Securing the Next Generation of Technology Workers

Washington Cybersecurity and IT leaders are invited to attend a free Cybersecurity Industry event event at Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham, WA. Join us for an incredible afternoon to delve into the world of cybersecurity workforce strategy and explore the amazing skills and abilities of the WCC’s cybersecurity graduates.

Recruiting and retaining skilled technical professionals is a challenge facing the whole nation. Including college grads in your hiring pipeline is a keyway to filling the gaps. Jim Reavis CEO of the Cloud Security Alliance will be our keynote speaker to discuss how next generation IT such as AI and Cloud is shaping future cybersecurity workforce skills. There will be a panel discussion on Building Your Bench featuring cybersecurity experts from Boeing, WA IT Auditor’s Office, Cloud Security Alliance, Tiro Security, and Chipotle.

Come and hear how these cybersecurity experts have built up their team by offering internships, apprenticeships, and opportunities for current employees to upskill.

Event agenda: 3:00 Welcome Address – Kathi Hiyane-Brown (WCC President) 3:30 Keynote –  Jim Reavis (CEO, Cloud Security Alliance)  4:00 Building your Bench Panel Session “Building your Bench” Every great sports team has a good bench of players ready to play at any moment. The panel features cybersecurity experts from across sectors who have built great benches by offering internships, apprenticeships, and opportunities for current employees to upskill.

Panelists:  Stephen Miller (NCyTE Co-PI & Tenured Professor Eastern New Mexico University) Ryan Bergsma (Director of Technology & Security, CSA)  Kris Rides (Cybersecurity Staffing SME, Tiro Security)  Shawn Harris (Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill)  Jennifer Kennedy – (Senior Manager of Product Security Workforce Strategy, Boeing  Jessica Lewallen – (IT Security Auditor, WA State Auditor’s Office)

5:20 Closing Remarks – Matt Green (Dean of Workforce Development, WCC)   5:35 Networking Mixer – Enjoy Appetizers as you network with the next generation of technology workers from WCC.