The USTTI and Global Cybersecurity Forum’s (GCF) first “Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber” program concluded on June 30^th in Washington, DC. During their two weeks in the United States the women from Barbados, Croatia, Kenya, Lesotho, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Zambia participated in training sessions in Washington DC, Plano TX and Santa Clara CA.

Through a combination of lectures, site visits, roundtable discussions, case studies, and simulations led by experts from industry, government, academia, and civil society, the two-week session provided the participants with tools and strategies to enhance their leadership, develop a culture of cybersecurity, and strengthen their country’s cyber resilience.

The women left with a broadened perspective and a deeper understanding of cybersecurity. Priscilla Yamoah, MSc Cyber Forensics and Security researcher from Ghana described the experience as “a transformative journey that deepened my understanding of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure on a global scale.” Vesna Gabrić Kešina, LL.M., Senior Legal Affairs Expert from the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM), shared, “The training provided an outstanding experience in the exchange of information and knowledge. It covered all key areas of cybersecurity – from policies and the legal framework to specific technical expertise.”

One of the core pillars of the USTTI-GCF “Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber” initiative is to deliver valuable content and insights but also to build upon the participants’ existing knowledge. Kristerbella Sookdeo, Territory Account Manager at Fortinet from Trinidad and Tobago reflected, “The program didn’t just offer knowledge—it offered perspective. It deepened my understanding of cybersecurity through the lens of leadership, policy, and global cooperation. It reminded me how vital it is for women in this field to be equipped, visible, and connected. I leave this program not only empowered, but with a renewed sense of purpose to serve my region and support others in their growth.”

The program was designed to empower participants so that when they returned to their home countries, they could take on greater responsibilities in the field of cybersecurity. Moono Consuela Simukali, Manager of Quality Assurance and Security at the University of Zambia, shared, “Since returning, I’ve begun reviewing cybersecurity gaps in my organization using the strategies shared. The mentorship examples were especially powerful—they motivated me to inspire more women and students within my organization to pursue careers in cyber.”

USTTI Chairman and CEO, Jim O’Connor, reflected, “It is with sincere gratitude to all the experts who made this program possible. This important training would not be possible without the unwavering commitment of USTTI’s Board Members and our partners from academia and civil society.”

As the preparations continue for the second USTTI-GCF “Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber” training that will be held from September 8-19, Shraddha Manandhar, Deputy Manager at Nepal Telecom, declared, “If you’re a woman leader working in cybersecurity or interested in the field, I highly recommend this program. It’s a great way to learn real-world strategies for managing and mitigating cyber risks, boost your leadership prospects, connect with industry experts and peers, and build a supportive cyber community to lead and advocate for cybersecurity awareness proactively. Don’t miss out—this is your chance to make a real impact!”

Participants outside of Intel Corporation in Santa Clara, CA. The highly interactive training addressed the latest trends in cybersecurity, trustworthiness, and privacy policy, as well as how these concepts interact with innovative technologies.

Participants with Mimi Strobel and Katariina Keranen of Nokia in Dallas, TX. During their visit to Nokia’s Advanced Security Testing and Research (ASTaR), participants discussed end-to-end 5G security, holistic approaches to researching and testing secure solutions, and potential network threat mitigations while looking at the larger context of network use and abuse scenarios.

 

Bill Woodcock (seated, front row, center) of Packet Clearing House shared best practices about how to prepare for, respond to, and prevent cyberattacks. 

The participants take a momentary pause for a photo during their trip to Apple Park in Cupertino, CA. 

Participant Testimonials:

The training provided an outstanding experience in the exchange of information and knowledge. It covered all key areas of cybersecurity – from policies and the legal framework to specific technical expertise. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course included practical exercises and lectures by distinguished experts.

Vesna Gabrić Kešina, LL.M.
Senior Legal Affairs Expert
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Croatia

Participating in the USTTI & GCF Empowering Women to Leadership in Cybersecurity program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Representing Trinidad and Tobago among a dynamic cohort of women from 19 countries, I had the privilege to learn from world-class experts and connect with brilliant minds committed to strengthening global cyber resilience. The program didn’t just offer knowledge, it offered perspective. It deepened my understanding of cybersecurity through the lens of leadership, policy, and global cooperation, and reminded me how vital it is for women in this field to be equipped, visible, and connected. I leave this program not only empowered, but with a renewed sense of purpose to serve my region and support others in their growth. I am truly grateful to the USTTI and the GCF for this opportunity and for investing in the future of cyber leadership, globally.

Kristerbella Sookdeo
Territory Account Manager, Fortinet
Cybersecurity Advocate | Caribbean Region

This opportunity was remarkable for networking, allowing me to connect with inspiring women from around the globe who are making strides in their cybersecurity careers. Additionally, it deepened my knowledge of cyber diplomacy, legislation, and policy, enhancing my understanding of these critical areas.

