The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Cyber Arena is partnering with the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, with support from the Arkansas Department of Education, to host an “Empowering Women in Cybersecurity” event in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8. Participants can attend virtually or in person at the Innovation Hub, 204 E 4th St., North Little Rock.

“With women representing just over 10 percent of the cybersecurity workforce, events like these are so important for young women to see cybersecurity as a viable career choice,” said Sandra Leiterman, managing director of the UA Little Rock Cyber Arena.

The keynote speaker is Beth-Anne Bygum, chief security and compliance officer for Acxiom. The event will also feature a panel discussion with women who work in cybersecurity careers and a question-and-answer forum. The panelists include La’Mia Crutchfield, a senior at Bryant High School; Sarah Humphries, a sophomore at Lake Hamilton High School; Alexandria Cade of Acxiom; and Sarah Puolton of BreachBits.

Girls in grades 6-12 as well as middle school and high school teachers are invited to join the night’s activities to learn more about cybersecurity careers and women in cybersecurity.

Participants will also have the opportunity to choose from several hands-on activities to learn about different careers in the cybersecurity field.

Participants may register for the event via this link.