🚀 Diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity aren’t just ideals—they’re essential to building a stronger, more resilient workforce. For the third year in a row, I had the privilege of leading the technical training delivery for the ICTC Cybersecurity Training and Work Integrated Learning Program (CTWIL) in collaboration with Microsoft Canada Philanthropy.

📢 The Results Speak for Themselves!

✅ 211 women students accepted into the program this year (summer and fall cohorts – 548 applications received)

✅ 10 Microsoft Training Bootcamps (7 in English, 3 in French)

✅ 327 certifications earned during summer and fall cohorts!
🛡️ 105 Microsoft Security Foundation (SC-900)
🤖 100 Azure AI Foundation (AI-900)
🌎 122 Azure Cloud Foundation (AZ-900)

✅ Winter experiential learning success:
🔹 19 students secured work placements
🔹 25 engaged in capstone projects
🔹 50 tackling Rogers Catalyst cyber range labs
🔹 60 gaining hands-on experience via Field Effect labs

🚀 And the momentum continues with a growing pipeline of skilled cybersecurity women professionals!

🏆 None of this would have been possible without incredible leadership and dedication:
👏 Maryam Younis, Microsoft CSA – for delivering all French-speaking training!
👏 Marina Ceclan, Alexandria Chiasson, and the ICTC-CTIC team – for their outstanding orchestration and leadership!
👏 Lisa Everett, Magdy Karam, Kevin Magee & Rekha Narang, Microsoft leaders – for being the catalysts who kickstarted and supported this collaborative program three years ago and paved the way for its success!

✨ This program is more than training—it’s a gateway to real-world career opportunities for underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. Women+ and non-binary students are gaining the certifications, mentorship, and work-integrated learning they need to thrive in the industry.

💡 Looking Ahead: More work placements, more opportunities, and more diverse talent entering cybersecurity.

📢 To my network: Let’s continue driving impact together! If you’re looking to hire highly trained students with cybersecurity skills, consider engaging with the ICTC’s program.

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