Empowering Diversity in Cybersecurity: Closing the Skills Gap for Women of Color

Cybersecurity is more critical than ever in protecting our data, privacy, and infrastructure from cyber threats - leading to a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. However, this industry lacks diversity, particularly among Women of Color, and educating and empowering Women of Color with cybersecurity skills is essential in decreasing the cybersecurity skills gap and the evolving cyber threats facing our society. Following are a few strategies to close this gap and foster a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce.

Recognizing the Disparity

Women of Color remain vastly underrepresented in cybersecurity careers. They face systemic barriers and biases that hinder their participation and advancement in the field. Recent studies reveal that women make up a small percentage of the cybersecurity workforce, with Women of Color representing an even smaller fraction. This disparity deprives the industry of diverse perspectives and talents that perpetuate inequalities in opportunities and outcomes.

Addressing Barriers to Entry

To close the cybersecurity skills gap for Women of Color, we must first address the barriers to entry that prevent them from pursuing careers in this field, including:

• Access to Education: Providing equitable access to quality education and training opportunities in cybersecurity, particularly in underserved communities.

• Representation and Role Models: Increasing visibility and representation of Women of Color in cybersecurity leadership roles and promoting diverse role models to inspire future generations.

• Mentorship and Support Networks: Establishing mentorship programs and support networks that provide guidance, encouragement, and resources for Women of Color pursuing careers in cybersecurity.

Investing in Skill Development

Empowering Women of Color in cybersecurity requires investing in their skill development and professional growth, including:

• Training and Certification Programs: Offering scholarships, internships, and training programs specifically targeted at Women of Color to develop their technical skills and expertise in cybersecurity.

• Career Pathways and Advancement Opportunities: Creating clear career pathways and advancement opportunities within the cybersecurity industry, with mentorship and sponsorship programs to support Women of Color in their professional growth.

• Continuous Learning and Development: Providing ongoing learning and development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and networking events, to enable Women of Color to stay current with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Fostering Inclusive Workplaces

Building a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce requires creating workplaces where Women of Color are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, for example:

• Cultivating Inclusive Cultures: Fostering cultures of inclusivity and belonging where all employees, regardless of gender or race, feel respected, heard, and empowered to contribute.

• Addressing Bias and Discrimination: Taking proactive steps to address bias and discrimination in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation processes to ensure equitable treatment for Women of Color.

• Building Allyship and Support: Encouraging allies and advocates to actively support Women of Color in cybersecurity by amplifying their voices, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices.

Joining Forces for Change

Closing the cybersecurity skills gap for Women of Color is not a task for one individual or organization. It requires a collective effort from across the industry (e.g., collaborating with educational institutions, industry partners, advocacy groups, and policymakers). Through this collective effort, we can break barriers and shatter stereotypes that prevent Women of Color from thriving in cybersecurity.

By closing the skills gap and fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry, we can create a more secure and resilient digital future for all.

Starting Over After a Divorce

Divorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences for women, but it's also an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and starting anew. For many women, navigating the aftermath of a divorce can feel overwhelming; however, with the right mindset and support, women can emerge and be ready to embrace a new chapter in their lives. In this blog post, we'll explore empowering steps to help women rebuild their lives after divorce and embark on their journey of healing and personal reinvention.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve - The end of a marriage is a significant loss, and it's essential to permit yourself to grieve. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that come with divorce, whether it's sadness, anger, or confusion. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can provide a listening ear and help you navigate this emotional journey.

2. Focus on Self-Care - During this challenging time, self-care becomes more important than ever. Make time for activities that can nourish your mind, body, and soul, whether practicing yoga, walking in nature, or indulging in a favorite hobby. Prioritize your spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being by eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

3. Rediscover Your Identity - Divorce often brings a sense of identity crisis, especially for women who may have defined themselves primarily through their roles as wives and mothers. Take this opportunity to rediscover your individuality outside of motherhood and marriage. Reflect on your passions, interests, and goals, and explore new opportunities for personal growth and self-expression.

4. Build a Support Network - Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and peers who uplift and encourage you during this transition. Lean on those who offer a listening ear, practical advice, and unconditional love. Join support groups or online communities for divorced women where you can connect with others who understand what you're going through and share experiences and insights.

5. Take Practical Steps - As you navigate the practical aspects of divorce, such as dividing assets, establishing financial independence, and co-parenting arrangements if applicable, seek guidance from legal and financial professionals who can provide expert advice and support. Educate yourself about your rights and options, and take proactive steps to secure your financial future and create a stable foundation for yourself and your family.

6. Embrace New Opportunities - Divorce can be a catalyst for positive change and new beginnings. Embrace this opportunity to explore new interests, pursue career aspirations, or embark on adventures you've always dreamed of. Allow yourself to dream big and set goals for the future, knowing that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenges that come your way.

