Diversity Matters: FS-ISAC Awards Scholarships to Build Talent Pipeline in the US and Globally

Fourteen women awarded scholarship across the US; 24 scholarships awarded globally in 2018

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Nov 13, 2018, 09:00 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the evolving needs of the cybersecurity threat landscape and to create a more diverse workforce, the Financial Services Information Sharing Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) recognized 14 women with its Building Cybersecurity Diversity (BCD) scholarship in the U.S. The recipients were recognized at FS-ISAC's Fall Summit in Chicago.

FS-ISAC awarded a total of 24 scholarships globally in 2018. The U.S., Singapore and European recipients are sponsored and mentored by leading banks and technology companies. They are Agari, Anomali, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Microsoft and Standard Chartered Bank. In addition, DBS Bank sponsored AP recipients.

The 2018 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found that cybersecurity professionals are focusing on developing new skills as the workforce gap widens. According to the report, that gap now stands at more than 2.9 million workers globally -- with 2.14 million cybersecurity staff required in the Asia Pacific region, and almost half a million required in North America.

The 14 U.S. scholarship recipients are the latest addition to a prestigious list of rising cybersecurity professionals preparing to address cyberattacks and finding solutions to stay ahead of cybercrime. The scholarship offers $5,000 and a trip to attend one of FS-ISAC's four Summits to be mentored by and network with influential industry leaders.

"We take pride in nurturing these young professionals and giving them a chance to learn from some of the best cybersecurity experts in the business," said Bill Nelson, president and CEO of FS-ISAC. "There's no doubt that increased diversity within the sector will lead to more creative problem solving and overall safety and security of the global financial services infrastructure we serve — truly a win-win. Awarding 24 scholarships this year will help the industry fulfill its need for talent globally."

The scholarship recipients are:

Rachel Adams, Brigham Young University
Sarah Cooney, University of Southern California
Megan Culler, Texas A&M University
Jessa Gramenz, University of North Texas
Kim Hertz, Kennesaw State University
Natalie Larsen, Johns Hopkins University
Balkis Nasery, National University
Leaticia Osuagwu, Westchester Community College
Sherry Peng, Regis University
Deepika Chickmagalur Ramesh, National University
Cryptologic Technician Technical First Class Jonielle L. Sablan, National University
Camelia Simoiu, Stanford University
Victoria Sykora-lovaas, New York University
Sarah Tucker, Texas A&M University

Since the scholarship's inception in 2016, FS-ISAC has awarded 31 recipients.

About FS-ISAC:

The Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) is a non-profit corporation that was established in 1999 and is funded by its 7,000 member firms headquartered in 46 countries with users in 72 countries. FS-ISAC is a member-driven organization whose mission is to help assure the resilience and continuity of the global financial services infrastructure and individual firms against acts that could significantly impact the sector's ability to provide services critical to the orderly function of the global economy. FS-ISAC shares threat and vulnerability information, conducts coordinated contingency planning exercises, manages rapid response communications for both cyber and physical events, conducts education and training programs and fosters collaborations with and among other key sectors and government agencies. Follow us on Twitter @FSISAC, on LinkedIn or visit www.fsisac.com.

FS-ISAC U.S. Media Contact:
Sinu Patel
[email protected]
+1.540.355.8822

SOURCE FS-ISAC