Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) has opened the application process for its upcoming leadership development initiative, Create Your Leading Edge. The 12-week virtual programme specifically addresses the career plateaus frequently experienced by female professionals after spending six to ten years in the security sector.
Figures from the WiCyS State of Inclusion Benchmark Report indicate that women in the industry face significant stagnation during this mid-level career phase. Conversely, research from the N2K Cyber Talent study shows that members of the organisation regularly outperform their industry peers, even when occupying advanced technical roles. The new initiative is designed to provide practical tools to change this industry trend.
Industry veteran Karen Worstell will lead the immersive sessions. Historical data from the scheme reveals that more than 50 per cent of previous participants successfully secured a promotion or an increased salary within three months of finishing the course.
The training syllabus comprises weekly 90-minute sessions, curated study material and optional live group coaching. Participants will study strategic techniques to navigate standard meritocracy frameworks, manage personal energy states and address systemic workplace challenges. The training also teaches candidates how to apply strategic intuition for corporate decision-making, handle their personal sphere of control and navigate the historical roots of tech industry culture. Furthermore, the curriculum covers how fundamental human needs drive career satisfaction and requires attendees to secure an executive sponsor by the tenth week.
The initiative is open exclusively to first-time domestic and international WiCyS members working at a mid-career level. The organisation enforces strict participation guidelines, requiring full engagement and perfect attendance with video cameras switched on during all virtual interactions.
Applications opened on 22 June at 8:00 AM CT and will close on 6 July at 5:00 PM CT. Successful candidates will receive acceptance notifications by the end of the day on 13 July, with a deadline to submit commitment forms by 17 July at 5:00 PM CT. Digital badges and final instructions will be distributed on 21 July, followed by an introductory launch webinar on 23 July from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM CT.
The core training cohort will run weekly on Mondays from 10 August until 26 October 2026. Sessions take place from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM CT, with one operational adjustment to Tuesday, 8 September, owing to the American Labour Day holiday.
