Speakers
Synopsis
The Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) has been working with their community to develop a Mentoring Program like no other!
The number of women working in security in Australia is low (with women in cybersecurity making up only 17%). The AWSN's mission is to connect, support and inspire women in security.
Mentoring is an opportunity to support, to inspire and to advocate for somebody. AWSN, in partnership with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and Australian start-up OK RDY are in the second year of their Mentoring program. The mentoring program has created a space for mentees and mentors to connect and to foster a growing pipeline of women in security. The AWSN mentoring program also strives to inspire newcomers to break barriers and dare to dream big.
In 2023, the mentoring network saw 1648 mentoring sessions logged through the Mentoring Program app, with an increase in 62% of mentee and 75% mentor growth in one year. Since the program’s commencement It has been nominated for several awards and was the winner in the 2024 Tech Diversity Awards (Government Category).
In this panel session you will hear from:
- Jacqui Loustau (Moderator) Founder and Executive Director of AWSN
- Ayesha Qureshi – AWSN Mentee and 2023 Mentee of the Year
- Roma Singh – AWSN Mentee turned Mentor.
- Fiona Hill – AWSN Mentoring Community Support Manager
- Peter Gigengack – AWSN Mentor and 2023 Mentor of the Year
We will explore the power that mentoring has in uplifting individuals and increasing diversity and inclusion within the cyber security sector.
AWSN is committed to growing the presence of women in the security workforce where they become role models and beacons in the IT and Security industry by proving that a fulfilling tech career is possible.
See how programs such as the AWSN Mentoring Program can showcase how a community of like-minded individuals can make a huge difference!
