Women in CyberSecurity ( WiCyS ) is on a mission to provide a sense of belonging for students enrolled in Illinois State University’s cybersecurity program.  ,
” I wanted to make a community for those who wanted it or needed it”, said young security big Jasmine Dhamers. She started the book at Illinois State this quarter and is serving as the new documented student group’s president.  ,
aims to create a place for women and allies to create complex skills, expand their community, and beat idiot syndrome, according to Dhamers. She noted that adult learners make up about 10 % of membership in Illinois State’s security software. Nationwide, a found that women make up about 18 % of the security industry.  ,
” With Women in CyberSecurity, we’re trying to make what seems like difficult things seem not as difficult so that people want to stick with it,” Dhamers said”. They can see it from a diverse perspective—a fun and engaging way to interact with security. ”  ,
Dr. Yousra Javed is an associate professor at Illinois State who teaches security and is the WiCyS assistant. She determined Dhamers to begin the book and guided her throughout the release process.  ,  ,
” We started the WiCyS scholar chapter and Recon with the goal of recruiting and retaining represented learners in our security key. My position as the assistant is to provide support, coaching, and sources, as well as technical expertise to adult students who are either currently in security or are interested in security,” Javed said.  ,
The lack of sexual representation in the security field may be attributed to many aspects including a lack of assistance and resources, according to Javed.  ,
” Low coverage from the beginning doesn’t support with sexual membership. It also has to do with prejudices that this industry is more male-oriented,” Javed said”. Even adult students feel that they don’t belong here, but also, even fewer female role models play a part too. ”  ,
However, cracks create opportunities for answers. Dhamers discovered that when something is missing, it can be created.  ,
” Anything that wants a society that isn’t already at Illinois State—you can do it. There are a lot of individuals who want to support you”, Dhamers said. ” We started planning for this club back in October ( 2024 ), and by January ( 2025 ), we already had a plan for our whole semester. So, if , there’s something that’s not on campus that you want on campus, reach out to your professors, and you can definitely make it happen” . ,
WiCyS plans to collaborate with another school chapters and RSOs while hosting security competitions to expand their network and develop critical skills for career success.  ,
” I want to be able to set up my club and everyone in it with connections that they’ll hopefully have for life. If they need anything, they can reach out”, Dhamers said.  ,
In early March, WiCyS hosted a panel of women who are security professionals with State Farm. They shared advice and answered questions from attendees. Looking ahead, WiCyS plans to organize site visits to various local businesses and their cybersecurity departments, as well as host additional guest speaker events. Additionally, they will participate in a capture the flag competition in April.  ,
” I want to continue to promote the cybersecurity program, especially to get more females in there. Hopefully, we’ll grow the numbers, even if it’s just by 1 %”, Dhamers said.  ,
WiCyS meetings take place every other Tuesday at 7 p. m. in Julian Hall, room number 33. Contact jrdhame@IllinoisState .edu or yjaved@IllinoisState .edu with any questions.  ,
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