Yemurai Rabvukwa
DDOS Analyst
United Kingdom

More than a high-level training, we lived a human experience rich in emotion and on sharings. Cybersecurity is no longer a discipline reserved for men; we, women leaders in our different structures will use the skills we have just acquired, thanks to the rich program concocted by USTTI in collaboration with GCF, to consolidate and build a safer digital future in our respective countries. An experience to be lived. As a founder and CEO of my company GTC, this training will allow me to better advice my partners.

Houyem Ghrairi Ep Trimech
CEO
GTCONSULTING
Tunisia

Attending the Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber program by USTTI and GCF in June 2025 was an inspiring and transformative experience. The program enhanced my leadership and diplomacy skills, while hands-on sessions and visits to various U.S. organizations deepened my understanding of managing cybersecurity operations and protecting critical infrastructure. Since returning, I’ve begun reviewing cybersecurity gaps in my organization using the strategies shared. The mentorship examples were especially powerful—they motivated me to inspire more women and students within my organization to pursue careers in cyber. This program didn’t just strengthen my technical and leadership abilities—it empowered me to lead with purpose and build a stronger cybersecurity culture.  I highly recommend this training to any woman looking to grow as a leader in cybersecurity. It’s truly a catalyst for change!

Moono Consuela Simukali
Manager Quality Assurance and Security
University of Zambia
Zambia

Over the course of two intensive weeks, the program offered a rich blend of technical insights, leadership development, and collaborative learning opportunities.

The sessions covered a wide array of topics including cyber risk management, data privacy, cyber range simulations, systems thinking, and communication strategies in high-stakes environments. What truly stood out was the quality of the instructors — thought leaders and professionals who shared their expertise in a very engaging and practical manner.

This course not only deepened my understanding of cyber threats and defense mechanisms but also empowered me as a woman leader to step forward with greater confidence. The global network of inspiring women I met during the training has become a lasting source of motivation and support.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to grow both technically and as a leader in the cybersecurity field.

Shakhnoza Yunusova
Senior Expert
Digital Government Center
Uzbekistan

Participating in this workshop has been a deeply transformative experience. It expanded my technical understanding of cybersecurity and reaffirmed the critical role women play in shaping secure digital futures across industries, nations, and generations. Connecting with 20 dynamic women from around the world, I gained invaluable insights into global cybersecurity challenges and leadership opportunities. The program highlighted the importance of community building, fostering risk-aware cultures, and the unique strengths women bring to cybersecurity — particularly collaboration, communication, and conviction. This experience marks a meaningful step toward inclusive, resilient leadership in the field.

Palpasa Tuladhar Kansakar
Deputy Manager
Nepal Telecom
Nepal

I was excited to receive an invitation to participate in the cyber security leadership program for women from USTTI-GCF. The program was a game-changer for me, as it provided me with the skills, confidence, and a network I needed to take my career to the next level.

As a cyber-crime investigator from a law enforcement agency, my area of concentration was more on cyber-crimes investigations. This two weeks’ program was more than I expected as it gave me deep understanding in principals of leadership where I learnt how to create an environment to overcome barriers to advancement as a woman. In Internet Security I had a deep understanding on the responsibilities of all the stake holders and internet users as well as possible attacks and threats on the internet through experience and how to manage them. My key note, was learning the best practices for managing and protecting critical infrastructures and that the system is not fragile because of technology in most cases but how its managed. The skills I acquired from this program will not only benefit me as an individual but also the organization I represent. I am glad to mention that one of the organizations from the program has reached out and are willing to collaborate with my organization, I’m looking forward to learning more from them. Special thanks goes to the USTTI – GCF team and all the wonderful facilitators we had not forgetting my fellow participants.

Catherine Mubila
Detective, Cyber Unit
Zambia Police Service
Zambia

The USTTI-GCF “Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber” program, made possible through the visionary partnership between the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI) and the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), has been a landmark experience in shaping the next generation of women leaders in cybersecurity.  It was more than technical training. It was a revolution in understanding women’s potential in cybersecurity. This program wove together technical mastery, global perspectives, and collaborative innovation to create a transformative narrative for women in cyber.

To Women Considering This Program: “Apply. Not for the technical skills (though you’ll gain them), but for the moment you’ll stand in a cybersecurity forum surrounded by women leaders in cyber: ‘This is how we change the game—together.’

