The Diana Initiative is a non-profit 501c3 corporation based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Their objective is to empower, inspire, and support women and non-binary persons of all colors, ethnicities, and backgrounds at every step of their information security careers through education, collaboration, and resources available online and at inclusive and welcoming conferences.
The Diana Initiative conducts a two-day conference highlighting diversity, women in security, and how to pursue a career in information security and technology at Hacker Summer Camp. They are a conference dedicated to Women, Diversity, and Inclusion in Information Security, and they welcome people of all genders, sexual orientations, and skill levels.
The Diana Initiative includes a variety of speaker tracks, completely extended villages with hands-on workshops, and a Capture the Flag event directed by women.
I’m seeing more events promoting “Women In Cybersecurity” which is a positive signal especially when you realize that women comprise roughly 10% of the cybersecurity workforce.
The Diana Initiative Mission:
Elevate, Inspire, and Support women, non-binary and transgender people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds through every stage of their Information Security career with Education, Collaboration, and Resources offered online and at inclusive & welcoming conferences.
The Diana Initiative Is:
A diversity-driven conference committed to helping all underrepresented genders, sexualities, races and cultures in Information Security. The Diana Initiative features multiple speaker tracks, fully expanded villages with hands-on workshops, and a women-led Capture the Flag event.
Interview
We interviewed Virginia Robbins, CEO, and co-founder of The Diana Initiative and asked her a bunch of questions, which we are delighted to be able to share below.
What’s The “Best Thing” About The Diana Initiative?
This year’s theme (2021) is “Breaking Boundaries – Byte by Byte. Featuring fan favorites from past events with a new twist:
x2 Speaking Tracks, both days
Streaming right to your device, watch and interact from the comfort of home. Chat will be available for asking questions. Interested in presenting? Our CFP is open
Career Village
Meet and speak with representatives from companies that are looking to hire, get tips on how to improve your resume, and practice interviews.
Maker Village
Hey #BadgeLife: We’ll be building DIY Blinky Badges – so you can get your components early. There may also be some other maker-related presentations.
Lockpicking Village
Lockpick Extreme is back with an Intro to Lock Picking workshop – separate registration will be required.
Capture The Flag
An all-ages and all skill levels event spanning both days. Beginners Workshop will be presented before the start of the competition.
How Would You Like To See Your Event(s) Evolve?
We would like in future years to expand to other areas and deliver Diana Initiative track and village to other events as well.
What Do You Look For In Speakers And Their Presentations?
We look for the following points when receiving CFP Submissions:
Can the reader clearly tell who the audience is?
What will the reader and audience learn?
What are the points the speaker is stressing for the audience to be able to take home?
The abstract should be compelling and informative for the audience. A speaker abstract acts as the marketing pitch to the audience and the CFP team.
It helps if a speaker provides an outline for CFP reviewers to potentially consider. Outlines can show the work the speaker has put in to be able to tell a cohesive story with a good flow. They also can show the objectives mentioned in the abstract will be covered.
Detail any demos or references the speaker intends to provide to the audience in the submission.
Anything Else You’d Like To Share?
Our CFP is now open!
Share your passion, knowledge, and perspective with us, now is the time!
What’s Your Prediction for 2021 In A Post-Covid-19 World? Will Virtual Events Take Over Or Will We See A Return To The “Traditional Physical Events” Format?
I think we might see a lot more virtual events. Additionally, traditional physical events will probably have more virtual components to accommodate participants that might not want to attend the physical aspect but still want to be involved and connect.
In summary
I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Virginia for agreeing to answer my questions above and we wish The Diana Initiative the best of luck!
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