Events
Get new perspectives and get to know other women in the community.
Embedded Files
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Back to Basics - How We Get Cybersecurity Wrong and How to Do It Right
Back to Basics - How We Get Cybersecurity Wrong and How to Do It Right
Cybersecurity is more than tools and tech—it’s strategy, influence, and impact. In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, organizations continue to face breaches despite significant investments. Why? Because true security requires more than reactive defenses.
We are co-sponsoring an eye-opening session with ISSA Silicon Valley where you’ll discover how to shift from firefighting to foresight. Learn how Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) can become your secret weapon for driving meaningful change, building trust, and aligning cybersecurity with business success. This is your opportunity to step up, think bigger, and chart a path from practitioner to strategic leader.
Mea Clift is the Chief Information Security Officer at Cengage, and is a highly respected cybersecurity executive with decades of experience in innovation, leadership, and mission-driven strategy. She specializes in bridging cybersecurity with enterprise risk, guiding organizations on emerging threats, maturity models, and strategic resilience.
A recognized leader in GRC, Mea champions frameworks like NIST, Zero Trust, and supply chain security. She is known for translating complex technical risks into clear, actionable insights for executives. A 2024 Cyversity Educator of the Year, published author, and mentor, she is also an advocate for diversity in cybersecurity through organizations like WiCyS, Cyversity, and ISACA.
2026 Events
2026 Events
Empowering Communities to Navigate the AI Cyber Frontier
Empowering Communities to Navigate the AI Cyber Frontier
During the RSA Conference we brought together seasoned industry veterans from Mastercard, Microsoft and CAS Strategies to discuss the intersection of AI innovation, evolving cyber risk, and workforce development.
They discussed the longer horizon for the AI-cyber threat landscape and implications for preparing the multi-faceted workforce needed to fill new AI-cyber roles.
Defending Against Rogue AI Agents
Defending Against Rogue AI Agents
We recently explored the next frontier of cybersecurity in an evening focused on securing AI agents and non-human identities. Industry leaders from Okta, Straiker, and Semgrep delivered high-impact lightning talks and engaged in a dynamic panel discussion, cutting through the complexity of agent-based attacks. Attendees walked away with actionable strategies and concrete best practices to defend their environments against the evolving threat of rogue AI in the digital workforce.
2025 Events
2025 Events
AI as a Cybersecurity Tool
AI as a Cybersecurity Tool
WiCyS Silicon Valley hosted an event at Cisco Santana Row focused on the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity. The session offered attendees fresh insights into how AI is being used to protect data, spot threats, and enhance defense strategies against cybercriminals. The talk provided practical ideas for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field. The evening concluded with networking, allowing participants to share experiences, ask questions, and make valuable new connections over snacks and drinks.
Inside Cohesity: Leading the Future of Data Protection and Cyber Resilience
Inside Cohesity: Leading the Future of Data Protection and Cyber Resilience
WiCyS Silicon Valley and Cohesity hosted an exclusive event giving Bay Area students an inside look at engineering cutting-edge data security and management solutions. Cohesity's engineering leaders shared their technical roadmap, focusing on innovations in data resilience, cloud architecture, AI integration, and cyber defense. Attendees gained valuable, behind-the-scenes insights into the company's engineering culture and its role in the evolving threat landscape. The event provided an excellent networking opportunity, highlighting Cohesity’s upcoming Summer 2026 internship and early career programs.
Fintech & Cybersecurity: Perspectives and Best Practices
Fintech & Cybersecurity: Perspectives and Best Practices
This event featured insightful presentations by industry leaders covering vital topics such as financial wellness, security and fraud prevention, and the impact of AI on these areas. Attendees networked with speakers and peers, gaining valuable insights and practical takeaways to enhance their careers.
The Evolving Leader: Strength, Skills, and Strategy
The Evolving Leader: Strength, Skills, and Strategy
WiCyS and Okta hosted a dynamic panel event where top leaders in tech and cybersecurity shared how they’re navigating today’s ever-changing professional landscape. This insightful discussion explored the evolving attributes of effective leadership - adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision - and how to build the skills that drive success.
Read the summary from the panel featuring Bhawna Singh (CTO, Auth0), Charlotte Wylie (SVP & Deputy CISO, Okta), James Dolph (Information Security Officer, Guidewire), and Merisa Lee (Sr. Director of Defensive Cyber Operations, Okta).
Next Gen Workforce for Cyber & AI
Next Gen Workforce for Cyber & AI
The Next Gen Workforce for Cyber & AI event brought together seasoned cyber professionals and the next generation of cyber talent to discuss shaping the cyber and AI workforce.
Cybersecurity and AI
Cybersecurity and AI
The Cybersecurity and AI: From Career Paths to Industry Impact event brought together industry experts to discuss learning resources, career opportunities, and the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity.
2024 Events
2024 Events
AI-Powered Cybersecurity
AI-Powered Cybersecurity
The event highlighted the critical intersection of AI and cybersecurity in fostering trust, enhancing processes, and mitigating risks, underscoring the importance of responsible practices and regulatory frameworks. Celebrating the ten-year anniversary of Cisco Women in Cybersecurity and its co-hosting organization, the event emphasized community-building and creating opportunities for women in the field. Panelists shared personal stories of their paths into AI and cybersecurity, noting that these sectors welcome a variety of skill sets, not just advanced degrees.
Modern SOC
Modern SOC
Panelists shared their perspectives on how the SOC is changing, the technical challenges, and the role of automation and AI.
What the Heck is DevSecOps
What the Heck is DevSecOps
This event featured a panel of industry experts talking about what DevSecOps is, how different companies implement the core principles and what you can do to learn more!
Personal Brand Building
Personal Brand Building
Panelists and a recruiter from Code Red shared best practices for building your personal brand. Attendees learned how to stand out from the crowd - both within their company and across the industry.
Report abuse