As a veteran observer of the information technology field going back 16 years I have always been well aware that this is a male-heavy business. CompTIA recently found that 77% of IT workers are male and among management that number jumps to 82% male. But in security we’re even more skewed with 85% of security workers and 90% of security management being male. This is too bad since some of the brightest security professionals I know are female…and I’m not just blowing smoke here.
Over the past several years, CSO has been pleased to play a small part in the Executive Women’s Forum. Founded in 2002 by Joyce Brocaglia, The Executive Women’s Forum is a community of the nation’s most influential female executives in the Information Security, Privacy and Risk Management industries. With an annual event each September, the Forum is focused on helping female security executives advance and succeed in their leadership roles.
I’ve had the unique pleasure to attend this program several times and it’s a real treat. I should note that I’m generally the only guy there making it even more interesting. (Now I almost know what the women feel like at other conferences when they are outnumbered nine to one.)
CSO magazine has also been fortunate to be a co-presenter with Alta Associates of the Women of Influence Awards at the Executive Women’s Forum. Each year awards are presented for outstanding contribution by women employed in the Corporate, Government/Academic, and vendor communities as well as a “One to Watch” award acknowledging an up and coming thought leader. Recipients of these awards represent the best and brightest stars in the field and are encouraged to mentor and assist EWF members throughout the year. Last years winners were Renee Guttman of Time, Inc., Maggie Mansourkia of Verizon, Jayshree Ullal of Cisco and Cheryl Peace of Defense Intelligence.
If you’d like to attend this year’s program you can visit their website at www.infosecuritywomen.com. To nominate someone for a Woman of Influence Award, you can access the nomination papers at http://public.cxo.com/awards/WOI_2008_application.html.
I've been attending the EWF since its inception in 2002 and find it one of the most targeted and valuable conferences for information security and risk management professionals. As Bob points out, infosec is a male dominated field and the EWF presents an unparalleled opportunity for a large group of women executives to trade ideas and information and network with other women in the field in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. If you're an executive women in the information security and risk management space, this is one conference you don't want to miss!
Thank you for the kind words about the EWF. I have been a proud member and sponsor of this event for the past few years and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this group. Never before have I seen such talent, expertise and professionalism come together as I have during EWF events. I encourage every women in our industry to join and every C-Level executive to encourage their employees to participate. The benefits of sharing, learning and expanding thought leadership are worth it!
I have had the good fortune of attending many of the EWF events. It’s hard for me to convey the honor and privilege I have felt getting to know such an amazing and accomplished group of women over the years. The EWF ranks are filled with a veritable who’s who of women leaders. I only wish that the EWF had existed when I started my career in infosec back in 1996. The EWF (Raoul specifically) would have come in handy during those lonely early years.
Bob,
Thanks for your kind words about the EWF. This year we have an awesome agenda , our program is Building a Holistic Risk Approach: The Power of Leveraging. Our web site has lots of information about the event.
If anyone would like to speak with me personally about the EWF or the amazing women that are part of our community, feel free to call me at 908-806-8442.
Joyce Brocaglia, CEO
Alta Associates, Inc.
Founder Executive Women's Forum
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