The USTTI and Global Cybersecurity Forum’s (GCF) inaugural “Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber” program successfully wrapped up on October 10th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over the course of two enriching weeks, participants engaged in a dynamic combination of lectures, site visits, roundtable discussions, case studies, and simulations, all guided by distinguished experts from industry, government, academia, and civil society. This comprehensive program equipped attendees with valuable tools and strategies to enhance their leadership capabilities, foster a strong cybersecurity culture, and bolster their countries’ resilience against cyber threats. Although these programs were rooted in the United States and culminated in Riyadh, their impact extended far beyond, inspiring a global network of empowered women cybersecurity leaders.
The three programs included women from Albania, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Participants left the program with a broadened outlook and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of cybersecurity. Ghanaian MSc Cyber Forensics and Security researcher Priscilla Yamoah described her experience as “a transformative journey that deepened my understanding of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure on a global scale,” emphasizing the profound personal and professional growth. Vesna Gabrić Kešina, LL.M., a Senior Legal Affairs Expert from Croatia’s Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM), reflected on the comprehensive nature of the training, stating, “It provided an outstanding exchange of information and knowledge, covering all key areas of cybersecurity—from crafting policies and understanding legal frameworks to acquiring specific technical expertise.”
A core pillar of the USTTI-GCF initiative is to deliver substantive content while also building on participants’ existing knowledge base. Trinidad and Tobago’s Kristerbella Sookdeo, Territory Account Manager at Fortinet, remarked, “The program didn’t just offer knowledge—it offered perspective. It deepened my understanding of cybersecurity through the lenses of leadership, policy, and global cooperation. It reinforced the importance of women in this field being visible, connected, and empowered. I leave this program not only motivated but with a renewed sense of purpose to serve my region and support others in their growth.”
Designed to empower participants to assume greater responsibilities upon returning to their home countries, the program has already begun to make an impact. Moono Consuela Simukali, Manager of Quality Assurance and Security at the University of Zambia, shared her experience, saying, “Since returning, I’ve begun reviewing cybersecurity gaps within my organization using the strategies shared during the training. The mentorship examples were especially powerful—they inspired me to motivate more women and students within my organization to pursue careers in cybersecurity.”
The team at USTTI eagerly looks forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of these inspiring women leaders as they leverage their new knowledge and connections to drive change and innovation in cybersecurity across the globe..
– The USTTI Team
