Bias Busters: Promoting Diversity in Cyber & Technology
June 28
How do we break down barriers and foster a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment?
Experts and thought leaders from the US and UK address the critical issue of bias found in cybersecurity and technology fields. Participants will explore practical strategies, share success stories, and discuss actionable steps to create a bias-free industry.
Steph Aldridge, Panelist
Director NeuroCyber, UK
I have been interested in the topic of neurodiversity since listening to Steve Silberman on a podcast and reading his book Neuro Tribes during my time at Cyber Security Challenge UK as their DE&I lead. I have been instrumental in building and coordinating some UK first’s including leading the delivery of the Extended Project Qualification in Cyber Security qualification, currently sitting with the Chartered Institute of Information Security, and delivering an industry wide collaborative event, Neurodiversity: Autism into Cyber, an initiative that galvanized the cyber industry leading to the formation of NeuroCyber, of which I am Director. I received a formal diagnosis of ADHD in December 2022.
I seek out those connections with inclusive grass root networks, amplifying the people behind them and the work they do, to build the understanding we already have: that those with the skill set or aptitude, if included and supported into cyber roles, will create better working environments for their colleagues, add innovation to their department and products, and create wealth for the companies they work for. This isn't rocket science or new theory.
Do one thing today. Ask yourself what does diversity mean to me? I think it's talking to someone who doesn't look, sound, or feel like you.
Jennifer Cox, Panelist
Director for Ireland at Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) UK & Eire
Jennifer is a seasoned leader with over 19 years in tech and cybersecurity, embodies excellence and innovation. As a Security Engineering Manager at Tenable and Director for Ireland at WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Jennifer's impact reverberates globally. Recognized as PCR's Top 25 Women in Tech and a Stevie award recipient, her expertise is unmatched. Jennifer's dedication to diversity, including roles as an Ambassador for Wentor's International Mentoring Program, reflects her commitment to nurturing future cybersecurity leaders. With a passion for shaping a secure digital future, Jennifer Cox stands as a beacon of cybersecurity leadership, driving change and empowerment across industries.
Amy Maxwell-Hysell, Panelist
Senior Manager, Cybersecurity Center at California State University, San Bernardino, US
Amy is a senior manager for the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community national center, playing a pivotal role in coordinating with the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (N-CAE) program, government partners and over 450 colleges and universities across the United States. Housed within the Center for Cyber and AI at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), Amy has successfully contributed to securing over $30 million in funding, running national programs including the National Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair (a program with the NCyTE Center), CAE Symposium, and Communities of Practice in cyber research, operations, and defense. Amy has been pivotal in the creation of the CAE Community portal (caecommunity.org) for critical cyber education resources as well as coordination with other national centers. Ms. Maxwell-Hysell also has over ten years of experience coordinating camps and programs for youth ages 5-12, and more recently collaborating to continue the GenCyber effort at CSUSB, coordinating with community leaders in government and industry to bring cybersecurity education to local middle and high school students.
Susi Barraza, Panelist
Program Manager and DEI Community of Interest at NIST, US
Susana Barraza is the NICE Program Manager at NIST. She serves as NICE Staff Liaison for the NICE Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest. She previously served as the Student Personnel Assistant for the HSI STEM Equity and Success Initiative (SESI) Project at Sacramento City College. She has also participated in a Political Management Seminar at The George Washington University as a component of a fellowship with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute in Washington, DC. Additionally, Susana served as an intern for Ford Motor Company, the House of Representatives and for the California State Assembly.
Susana received earned an Associates of Science in Business Administration and an Associates of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences. Then transferred to California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) where she received bachelor’s in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. She is a 2020 Pathway Fellow Recipient with the College of Education at CSUS; a program (1 out of 6 nationwide) that prepares highly qualified diverse participants for doctorates and careers in rigorous educational research.
Stephen Miller, Moderator
Tenured Professor and Director Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Eastern New Mexico University
The Cyber Security Evaluation Tool (CSET) is a stand-alone desktop application that guides asset owners and operators through a systematic process of evaluating Operational Technology and Information Technology. The tool was developed by CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency) and is available to download for free on its