In March, women around the world are recognized for their contributions to history, culture, and society, and we honor those women, past and present, who fought for equality and women’s rights.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting one of our volunteers, Cassandra Dacus, and her incredible work championing diversity and inclusion in the cyber profession. Dacus is the Atlanta Chapter President of Cyversity, a nonprofit organization that works to achieve greater representation of women, underrepresented minorities, and veterans in the cybersecurity industry.

With over 13 years of experience in the IT profession, Dacus transitioned into cybersecurity to help business partners effectively reduce risk and improve security program maturity. Dacus holds several technical and management certifications including the Certified Information System Security professional (CISSP) and has served on executive leadership teams and boards for various cybersecurity nonprofit organizations.

As a partner with ISC2, Cyversity shares the goal of promoting diversity within the cybersecurity industry and ensuring individuals from all backgrounds are equipped for the exciting and lucrative career opportunities the profession offers. “It is paramount that all talent, including gender, race, ethnicity, and culture are not only included but welcomed in the workforce,” Dacus said.

Dacus views the partnership with ISC2 as “a catalyst for positive change, contributing to the broader goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering learning, building networks, and making a measurable impact in our communities and beyond.” Cyversity and ISC2 have collaborated on several initiatives including networking events for cybersecurity professionals in Atlanta, webinar series highlighting women in security, and expanding Cyversity’s program offerings to include access to ISC2 trainings for entry-level, mid-level and managerial professionals.

“Together, Cyversity and ISC2 can leverage our combined expertise and resources to make a more significant impact on changing the face of cybersecurity, as collective action is our greatest strength in creating a diverse and inclusive cybersecurity profession,” Dacus said.

Dacus emphasizes the importance of recognizing not only the achievements of women during Women’s History Month, but also the struggles and resilience of women throughout history, as the month provides “an opportunity to educate about the overlooked contributions and marginalized narratives of women.” She believes the month serves as a vital reminder on the need for inclusivity, equity, and continued effort to uplift the voices and experiences of women worldwide.

Dacus knows that entry into the cybersecurity field can be challenging, especially for women and underrepresented minorities. Volunteerism and partnerships provide an avenue for individuals looking to break into the field with valuable opportunities to develop skills, grow as leaders, expand their network, and access training programs and mentorship from seasoned professionals. “The value of volunteerism lies in its ability to create priceless opportunities to impact the community and set an individual apart from other job candidates.”