed I was solely a front of house associate who couldn't handle their technical concerns. They were also frequently surprised to learn that our lead technician was a woman. I believe increasing the number of women in tech will help shift these perceptions, but conscious and unconscious biases will likely always exist.
Another keynote speaker who resonated with me was Erin Heinmiller from Raytheon, who comes from a compliance and risk background. She shared a relatable experience about joining a large corporation and feeling overwhelmed by the endless acronyms. Erin emphasized that it’s ok not to know everything. What matters is having the confidence to dive in. Her advice was simple but powerful: listen carefully, ask questions, and take the time to discover your strengths so you can grow and perform with confidence.
Networking
I hit up the Career Fair—which was honestly overwhelming in the best way. At the time, I was so hungry for an opportunity. I came prepared with these adorable custom cards my sister designed, clipped to my resume (see below!).
I connected with Sandia Labs about an internship, and even ended up receiving a provisional offer from the NSA! The timing wasn’t quite right since I was still in undergrad, but the whole experience was incredible. I had such a great time during the interviews, and I’ll never forget one interviewer saying, “Hey, your resume is really impressive.”
As someone who tends to sell myself short, that moment was a total ego boost—and yes, I still keep that conditional offer tucked away in a special folder at home :)
Reflecting
I really felt like I *did* the conference right! I connected with so many incredible people, handed out my (super cute) resumes and business cards, and at the time, I was seriously gearing up to join the NSA—like, how badass is that? This conference was the spark that ignited my hunger for more, and I’m so grateful for the WICYS community for creating that space.
I didn’t get to explore much of Colorado since we were tucked away at a resort, but hey—there’s always next time, and now I’ve got an excuse to go back!
Useful Links
🎟️ Scholarships & Memberships
WiCyS Membership Registration
WiCyS Scholarship Opportunities
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