Leiterman Hopes to Encourage Girls to Pursue Cybersecurity Careers at Oct. 23 Event
Sandra Leiterman, managing director of the UA Little Rock Cyber Arena, knows how important it is to encourage girls who are interested in pursuing a career in a technology field.
The professional industry has a limited number of women in the field, and many girls lose interest during the formative junior high and high school years. That’s what Leiterman and her team of women leaders in technology are hoping to change with the Women in Cyber Event: Empowering Future Cybersecurity Leaders.
“Women currently only represent 11% of the cybersecurity field, so we hope events like this will inspire girls who are interested in cybersecurity and technology careers to pursue their dreams,” she said. “We have a critical need to fill cybersecurity roles in Arkansas and the country, and it’s a rewarding career. Cybersecurity has a lot of different options that appeal to many different talent strengths. There are so many aspects of cybersecurity that there is a need and place for everybody.”
Leiterman is one of four women leaders who are planning the Oct. 23 event at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. The rest of the leadership team includes Tina Moore, director of workforce development for the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, Mary Beth Hatch, coordinator of school innovation for the North Little Rock School District, and Errin Stanger, director of the Innovation Hub.
The free event will be held in person at the Innovation Hub, 204 E. 4th St. in North Little Rock from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 23. The event celebrates October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The cybersecurity workshop is open to girls in grades 6-12 and food will be provided. The event is a perfect fit for girls interested in exploring cybersecurity and technology related careers. Those interested may register via this online form by Oct. 13.
Girls attending the cybersecurity workshop will meet female cybersecurity experts, participate in hands-on workshops led by local cybersecurity and tech industry professionals, learn about cybersecurity education and career options, and participate in a panel led by women currently working in or pursuing a career in a tech field.
Other presenters for the event include the Little Rock Air Force Base Cybersecurity Squadron, Arkansas Department of Education Computer Science Team, Starbase Arkansas, and EdafioTechnology Partners.