While divorce marks the end of one chapter, it also signals the beginning of a new and empowering one. Allow yourself to grieve, prioritize self-care, rediscover your identity, build a support network, take practical steps, and embrace new opportunities, you can navigate the post-divorce transition with grace and resilience. Remember, you are capable, worthy, and deserving of happiness and fulfillment, and that the best is yet to come.

Black Women's Equal Pay Day

According to Fortune Magazine, the average Black woman will have finally earned the same amount the average non-Hispanic white man earned a year earlier—eight months later. That’s a problem, not just for Black women who lose out on $900,000 in lifetime earnings, but for everyone.

Black women who normally are the heads of their households (i.e., primary breadwinners) earn 63 cents of every dollar a white man makes. Shannon Williams, director of Equal Pay Today - a project of Equal Rights Advocates stated, "The issue of equal pay is not just a woman’s issue because it trickles down into our families, communities, and the overall economy."

The Black Women’s Wage Gap is a problem for everyone, but everyone isn’t working to address it! One way to close the wage gap is to close the skill gap. The SOFEI Group is working to decrease pay inequity among women of color through free professional, technical, and certification training for women who want to upgrade their skills to elevate their earnings! Please visit our website to view and purchase our NOMORE64 merchandise to empower women to take control of their skills and earning potential!

Submission

A husband would never have to ask his wife to submit if he’s submitting his will to God. And, it’s quite challenging to surrender your will to a man who doesn’t know his mission for God, his life, and family.

God called man to be the head (leader) of his family; not the boss! There is a difference. When husbands recognize and acknowledge God’s will for them to lead like Jesus led, (i.e., without coercion, but by example), their family will follow with honor and respect; without resistance.

How We Get Here?

Having access to statistics about the status of women (especially minority) is great. However, it would be even better if women of color would use data to collaborate and harness their power to change the trajectory of the economic conditions that lingers among women of color.

Over the next few months, The SOFEI Group will host community forums addressing the question, How We Get Here? to discover the underlying causes that negatively impact the lives of women throughout the Washington region. We will seek and encourage input from the community-at-large, social change agents, politicians, spiritual leaders, and subject matter experts. Following are topics we will discuss during the forums:

1. How We Get Here? – Why black women and their issues are ignored in politics? - Source: Status of Black Women in Politics
2. How We Get Here? – Black women 16 years and over has experienced the highest unemployment rate among all other ethnic groups since 2007. - Source: The African American Labor Force in Recovery
3. How We Get Here? – Black women are more likely to have children outside of marriage than other racial or ethnic groups. - Source: Congressional Research Service
4. How We Get Here? – Women and Violence – 1 out of 5 women is sexually assaulted in college. Source: insidehighered.com
5. How We Get Here? - Women Living with HIV and AIDS - Source: CDC.gov
6. How We Get Here? - Women are 80 percent more likely than men to be impoverished in retirement. - Source: National Institute on Retirement
7. How We Get Here? - Women of Color are more likely to suffer with depression. - Source: Huffingtonpost.com

Click here if you would like to join us as a speaker or panelist, and here as a community forum participant.

Ten D’s of Women Trailblazers

1. Dreamers – Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18a). You have to envision where you want to be so your actions can follow.
2. Destined – Always begin with the end in mind. Women trailblazers predetermine how they want to end their struggle and work towards ending it.
3. Driven – What's the force behind your actions - your spirit, struggles or faith?
4. Determined – Women trailblazers have the will power to carry out their mission to improve the social, economical, and educational stance of women.
5. Devoted – Whatever you do, have a passion for it. When you have a passion, you’ll work without wanting anything in return.
6. Disciplined – Women trailblazers prepare themselves to face challenges and/or obstacles.
7. Dignity – Women trailblazers think highly of themselves and present themselves with high regard and honor.
8. Diligent – Women trailblazers are perseveres. They stay on course regardless of the challenges they may face in life.
9. Daring – Women trailblazers have unshakable faith and aren't ashamed to be different.
10. Decisive – Women trailblazers do not waiver in their decisions and actions to advance the lives of all women.

Equal, But Different

When women stop seeking validation and approval from men, their equity will grow. Some women dress seductively for men. Wear heels for the approval of men. Buy hair and make-up for men. Quit their jobs for men. Surrender their will to men who don't surrender their will to God. Live under the pretense that man knows what's best instead of God.

Should women who live subjectively to men expect equal treatment?

According to Genesis 1:26, God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and to let them have dominion over every living thing that creeps on the earth. And, according to Genesis 1:27, "God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

These verses share how God equally created men and women in His image to have dominion over the earth in our own distinctive roles. If women grasp hold of this knowledge, maybe women will seek equality through the Image of God instead of man.