2024 Women in Information Technology Conference
Registration is open!
Scott Community College Urban Campus
101 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801
Join us for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges' (EICC) eighth annual Women in Information Technology (WIT) Conference at Scott Community College Urban Campus in downtown Davenport. The one-day conference is open to all. Women working in technology-related fields, current students, and women who might be considering a technology career are encouraged to register.
Through breakout and keynote sessions, participants will learn about cyber security, project management, new innovations in technology, career search and interview skills, what it like for women in the work place, and more. Lunch is included with the cost of registration.
Keynote
College to Career: The Pathway from Internship to Professional
As with any pursuit of a higher education degree, the ultimate goal is often to obtain a full-time role within the desired career field. The connection between "book learning" and the "real world" is often hard to see. Hear from a panel of former students and employers on the importance of the student internship as a final step in the student's degree program and the role that internship employers play in helping prepare students for their careers. We will discuss some soft skills employers want but find students are challenged to build while serving in this professional environment.
Panelists: Danielle DaGama (EICC), Jennylyn Yerrington (Scott County Government) and DaLayne Williamson (Chief of Staff - ProCircular)
Breakout Sessions
In this captivating presentation, titled "Breaking Barriers: From Complete Newb to Penetration Tester - Unleashing Your Potential in Cyber Security," I will take you on an inspiring journey through my personal experience as a woman breaking into the Cyber Security field as a Penetration Tester, despite starting with zero experience. This presentation is more than just my story. It is a call to action for women like me who aspire to thrive in the world of cybersecurity. As I share my journey, I will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help other women find affordable and time-manageable resources to pursue their dream careers in this male-dominated field. Drawing from my own experiences, I will discuss the professional approaches necessary to reach the positions we desire. I firmly believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to wake up excited about their work in Cyber Security, and I am here to share tips on how I navigated this intimidating field in the mind of a complete newb. Join me in this empowering presentation as we break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity industry. Let's unleash our potential and make our mark in this exciting field.
Presenter: Alexis Diediker - A+ | Net+ | Sec+ | PenTest+ | GFACT | PNPT Cyber Security Associate, ProCircular
Have you ever felt like your personality didn't quite fit your department? Or that communicating with some people was much harder than with others? This session will explore personalities within the tech field using the DiSC framework. The discussion will include examples and stories about adapting communication styles, specifically in the IT field. You will gain insight into your own style while developing strategies for working with different styles.
Presenter: Jessica Fah
You just completed a large project and met with the client and your manager. They make nothing but positive comments about the process and the results. As you walk back to your office you have that same uneasy feeling as you feel that you somehow don't deserve praise or measure up to the others who completed other projects. You are not alone, even Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein internalized similar thoughts - no matter how much success they achieved. Researchers have identified these feelings as imposter syndrome. This interactive session will help you learn about imposter syndrome and identify what type you may be experiencing. Second, you will be given strategies you can use to overcome some of its negative impacts. Finally, you will be provided with various resources you can use to further your understanding.
Presenters: Karen O'Loughlin, Michelle E. Ruse, and Anita Wood, Computer Science Instructor
Presenter: Stacey Singleton, Senior Regional Director with Robert Half
Discover companies' hiring plans in 2024 and what skills they are looking for. Uncover the latest trends in compensation, benefits, and perks, ensuring you're well-informed and empowered in navigating the evolving employment landscape. Explore what's happening in the technology industry and how to stand out in today's competitive job market.
Presenter: Kristen Hedlin, Senior Client Soutions Director with Robert Half
Jumping into cybersecurity at a small-medium size company can be a daunting task especially if there is no established cyber security program or soc. Where do you even start? How do you find the tools? We will discuss and demo some of the tools that can be used to defend an organization against cyber attacks including both paid and free tools.
Presenter: Julie Anderson, CISSP (and CCSP pending final approval) has a combined 20+ years of experience in IT and IT security. Previously an IT Officer at a community bank, she moved into an IT Security role at a growing engineering firm while completing her Masters in Cyber Defense. She is the mom of a cute toddler. She and her husband Luke run marathons and other road races around the area.
Have any session ideas?
Please email Shelly Lowery at sllowery@eicc.edu.
Call for Sponsors
Sponsors are also welcome! More more information, visit eicc.edu/WITDonation.