Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Call for Presenters Now Open for WiCyS 2026
The Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) organization is thrilled to announce that the Call for Presenters (CFP) for the highly anticipated WiCyS 2026 Conference is now officially open. Set to take place from March 11-13, 2026, at the state-of-the-art Gaylord National Harbor Resort and Convention Center located in the Washington D.C. area, this conference promises to be a cornerstone event dedicated to fostering the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the field of cybersecurity. A virtual option will also be available on April 22-23, 2026, to expand accessibility and participation.
The cybersecurity industry is currently facing an unprecedented workforce shortage, with a staggering gap of more than 4.7 million professionals globally, according to ISC2 data from 2024. This critical situation emphasizes the significance of collaboration, mentorship, and ongoing education, which are foundational elements of WiCyS's mission. Recent findings from the 2025 SANS Workforce Study revealed that a remarkable 52% of organizations consider skill deficiencies—not workforce size—to be their primary concern. As the demand for advanced cybersecurity expertise escalates, WiCyS 2026 invites professionals, educators, and researchers to contribute their knowledge and insights to an influential platform aimed at closing the skills gap.
Selected presenters will have the opportunity to share actionable insights, demonstrate emerging tools and techniques, and influence the future trajectory of the cybersecurity field. Historically, presentations at WiCyS have ignited pivotal conversations regarding workforce development, leadership, technical proficiency, and the representation of women in cybersecurity. Dr. Ambareen Siraj, the founder of WiCyS and one of the conference program co-chairs, emphasizes, "The annual WiCyS Conference represents more than just an exhibition of cutting-edge technology; it serves as a vibrant platform where diverse voices from across the industry are welcomed to shape the future together."
The WiCyS 2026 Conference will encompass a variety of formats including pre-conference workshops, interactive sessions, panels, and a technology showcase, along with a career fair. Presentation tracks will focus on:
1. Technical Skill Building
2. Education, Workforce Development, and Community
3. Research and Innovation with Emerging Techniques
4. Career Development, Advancement, and Management
5. Tools, Trends, Perspectives, and Sector-Specific Applications
The deadline for CFP submissions is fast approaching on October 15, 2025, at 5 PM CT. For individuals interested in submitting their proposals for presentations, guidelines and tips are available on the WiCyS CFP page. For further inquiries, potential presenters can reach out via email at [email protected].
About Women in CyberSecurity
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is an esteemed nonprofit organization committed to supporting the recruitment, retention, and career progression of women in the cybersecurity realm. Established by Dr. Ambareen Siraj with the help of a National Science Foundation grant to Tennessee Tech University in 2013, WiCyS creates vast opportunities through trainings, events, and resources tailored for its members and the broader community. Among its strategic partners are notable organizations such as 3M, Akamai Technologies, Amazon, Bloomberg, and many more. Interested parties can explore partnership opportunities by visiting the WiCyS website.
As the WiCyS 2026 Conference approaches, it becomes increasingly vital for industry experts to come together and address the pressing challenges that lay before them. Seize this opportunity to contribute to the conference's mission and help shape the future of cybersecurity for all women professionals in the field.
The cybersecurity industry is currently facing an unprecedented workforce shortage, with a staggering gap of more than 4.7 million professionals globally, according to ISC2 data from 2024. This critical situation emphasizes the significance of collaboration, mentorship, and ongoing education, which are foundational elements of WiCyS's mission. Recent findings from the 2025 SANS Workforce Study revealed that a remarkable 52% of organizations consider skill deficiencies—not workforce size—to be their primary concern. As the demand for advanced cybersecurity expertise escalates, WiCyS 2026 invites professionals, educators, and researchers to contribute their knowledge and insights to an influential platform aimed at closing the skills gap.
Selected presenters will have the opportunity to share actionable insights, demonstrate emerging tools and techniques, and influence the future trajectory of the cybersecurity field. Historically, presentations at WiCyS have ignited pivotal conversations regarding workforce development, leadership, technical proficiency, and the representation of women in cybersecurity. Dr. Ambareen Siraj, the founder of WiCyS and one of the conference program co-chairs, emphasizes, "The annual WiCyS Conference represents more than just an exhibition of cutting-edge technology; it serves as a vibrant platform where diverse voices from across the industry are welcomed to shape the future together."
The WiCyS 2026 Conference will encompass a variety of formats including pre-conference workshops, interactive sessions, panels, and a technology showcase, along with a career fair. Presentation tracks will focus on:
1. Technical Skill Building
2. Education, Workforce Development, and Community
3. Research and Innovation with Emerging Techniques
4. Career Development, Advancement, and Management
5. Tools, Trends, Perspectives, and Sector-Specific Applications
The deadline for CFP submissions is fast approaching on October 15, 2025, at 5 PM CT. For individuals interested in submitting their proposals for presentations, guidelines and tips are available on the WiCyS CFP page. For further inquiries, potential presenters can reach out via email at [email protected].
About Women in CyberSecurity
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is an esteemed nonprofit organization committed to supporting the recruitment, retention, and career progression of women in the cybersecurity realm. Established by Dr. Ambareen Siraj with the help of a National Science Foundation grant to Tennessee Tech University in 2013, WiCyS creates vast opportunities through trainings, events, and resources tailored for its members and the broader community. Among its strategic partners are notable organizations such as 3M, Akamai Technologies, Amazon, Bloomberg, and many more. Interested parties can explore partnership opportunities by visiting the WiCyS website.
As the WiCyS 2026 Conference approaches, it becomes increasingly vital for industry experts to come together and address the pressing challenges that lay before them. Seize this opportunity to contribute to the conference's mission and help shape the future of cybersecurity for all women professionals in the field.
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