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Two University of New Brunswick (UNB) computer science students are on a mission to increase the visibility and participation of women in cybersecurity by establishing UNB’s first Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) student chapter.

Hwany Kim (BBA’21) and Ashley Smith are the new chapter’s president and vice president.

“I truly believe that women in tech will be key to driving innovation as we move forward. Creating a space where women can build relationships, encourage one another and thrive in this dynamic field has been incredibly empowering,” Kim said.

“Recognizing the need for better representation and support, I saw an opportunity to make a difference, which led me to start this project.”

WiCyS is a global organization that exists to advance the role of women in cybersecurity. It offers professional development programs, mentorship opportunities and networking events. Student chapters like the one at UNB foster local connections.

Smith, a member of another UNB cybersecurity club open to men and women, also hopes to encourage more women to participate in cybersecurity.

Kim returned to UNB to study computer science and broaden her knowledge and technical skill set after studying accounting and finance. She joined an Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) program which offers cybersecurity training across Canada to female-identifying students at several participating universities and colleges, including UNB.

This program included support for establishing a WiCyS chapter at UNB.

Kim’s experience highlighted the need for such a support system for women in cybersecurity, leading her to learn about WiCyS and eventually help establish the UNB chapter and seek others in the program to be part of the executive.

“It’s been months in the making, but with the support of the faculty and other mentors I’m excited to continue growing this community and can only imagine the incredible heights it will reach,” Kim said.

The ICTC Women+ in Cybersecurity pilot at UNB started in the 2023-2024 academic year as a joint project with the McKenna Institute and the faculty of computer science to work towards gender balance in cybersecurity.

The McKenna Institute engaged other post-secondary partners in New Brunswick to participate in this opportunity for students, including New Brunswick Community College, College Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick, St. Thomas University and other faculties and departments at UNB’s two campuses. These students are also invited to participate in the WiCyS student club’s activities.

The pilot saw students take Microsoft courses and achieve certifications in several cybersecurity-related areas. They then added work-integrated learning by going on a co-op program work term with employer partners.

This program includes a wide range of professional development, enrichment and networking opportunities such as a global mentorship program with professional women in the tech industry.

The Women+ in Cybersecurity pilot is now entering its second year.

Natalie Webber (BCS’97, MCS’03), assistant dean of equity, diversity and inclusion in the faculty of computer science, was excited to see the new chapter start.

“Our student groups are the heart and soul of our university, and we are so fortunate to have amazing student leaders working to create an inclusive and supportive environment for their peers,” she said.

“I was particularly pleased to lend my support to establishing a WiCyS chapter at UNB.

“This initiative was entirely driven by a group of students from our faculty with a shared passion for cybersecurity. The women who championed this initiative and now work to build this club are important partners in our efforts to create a feeling of belonging and improve gender balance in computer science here at UNB and beyond.”

The club’s Oct. 8 inaugural meeting was successful, with 10 female-identifying computer science students in attendance.

“It was a great club launch,” Kim said. “Creating a space where women can encourage one another and grow together has been rewarding.”

On Oct. 17, at an event sponsored by the McKenna Institute and the faculty of computer science at the Cyber Centre in Fredericton’s Knowledge Park, club members met Melanie Anderson (BCS’03), director general of Cryptographic Security and Systems Development, part of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security at the Communications Security Establishment.

Their discussion covered the importance of diversity in cybersecurity, the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, being the only woman in the room, the value of mentorship and support systems and strategies for effective communication and public speaking.

Anderson emphasized the need for women to be bold and take risks, the significance of practical experience, continuous learning and balancing work and life.

“The meet-and-greet session with Melanie was inspiring and deeply affirming for me,” said computer science student Moksha Bhatt.

“As a group of resilient and like-minded women in the tech space, we shared personal stories, bonded over similar experiences, and explored the journeys of owning our complete selves—recognizing that our diverse skill sets are assets, not points of doubt. In a field where I often find myself as the only woman in the room, this talk reminded me that I’m not alone, that my journey matters and that however familiar imposter syndrome and self-doubt may feel they do not define me.

“Our stories, ambitions and skills are redefining the future of tech and we’re stepping into that future with confidence and pride.”

Kim and Smith plan additional events and hope to secure funding for chapter members to attend major conferences, such as WiCyS Global Conference in April 2025, which will take place in Dallas, Texas.

The club has also set up Instagram and LinkedIn accounts to engage students.

Kim and Smith said membership is not restricted to women in computer science. All female-identifying students are welcome.

“I hope we can create a vibrant network beyond UNB,” Kim said. “I hope that by working together, we can reach out and get people in for mentorship and knowledge-sharing among students.”

Hire a student

• The ICTC Women+ in Cybersecurity program is recruiting employers to hire enthusiastic students in the second cohort for the winter term from January to March 2025. The students undergo extensive training and are eager to contribute expertise to an employer.
  
  
• By hiring one of the program’s graduates, New Brunswick employers can qualify for a wage subsidy of up to 70 per cent, totaling up to $7,000 off the student’s salary through the WIL Digital program. This opportunity brings top-tier cybersecurity talent on board at a fraction of the cost and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. More information and sign-up information for the Nov. 26 online information session may be found here.

Photo 1: These students attended the club’s first meeting on Oct. 8. Front, from left: Sharmila Ahmed, Mia Truong, Marina Kaplun, Daphne Dairo-Singer, and Ky Nguyen. Rear, from left, Madeleine Labelle, Ronny Frilling, Maria Lefter, Mackenzy Noble, Maria Kamenshchykova, Ashley Smith, and Hwany Kim.

Photo 2: Students were able to meet and talk with Melanie Anderson (BCS’03), director general of Cryptographic Security and Systems Development, on Oct. 17. From left, Alexandria Chiasson (national partnerships coordinator for ICTC), Nethmi Hettiarachchi, Shabnam Saderi Okouei, Ashley Smith and Moksha Bhatt.