Judith Sargeant
Senior Manager
CIBC Caribbean
Barbados

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber program, generously sponsored by USTTI and GCF.  This was my first time participating in a USTTI training, and I must admit—I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I first saw the two-week duration, I was a bit skeptical, wondering if the course might be unnecessarily stretched out. To my surprise, I couldn’t have been more wrong. The program turned out to be one of the most intensive, well-structured, and content-rich experiences I’ve ever been part of. From day one, it was clear that this was not just another training. We were kept fully engaged with a brilliant blend of technical lectures, leadership sessions, roundtable discussions, practical exercises, and field visits to key players in the tech and cybersecurity space throughout the two weeks. One of the standout features for me was the leadership lectures by Professor Cameron Kiosoglous, which offered deep insights into navigating leadership in a challenging and dynamic world. These were followed by sessions with industry experts who not only brought technical depth but also shared personal life stories that grounded the theory in real-life experiences. This human element made the sessions resonate even more powerfully. I enjoyed the story telling and how much it provides a holistic and realistic view to leading people of different personalities.

The daily downloads—reflections at the end of each day—were also particularly impactful. They gave us a chance to process the day’s learning collectively and see how the same content had different meanings and applications for each of us, depending on our unique backgrounds. It was during these moments that the diversity of the cohort truly shone—what initially seemed like a challenge turned into one of the program’s greatest memories.

I remember being slightly anxious on the first day, wondering how a group of women from such varied professional, cultural, and academic backgrounds would find common ground, this was after we had to introduce ourselves. But as the days progressed, it became clear: cybersecurity affects us all, and our different perspectives are not a barrier—they’re an asset. This was a powerful lesson that I’ve taken back to my organization: cyber is not just a security or compliance/legal issue—it is an organizational issue, and indeed, a national one. In just two weeks, I absorbed more than I thought possible. The learning, the network, the inspiration—it was all far beyond my expectations. I am deeply grateful to USTTI and GCF for making this experience possible, and I look forward to applying these insights in my professional space and beyond.

Mamothokoani Tlali
ICT Manager
Lesotho Communications Authority
Lesotho

Awesome Course! The program really highlighted why women’s leadership is crucial for shaping the future of cyber defense. It covered key areas such as understanding national and international cybersecurity policies, developing leadership skills tailored for cybersecurity professionals, recognizing cyber security threats and mitigating strategies. Additionally, the sessions highlighted on the role of cyber diplomacy in fostering international cooperation to combat global cyber threats and establish shared security standards. The lesson plans were super well-organized, and the trainers were experts, making the sessions engaging, impactful, and fun. The interactive workshops, site visits created a learning environment offering practical and hands on experience to observe best practices and challenges.

The training helped me gain a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of women’s leadership in cybersecurity, equipped me with practical tools for shaping policy and promote cybersecurity awareness, and inspired me to take proactive leadership roles within my organization. Overall, the training was highly valuable in enhancing my knowledge and confidence to contribute effectively to cybersecurity initiatives as a woman leader and initiate to build a supportive community to inspire and encourage other women in the field.

If you’re a woman leader working in cybersecurity or interested in the field, I highly recommend this program. It’s a great way to learn real-world strategies to manage and mitigate cyber risks, boost your leadership prospects, connect with industry experts and peers, and build a supportive cyber community to proactively lead and advocate for cybersecurity awareness. Don’t miss out—this is your chance to make a real impact!

Shraddha Manandhar
Deputy Manager
Nepal Telecom
Nepal

Participating in the USTTI Training was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure on a global scale. As someone kick starting my professional journey in cybersecurity, being in the company of accomplished women with years of experience in the cyber space was not only impressive but incredibly empowering. The sessions were both practical and insightful, exposing me to cutting-edge strategies in cyber defense, risk management, and international policy collaboration. As a cybersecurity student and founder of Ladies in Tech Ghana, this training has equipped me with valuable tools to empower others in my community, especially young women, to take leadership roles in advancing digital security. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and excited to apply the knowledge gained to create lasting impact back home in Ghana.

Priscilla Yamoah
MSc Cyber forensics and Security
Ghana

I had the privilege of attending the USTTI and GCF Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber Program from June 15-30, 2025 in Washington DC and it was truly a game-changer for me. Over the course of two weeks, I gained invaluable insights and enhanced my technical knowledge and confidence in cybersecurity leadership through the program’s comprehensive curriculum ranging from lectures and roundtable discussions on Leadership, Internet Infrastructures and Security, Cyber Diplomacy, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies and Privacy. We also had case studies and simulations on practical cybersecurity scenarios.

What I loved most was the supportive community and the experts’ guidance. We explored practical examples, shared experiences, and learned from each other’s perspectives. It was incredible to see how passionate and dedicated the women in the program were, and I feel inspired to pay it forward.

The USTTI-GCF Empowering Women in Cyber Leadership program has been a defining moment in my career, the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals has empowered me to take my career to the next level and I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills gained to drive positive change in my organization and the cybersecurity industry as a whole.

Faith Ochmuche
Head, Disaster Management and Recovery Department
National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre
Nigeria