Page 171 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Special RSA Conference Annual Edition for 2022

different backgrounds and skillsets. This includes shaping their messaging, having a strong female
leadership presence, promoting mentorship programs to help sculpt future female leaders, and offering
certification and training programs for upskilling opportunities. It’s about championing those already
contributing to the greatness of the industry and replacing old misperceptions with truthful representations
of the sector.

Creating a positive step change

It is going to be difficult to fight against the human nature behind perceptions, but it is very possible. Aside
from ensuring business messaging is tailored to all groups of people, from any walk of life, there are
several other approaches that organizations can take to help close the gap.

Firstly, it’s crucial to remember that all perceptions and stigmas start having an impact on individuals
before their careers begin. Efforts should be made early on in educational settings to encourage the next
generation of women to not fear or shy away from paths previously deemed to be male-dominated, and
companies can work specifically with educators and parents to tackle the issue from all angles.
Establishing a strong support network early on is fundamental. Having connections to those already in
the industry, ready to give you a helping hand whenever you need it, is extremely valuable.

The gender gap isn’t a tick-box exercise for businesses to fix, it is an underappreciated area that needs
genuine effort from all sides. Promoting strong, exciting female role models who are in leadership
positions through to entry level roles, organizations will be changing perceptions on a daily basis. The
more we see these people doing their jobs, we have a great opportunity to trigger real and lasting change.
The next generation of talent must be welcomed into the industry with open arms, if they are to one day
take over the mantle of responsibility.

About the Author

Having graduated from Florida International University in 2014, Sydney
has acted in a number of managerial and sales roles before becoming
Head of Operations at 2020 Partners in February 2021 as her first step
into the cybersecurity industry. During her time so far in the industry,
Sydney has recognized the need for perceptions to be changed for
women to be more actively encouraged to join.

Sydney can be reached online at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyasensio/ and at our company
website https://2020partners.co

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