FOCUS: Diversifying the Cybersecurity Workforce

When:  Jan 21, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 05:00 PM (ET)
Associated with  NSF INCLUDES National Network
Help shift the narrative!

2021 has brought the current state of diversity in the cybersecurity workforce into view, with webinars, blog posts and publications. Greater diversity could expand and enhance the cybersecurity talent pool, but little is known about the factors that actively influence the interest, engagement, development, recruitment, retention, and advancement of broadening participation in cybersecurity functions and roles.

To encourage community discussions on these critical issues, the Cybersecurity Skills Journal (CSJ) is seeking proposals for FOCUS (Facilitated, online conversations) Group sessions on specific challenge and persistent problems related to issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the cybersecurity workforce. Discussions from these FOCUS Group sessions will result in a Dialogue, a new type of manuscript that captures a discussion among stakeholders about emerging issues, dilemmas or previously insurmountable challenges to cybersecurity skill assessment, development, recruitment, or evaluation.

We invite NSF INCLUDES members to attend the FOCUS group sessions and join in the conversation on Friday, January 21, 2022, with sessions starting at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM (Eastern). Free registration for the FOCUS group sessions is open now.

Would you like to propose a discussion topic?

If you are interested in sharing experiences or outcomes from current cybersecurity DEI efforts or brainstorming on potential DEI interventions, we encourage you to submit a proposal for a FOCUS session. Please review our Call for Facilitated Virtual Focus Groups to learn how discussions from accepted proposals can be readily adapted into a Dialogue published in the upcoming Special Issue of the Cybersecurity Skills Journal. Please submit your idea by Friday, December 31, 2022.