The energy was electric here at the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) 2026 Conference! In this fifth and final episode of the special "Live From" series, these interviews were recorded by Jackie McGuire in person at the Gaylord National Resort!

As over 2,000 women and allies gathered at WiCyS 2026, Jackie sat down with WiCyS leaders, researchers, partners, students, and industry leaders to discuss the power of the WiCyS Edge. Jackie and the guests in this episode, and throughout the series, explore how the community is tackling the industry's most pressing shifts, how WiCyS is engaged in the cybersecurity workforce, and what WiCyS means to the industry workforce.

Learn more about WiCyS and join - https://www.wicys.org/

Episode 5 of this series features:

• Hazel Cerra, a retired Special Agent with the Secret Service for 25 years. Hazel has now shifted to working for Blackcloak, protecting high-profile executives' digital lives. She spoke about the value of connecting with women in the industry and emphasized the importance of networking to overcome barriers in informal, male-dominated environments.

• Gloria Zayas, from Google, described the WiCyS Conference experience as an impactful, community-building event that provides opportunities to learn about industry trends she can bring back to her students. As a teacher, Gloria touches on AI and encourages students to use AI tools to counter threats, while a "human in the middle" remains essential for verifying information. Building through the conversation, she stresses the importance of women being fearless and brave in Cybersecurity. 

The energy was electric here at the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) 2026 Conference! In this fourth episode of the special "Live From" series, we take a different journey through a deep conversation Jackie had with Karen Wortsell. Switching things up with a fresh angle! Enjoy this in-person interview from the Gaylord National Resort.

As over 2,000 women and allies gathered at WiCyS 2026, Jackie sat down with WiCyS leaders, researchers, partners, students, and industry leaders to discuss the power of the WiCyS Edge. Jackie and the guest in this episode, and throughout the series, explore how the community is tackling the industry's most pressing shifts, how WiCyS is engaged in the cybersecurity workforce, and what WiCyS means to the industry workforce.

Learn more about WiCyS and join - https://www.wicys.org/

Apply for Create Your Leading Edge Program until July 6th - https://www.wicys.org/benefits/create-your-leading-edge/ 

Episode 4 of this series features:

• Karen Worstall, the Founder and Lead Trainer at Create Your Leading Edge. Karen discusses launching the Create Your Leading Edge program for WiCyS members, which helps women succeed in a male-dominated field. They discuss the current cybersecurity landscape in the context of AI. Karen opens up about her book and her personal journey with her family. 

The energy was electric at the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) 2026 Conference, and as we continue our special "Live From" series with episode 3, these interviews were recorded in person by Jackie McGuire at the Gaylord National Resort to showcase the event's authentic atmosphere!

As over 2,000 women and allies gathered at WiCyS 2026, Jackie sat down with WiCyS leaders, researchers, partners, students, and industry leaders to discuss the power of the WiCyS Edge. Jackie and the guests in this episode, and throughout the series, explore how the community is tackling the industry's most pressing shifts, how WiCyS is engaged in the cybersecurity workforce, and what WiCyS means to the industry workforce.

Learn more about WiCyS and join - https://www.wicys.org/

Episode 3 of this series features:

• Noureen Njoroge, WiCyS Board Member, shares insights into the unique WiCyS mentorship program and its impact on her career. Discover how mentorship continues to evolve with the changing cybersecurity landscape and the rise of AI.

• Mary Jane Partain, WiCyS Program Director, shares an inside look at the innovative training programs available to WiCyS members. Discover how skill-based research is shaping these programs and how new AI initiatives are preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

• Haley Reyes, Future Cybersecurity Leader, shares her journey into the field and how WiCyS has influenced her path. Hear why she believes the WiCyS community stands out in the industry, how the conference brings that energy to life, and her perspective on building a career in today's evolving cybersecurity landscape.

The energy was electric here at the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) 2026 Conference! In this second episode of the special "Live From" series, these interviews were recorded by Jackie McGuire in person at the Gaylord National Resort!

As over 2,000 women and allies gathered at WiCyS 2026, Jackie sat down with WiCyS leaders, researchers, partners, students, and industry leaders to discuss the power of the WiCyS Edge. Jackie and the guests in this episode, and throughout the series, explore how the community is tackling the industry's most pressing shifts, how WiCyS is engaged in the cybersecurity workforce, and what WiCyS means to the industry workforce.

Learn more about WiCyS and join - https://www.wicys.org/

Episode 2 of this series features:

• Gabby Bozier from Navy Federal Credit Union discusses what makes the WiCyS conference different, and how well women are represented, unlike any other conference. Plus, her journey in cyber and what the cybersecurity landscape is like for women now. 

• Sage Despeignes, a Cybersecurity-Focused Computer Science Student, is using the WiCyS conference to network, explore her future in cybersecurity, and reflect on how her conference experience has changed each year. Also, how she is growing her career through the WiCyS organization. 

• Senior Program Manager at Google Cloud, Sarah Morales, who sits on the board of WiCyS, talks about how she was introduced to the organization. Also, what to come armed with for interviews, and how to use the WiCyS conference to network and grow your career. 

The energy was electric here at the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) 2026 Conference! In this first episode of the special "Live From" series, these interviews were recorded by Jackie McGuire in person at the Gaylord National Resort!

As over 2,000 women and allies gathered at WiCyS 2026, Jackie sat down with WiCyS leaders, researchers, partners, students, and industry leaders to discuss the power of the WiCyS Edge. Jackie and the guests in this episode and over the whole series explore how the community is tackling the industry's most pressing shifts, how WiCyS is engaged in the cybersecurity workforce, and what WiCyS means to the industry workforce.

Episode 1 of this series features:

• WiCyS Executive Director Lynn Dohm and FourOne Insights Founder and CEO Will Markow discuss the newly launched WiCyS ROI of Resiliance research. Showing how cybersecurity talent management best practices improve the bottom line and the careers of professionals.

• Google Senior Director of Product, Cybersecurity and Data Protection, Archana Ramamoorthy, talks about meeting WiCyS Founder Ambareen Siraj and how that launched her WiCyS journey. Plus, the strength of the WiCyS Mentorship, and how mentorships move to sponsorship.

• AWS Principal Technical Program Manager Ashley Smyk shares her journey to WiCyS and how she led the effort to bring Amazon on as a Strategic Partner. Ashley describes how the community of women in cybersecurity has grown through WiCyS. She and Jackie discuss AI in cybersecurity.

About the Podcast

WiCyS presents Woman in the Middle, a podcast hosted by Jackie McGuire, founder of jackiesinsecurity. The show connects seasoned cybersecurity leaders with emerging professionals, exploring cybersecurity not just as a technical discipline, but as a human and cultural one.

This Episode

In the premiere episode, Jackie brings together Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of WiCyS, and Amber Linnea Kirylak, Junior Information Security Analyst and WiCyS member, for a candid, cross-generational conversation.

Together, they explore:

• Unexpected career turning points that shaped their professional paths
• What to expect at the WiCyS Conference 2026 and how it brings the community together annually unlike any other cybersecurity event
• Practical “easy wins” for strengthening security awareness and culture
• Real-world experiences navigating the cybersecurity industry as women

This episode highlights the power of mentorship, community, and shared experience in building a stronger, more inclusive cybersecurity workforce.

Who Should Listen

• Cybersecurity professionals at every career stage
• Leaders committed to building inclusive security teams
• Women exploring or advancing careers in cybersecurity
• Anyone interested in the human side of information security

WiCyS 2026