Hera was founded with a mission to create an inclusive, supportive space in the cybersecurity industry where people can thrive - especially if those people are underrepresented in the space. Our commitment to elevating women, non-binary, and other underrepresented groups comes directly from Hera's founder, Sam Armstrong. Sam has been a stalwart advocate for representation in tech throughout her career, and as she puts it - ''Our work is just getting started.''
The reality of the cybersecurity industry is that the overwhelming majority of teams are male-dominated, making up approximately 80% of the workforce. Although there have recently been more efforts to enact positive change, women and other gender identities face significant challenges due to their underrepresentation and lack of advocacy in our industry. Gender bias, both conscious and unconscious, persists in hiring practices, promotions, and daily interactions. This bias leads to talented individuals being overlooked for leadership roles, and limiting opportunities for learning and growth. This bias also manifests in the form of skepticism towards an individual’s technical skillset or strategic acumen, reinforcing the need to constantly prove themselves in ways their male counterparts might not.
Furthermore, marginalized gender groups in our industry often struggle to find mentorship and sponsorshipfrom individuals who can relate to them and guide them through the complexities of this rapidly evolving industry. The scarcity of women and other gender identities in senior positions in cybersecurity inherently means that there are fewer role models for these aspiring professionals to look up to, which sets up a vicious cycle of individuals missing out on essential career guidance, opportunities, and advocacy.
These are just a few of the many specific challenges that people of underrepresented genders face every day in cybersecurity and similar industries globally.
Despite all of these challenges, countless women, non-binary, and non-gender conforming individuals are making significant strides and contributions to their fields - in Canada and around the world. Organizations that consciously fight gender biases, such as prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, can help mitigate these challenges as well. By addressing gender bias, promoting mentorship and sponsorship, ensuring pay equity, and offering flexible work options, the industry can create a more inclusive landscape whereunderrepresented groups can thrive and advance in their careers.
Our strategy to counter these institutional issues is to provide the following targeted support services, with plans of expanding these in the near future.
Personalized guidance can be transformative. We pair individuals with experienced mentors who are leaders in the cybersecurity field who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy. These mentors, whom are all trailblazers from marginalized communities themselves, offer not only their technical expertise but also invaluable insights into navigating the industry’s unique challenges. Through this one-on-one interaction, mentees can receive tailored advice, develop essential skills, and strategize on career advancement, all within a framework of trust and confidentiality. This program goes beyond mere skill-building; it’s a nurturing relationship that empowers people to break barriers, build confidence, and take charge of their professional journeys.
We recognize the pivotal role continuous learning and community engagement play in the professional growth of women, non-binary, and non-gender conforming individuals in cybersecurity. To support this, we offer “Regular Webinars” as a key part of our initiative to elevate underrepresented genders in the field. These webinars are meticulously designed to cover a wide array of topics, from the latest technical skills in cybersecurity to career development strategies and overcoming workplace challenges.
Led by the founder of Hera herself, as well as a diverse group of leaders in the industry, these sessions not only provide valuable insights and knowledge but also foster a supportive community where participants can connect, share experiences, and encourage one another. Our webinars are more than just educational sessions; they are a platform for empowerment, dialogue, and inspiration, helping to break down barriers and open up opportunities for career advancement.
Our learning and networking events are designed to create spaces where people can learn new skills, share experiences, and connect with other professionals in the field. These events range from technical workshops to leadership seminars, addressing the broad spectrum of professional development.
We provide these meetups – and all of our support services – so that our community can stay ahead of industry trends, enhance their skill sets, and build a network of supportive peers and mentors, all essential elements for a thriving career in this dynamic field.
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our support services. We understand that these challenges are complex and multifaceted, requiring a sustained and comprehensive approach. By addressing these pain points directly and providing supportive solutions, we aim to create a cybersecurity industry where people of historically marginalized groups are not only present, but are thriving, leading, and shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Sam Armstrong
Founder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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Studying Cybersecurity?
If you're a high school or post-secondary student with a passion for cybersecurity, your journey starts here. Connect with us to unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and support specifically designed for young people like you. Let's lay the groundwork for a thriving career in cybersecurity together.
Entering Cybersecurity?
Stepping into the cybersecurity industry can be both exciting and challenging. If you're a person of an underrepresented group who has recently started your cybersecurity career, Hera is here to support you. Get in touch with us to access mentorship, training, and a network that will help you navigate and excel in your new professional landscape.
Established in Cybersecurity?
For the experienced people in cybersecurity looking to elevate their careers even further, Hera offers advanced resources and a supportive community to help you achieve your goals. Contact us to learn about our mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities, and how you can contribute to supporting and inspiring the next generation.
We believe that in order to protect our forward-thinking clients against their next cyber threat, we need to be the next leaders in our space, too. Are you ready to help us build a safer, better digital world for everyone?
Operating out of Toronto, ON, Canada
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