CyberRisk Alliance Expands the Women at InfoSec World Leadership and Career Development Program

Expanded October 14 program will bring together cybersecurity leaders and professionals across career stages

ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- InfoSec World, the premier education and networking event for senior information security and cybersecurity professionals, today announced an expanded Women at InfoSec World program for 2026, taking place Wednesday, October 14, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando.

Building on the success of last year’s program, this year’s experience will feature a half day dedicated to leadership, career development and community building. Through first-person storytelling, candid conversations, interactive programming and structured mentoring, the program will address the real challenges and opportunities professionals encounter as they build and sustain careers in cybersecurity.

While designed to celebrate and elevate women in cybersecurity, Women at InfoSec World is intentionally open to all genders and career stages. The program recognizes that creating stronger pathways for women requires participation across the cybersecurity community, including leaders, colleagues, mentors, sponsors and allies who can help shape more inclusive teams and workplaces.

The program is being developed by Britt Erler Kvartuč, Vice President, Event Content & Strategy at CyberRisk Alliance, in collaboration with Anne Saita, Content Lead for Women at InfoSec World.

“We were very intentional about creating a program that feels different from a traditional conference track,” said Britt Erler Kvartuč. “Some of the most valuable career lessons don’t come from a presentation. They come from hearing how someone navigated a difficult decision, having an honest conversation with a peer, or getting a few minutes of advice from the right person at the right time. We designed Women at InfoSec World to create more of those moments and give attendees something they can only get by being in the room together.”

Women at InfoSec World 2026 Program Highlights

From Practitioner to Leader: Stories That Changed the Field
Cybersecurity professionals share pivotal moments and turning points that shaped their careers, offering candid lessons for attendees navigating their own paths to leadership. Confirmed speakers include Melia Dukes, Farmers Insurance; Akhila Nama, Box Inc.; Tamra Durfee, Fortified Health Security; and Alicia Kelleher, Elastic.

The CISO Path Is Yours to Design: Non-Linear Routes to the Top
A candid fireside conversation explores building a cybersecurity career on your own terms, including unexpected pivots, non-linear paths, ambition, leadership and creating space for life outside of work. Confirmed speakers include Heverin Joy Williams, McDonald’s Corporation, and Candice Biamby, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Pressure, Boundaries & Burnout: A Real Conversation
An interactive workshop explores the less-discussed realities of cybersecurity careers, including on-call culture, caregiving, burnout and setting boundaries while continuing to grow professionally. The workshop will be facilitated by Amy Gutman, ToughLoveMD.

Build the Team You Wished You'd Had: Sponsorship, Allyship & Leading for Inclusion
Security leaders share personal experiences and practical perspectives on sponsorship, allyship and building more inclusive teams. Confirmed panelists include Deidre Diamond, CyberSN; Mel Kolinski, Alliance of Channel Women; David Doyle, Malama Advisory; and Donna Ross, Radian.

The Sponsor Effect: Speed Mentoring & Community Connections
Structured speed mentoring connects attendees directly with experienced cybersecurity leaders for focused conversations, practical guidance and relationship-building designed to extend beyond the event. Confirmed mentors include Deidre Diamond, CyberSN; Mel Kolinski, Alliance of Channel Women; Candice Biamby, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; and Akhila Nama, Box Inc.

Women at InfoSec World is open to all genders and career stages and is included with every InfoSec World pass.

Learn more about Women at InfoSec World and register for InfoSec World 2026. Use code ISW26-SCRSVP when registering.

About InfoSec World Conference & Expo

For more than 30 years, information security professionals have recognized InfoSec World Conference & Expo as the must-attend “Business of Security” conference. Produced by CyberRisk Alliance (CRA), InfoSec World attracts senior information security professionals from all industry sectors to experience distinctive content, training, peer networking and engagement with leading technology and service companies. Learn more at infosecworldusa.com.

About CyberRisk Alliance

CyberRisk Alliance provides business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, accelerate careers, and make smarter and faster decisions. Through its trusted information brands, network of experts, and more than 250 annual events, CRA delivers actionable insights and serves as a powerful extension of cybersecurity marketing teams. Its brands include SC World, the Official Cybersecurity Summits, Identiverse, InfoSec World, CyberRisk Collaborative, Security Weekly, ChannelPro, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, ExecWeb, LaunchTech Communications, and CyberRisk TV.

Learn more at www.cyberriskalliance.com.

Matthew Russell
CyberRisk Alliance
press@cyberriskalliance.com
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