Washington, DC January 14, 2016 (PRWEB) January 14, 2016
The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP) today announced that it had awarded its first cybersecurity scholarship to Derry Sadongo.
Despite the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals globally it remains an area where there is a significant shortage of skilled security professionals. The ICMCP scholarship awards, including its voucher certification program, were established to promote the inclusion of underrepresented and untapped minorities in the next generation of cybersecurity practitioners.
In accepting the award Sadongo, a recent Ohio high school graduate who relocated to the Washington D.C. Metro area to pursue a career in cybersecurity, said: “I have moved from Columbus, Ohio to D.C. Metro in order to dive more into the cybersecurity space. I left behind my family and friends in order to further my career. I came with the goal of completing my professional certifications and finding opportunities that will help me become a well rounded cybersecurity professional”
In presenting the award to Sadongo at the Corporate Headquarters of Verizon Business Services in McLean Virginia, Andrew Bonillo, Director Cybersecurity and Public Safety, Verizon Business Services and ICMCP Strategic Advisory Board Member commented, “It is truly rewarding to a part of an organization that is having such a meaningful impact and changing the lives of so many deserving students who might not otherwise have these opportunities.”
Sadongo further stated, “the goal was for me was to save up more money to buy the vouchers to study for the Comp TIA Network+ and Security+ certifications to begin with.. This awards gives me a good base and makes me a more attractive candidate for internships and entry level positions that will help me develop my skills.”
In awarding the certification vouchers, the Chairman of ICMCP’s Strategic Advisory Board, Julian Waits commented, “This is hopefully the first of many thousands of certification vouchers and scholarship awards our non-profit will be making as we build our pipeline of diverse practitioners.
“Our upcoming National Conference being held March 23 – 24 in Washington DC will provide our largest opportunity to make several awards to deserving future practitioners, thanks to the very generous support of our sponsors.”
The National Conference will facilitate a national dialogue toward enhancing opportunities in cybersecurity education and increase employment opportunities for minorities.
TO REGISTER: http://conference.icmcp.org/
For questions email: nationalconference(at)icmcp(dot)org
Web: http://www.icmcp.org
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icmcp_org
About ICMCP
The ICMCP is a volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Launched in 2014, the ICMCP is working to bridge the gap in the cybersecurity sector by providing scholarship opportunities, technical training programs, innovative outreach, mentoring and networking programs targeting women and minority cybersecurity professionals worldwide and by promoting academic and technical excellence in the industry.