INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
Diversity Special Interest Group
This international Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to serve as a nexus where academia and industry converge. It aims to provide opportunities for shared innovation, knowledge exchange, practice exchange, and transformative collaboration.
International Co-chairs:
Dr. Deanne Cranford-Wesley (USA) & Steph Aldridge (UK)
About the Diversity Special Interest Group (SIG)
The Diversity SIG explores issues related to diversity in cyber education, shaped by a wide range of factors including, but not limited to:
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Fundamental rights and principles of equality.
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Barriers to entry – structural, cognitive, attitudinal.
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Diversity and career lifecycle dynamics.
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Intersectional factors – ethnicity, gender, socio-economics, neurodiversity, disability.
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Geographical distribution of resources.
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Assessment of what works.
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Creating demand and spotting talent.
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Champions, role models, mentors, coaches, parents, teachers, careers advisers.
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Marketing and messaging.
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Recruitment of unicorns/people in our own image.​
Connect. Collaborate. Innovate
How to get involved!
New Diversity SIG collaborators are very welcome. Here are some suggestions for how collaborators can get involved:
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Attend events and meetings
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Contribute to discussions
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Present or facilitate sessions
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Collaborate on projects
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Share resources and good practice
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Provide feedback and suggestions
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Promote the group
Benefits of getting involved!
There are many benefits to participating in an international SIG. Examples include:
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Networking opportunities
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Professional development opportunities
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Knowledge and practice sharing
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Collaboration and partnership
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Advocacy and influence
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Recognition and visibility
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Access to resources
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Personal growth
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Altruism (community and support)
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Career advancement evidence
Who can join the Diversity Special Interest Group?
This SIG is open to international participants who have an interest. For example:
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Academics, educators and administrators from schools, colleges, and universities.
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Government officials and policymakers involved in cybersecurity education initiatives.
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Industry professionals in cyber security, and related fields.
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Students, graduates and career changers interested in pursuing careers in cyber security.