WiCyS Student Chapter at Prahran High School!

Hi, my name is Mariam Almezaiyin. I'm a 15-year-old year 10 student at Prahran High School. I joined WiCys in April as a Vouleenter Student Advocate and Graphic Design Assistant. Since then, I've helped develop promotional posters, assisted with curriculum planning and the AISA conference. But, my most recent accomplishment is opening the first Australian WiCyS student chapter.

When I first pitched the idea to school faculty members, I received an encouraging, supportive response. Everyone was so enthusiastic about supporting young women and girls undertaking cybersecurity and adjacent STEM careers. Additionally, for the school to have a place for like-minded students to encourage, support and assist one another.

I have yet to promote the student chapter since it got approved this weekend; however, I've planned a promotional campaign for it. I intend to hold a talk/activity session hosted by cybersecurity professionals and WiCyS members to educate students on the field via interactive activities, speeches, career panels and hand-outs. After introducing students to the concept, I'll promote memberships. Prahran High School is running a fundraiser for BKFA (Birthing Kit Foundation Australia), which provides sterile birthing/surgical kits to women in developing countries to prevent birthing complications. For the first 20 student membership bought, my mother and I will donate $5 to the fundraiser.

There is a shortage of women/people in cybersecurity and a lack in High School students' knowledge of the field. I want to aid in bridging that gap by introducing cybersecurity to the future workforce and hopefully inspiring other schools to incorporate it as one of their resources. My first goal is to educate and enrich students about possible cybersecurity careers and inspire their pursuit. After which, I will connect motivated students with resources such as (ISC2) courses to hopefully get certified over the holidays and tutors/mentees to assist them along their journey. WiCyS has allowed me to gain insight into the industry and develop hard/transferable skills for future use. All students should have this opportunity to prepare for future jobs and the ability to access resources such as scholarships, networking events, courses, etc.

Mariam Almezaiyin, Volunteer Student Advocate and Graphic Design Assistant, WiCyS Australia