Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Launches GRC Intensive Training Program
The cyber landscape is ever-evolving, and with it comes the increasing importance of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles. Recognizing this urgency, the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) organization has taken a significant step forward by launching its new Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Intensive Training Program. This 14-week, cohort-based initiative is specifically designed for early to mid-career cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with crucial, real-world skills that are in high demand.
A Rising Demand for GRC Professionals
As organizations prioritize risk management, security governance, and regulatory compliance, GRC roles have become essential. Professionals in these roles are tasked with assessing risk, communicating security posture, and ensuring that technical controls align with broader business objectives. The WiCyS GRC Intensive Training Program aims to fill this critical gap by providing participants with applied learning experiences that connect directly to the needs of the industry.
Curriculum Designed by Experts
At the helm of this initiative is Mea Clift, the Founder and Lead Instructor of the program. With extensive experience guiding organizations through complex risk management and compliance challenges, Clift’s expertise is invaluable. The curriculum includes foundational GRC concepts, NIST risk management frameworks, policy development, control implementation, and supporting methodologies, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
In her own words, Clift emphasizes the significance of integrating various components of cybersecurity: “Cybersecurity has so many facets… Understanding that interplay… is imperative for professionals in the space. GRC provides that visibility…"
Hands-On Learning Experience
A standout feature of the GRC Intensive Training Program is its focus on hands-on, experiential learning. Participants will engage in practical exercises designed to simulate real-world scenarios, fostering knowledge that might otherwise be hard to acquire without direct experience. Clift highlights this aspect, stating, “It can be one of the most enlightening educational paths to take in the field. It is so energizing to see students go from only basic understanding at the beginning of the course to being able to present a security posture by the end.”
Empowering Future Leaders
The launch of the GRC program is a critical component of WiCyS’s broader mission to expand access to high-impact professional development opportunities targeted at women in cybersecurity. Lynn Dohm, the executive director of WiCyS, expresses the organization’s commitment: “The GRC Intensive Training Program reflects our commitment to making comprehensive cybersecurity education more accessible to women around the world.”
The program encourages early to mid-career professionals to build essential skills through collaborative, hands-on activities, providing participants with the confidence and practical knowledge needed to excel in GRC roles.
Application Details
Aspiring participants should mark their calendars: applications for the first cohort will open on January 7, 2026, and close on January 26, 2026. The program will officially kick off on February 23, 2026, running through June 25, 2026.
Real-World Tools and Peer Collaboration
Participants in the GRC Intensive Training Program will benefit from access to industry feedback and real-world tools like Compyl. This integration of structured instruction, peer collaboration, and use of practical tools aims to enrich the learning experience and ensure that graduates leave with both confidence and competence.
In a landscape where cybersecurity needs are more pressing than ever, the WiCyS GRC Intensive Training Program stands as a beacon of opportunity for women looking to carve out impactful careers in this vital field. The program is not just an educational initiative; it is a forward-thinking response to the challenges faced by organizations today, aimed at empowering the next generation of women cybersecurity leaders.
