Forge Institute To Bring Cyber Leaders Together To Discuss Career Opportunities And Workforce Needs In Arkansas As Part Of National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week

Key Facts:

• Forge Institute to kick-off State event for National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week (11/9 at 11:30 AM)

• Names of speakers & panelists announced

• Forge Institute CHALLENGES the community to help raise awareness of cyber careers

LITTLE ROCK, AR, October 21, 2020. Forge Institute in collaboration with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, announces that it will host a virtual event on November 9th, to kick off National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week (NCCAW). During the week individuals (educators, employers and members of the community) are encouraged to get involved in national recognition of how cybersecurity plays a vital role in the lives of Americans and how building a national cybersecurity workforce enhances America’s national security and promotes economic prosperity. 

The current estimate of unfilled jobs nation-wide in cybersecurity is around 350,000 with the expected shortfall to be 3.5 million by late 2021. In Arkansas, the number of open positions is around 1,200 and expected to grow considerably. This incredible deficit of cyber professionals could be filled locally, if we provide Arkansans with better access to the existing career pathways and training resources.

“Our goal is to inspire those who have been considering a career in cybersecurity to take the next step in entering the cybersecurity workforce and educating Arkansas employers on the availability of talent and workforce training opportunities. By connecting Arkansans to some of the employers within the state and by offering consistent, high-quality professional development training, we hope to help fill open jobs, provide for new, high-paying jobs for Arkansans and help build a strong cybersecurity workforce right here in Arkansas.” Lee Watson, CEO, Forge Institute

The virtual event will feature speakers and panel discussions with several leaders in IT/cybersecurity. Attendees can expect a jam-packed event focused on defining what cybersecurity really is, an overview of exciting career opportunities, and an introduction to existing pathways to high-paying cybersecurity jobs.

Speakers & Panelists

Adam Holland, Dir. Security Infrastructure/Insider Trust, GlaxoSmithKline

Lora Vaughn, Sr. Dir. of Security, Fastly

Beth-Anne Bygum, VP, Chief Security Officer, Acxiom

Lee Watson, CEO, Forge Institute

Renee Tarun, Deputy CISO & VP Information Security, Fortinet

Michael Howell, Supervisory Specialist, Cyber Defense Education & Training 

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Anthony Owen, State Dir. Computer Science, AR Dept. of Education

Ryder Buttry, Dir. Strategic Programs & Initiatives, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas

Lt. Col. Christian, Chief, Information Technology Training Center (ITTC) 

National Guard (NG) Professional Education Center (PEC) 

Scott Anderson, Exec. Dir. ACA at Forge Institute

GB Cazes, Founder, The Emory Group LLC

Joe Rollins, Dir. Workforce Development, NWA Council

Bill Yoder, Exec. Dir., Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (ACDS)

In addition to the kickoff event, the Forge Institute team is challenging other Arkansas organizations to get involved during NCCAW. “There are many ways to participate. People can host a workshop or promote career opportunities. The purpose is to inspire the future cybersecurity workforce through experience, opportunities, community resources, and the pathways to success in a cybersecurity career.” Crystal Hartman, Program Manager, Forge Institute