Show-Me State Times

Students from Saint Louis University (SLU) and Maryville University, both members of the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) chapters, joined forces on October 11 for an event aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the United States. The event, called CyberStrong: Building the Cybersecurity Workforce of the Future, featured a tabletop exercise developed by government experts and sponsored by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Organizers hope to make the conference an annual opportunity for students to gain practical experience and professional development.

Maria Weber, director of Cybersecurity and Information Systems Master’s Programs at SLU, said, “This joint event between SLU and Maryville exemplifies how academic collaboration can fuel innovation in cyber research and defense. Through the leadership of our WiCyS chapters, we are not only empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, but also providing them with the hands-on experience and interdisciplinary perspective needed to address today’s most pressing digital security challenges.”

The event also included a panel discussion hosted by the Global Cybersecurity Center, a nonprofit organization that brings together senior cybersecurity leaders to address the workforce talent gap. According to the World Economic Forum, there is a global shortage of more than 4 million cybersecurity professionals, and women make up less than 20 percent of cybersecurity teams in the United States.

SLU’s Cybersecurity Center, part of the School for Professional Studies, is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. The center focuses on technical skill development, ethical leadership, and practical training in areas such as network security, cloud security, digital forensics, and cyber defense.

Lenna Maridi, a second-year master’s student in cybersecurity and president of the WiCyS Student Chapter at SLU, said, “Events like this bring together students from different universities, backgrounds, and experiences, creating a space where diverse voices and perspectives are respected and valued. They allow students to engage directly with industry professionals, ask questions freely, and receive thoughtful, genuine answers without fear of judgment. This open exchange of ideas encourages inclusion and growth for everyone involved and strengthens the cybersecurity community by fostering mentorship and representation.”

Saint Louis University, founded in 1818, is a Catholic research institution offering education to more than 13,300 students. It is recognized as an R1 research university for its contributions to research and innovation.

Maryville University, established in 1872, is a private institution with over 9,000 students enrolled. The university offers more than 90 degree programs at various levels and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private universities in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education.