• 50 Women in cybersecurity is a first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking skilling initiative in Kuwait created by Mercedes Vazquez, funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, with the local support of Kuwait’s National Center for Cybersecurity, hosted at the American University of Kuwait.

“The 50 Women in Cybersecurity in Kuwait” is a first-of-its-kind skilling initiative created by Mercedes Vazquez as an award-winning technology executive known for her public actions in innovation, economic and community-development, in an increasingly interconnected world to address the role of women in a field that is ever-growing and to boost the economic inclusion as a baseline for active economic participation, addressing the role of women to bridge a digital divide for a resilient and thriving digitized prosperous future for all. According to public statistics released in 2023, women held 25% of roles in cybersecurity globally and only 1% of them were in cybersecurity leadership roles.

“The 50 Women in Cybersecurity in Kuwait” pioneering skilling initiative created by Mercedes Vazquez, is organized by ESK Holding, funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait with local Kuwaiti Government alignment of the National Center for Cybersecurity.

Over 200 applicants representing multiple Public Sector & Private sector entities in Kuwait had submitted their application to register to this first-of-its-kind initiative in Kuwait and 50 diverse talents were selected, every application was subject to a thorough review process by a selection committee.

On October 20 & 21, 2023 the first phase of the “50 Women in Cybersecurity in Kuwait” took place at the American University of Kuwait.

The Department of State works together with partners to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable information and communications infrastructure that supports international trade and commerce, strengthens international security, and fosters free expression and innovation.

“I am passionate about the transformative power of education and throughout my career I relentlessly advocate for the role of women in technology and we are thrilled to provide the cybersecurity tools that the selected 50 participants need to succeed & thrive while building cyber resiliency in a complex and ever evolving cyber landscape. The response received has far exceeded our initial expectations and it feels amazing to be able to touch upon the academic journey and future career of 50 women in Kuwait. Equipping tomorrow’s leaders with future proof skills today, while fostering upskilling and reskilling for economic competitiveness and boosting the role of women as a baseline for active economic development, while removing the stigma and misperception traditionally linked to cybersecurity careers. I have thoroughly architected this initiative in over 10 months, to ensure the holistic, multi-layered & rigorous approach to cyber resiliency” Mercedes Vazquez, creator of the 50 women in cybersecurity in Kuwait and General Manager at ESK Holding.

“Cybersecurity, and innovation across the wider digital field, is the next great step forward for humanity. Women are an equal part of this step. So if we don’t include them, we’re all the poorer for it. This initiative cracks that glass ceiling, letting more light shine down and giving the next generation of young women the chance to learn, innovate, and excel” Austin May, American Public Affairs Expert

The first phase of the cybersecurity skilling initiative was delivered by the following experts who came to Kuwait from the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

  • Mr. Mohamed Farid, Counselor for Public Affairs. U.S. Embassy in Kuwait
  • Chief Warrant Officer Shambrella S. McLendon, Advisor, Office for Military Cooperation- Kuwait
  • Mr. Saad Mumen, CEO at QEB, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Mr. Austin May, American Public Affairs Expert
  • Major Sandra Wright, Manager Spectrum Planning & International, Federal Aviation Administration

In a wider context, the “50 Women in Cybersecurity in Kuwait” nation-wide skilling initiative is also addressing Kuwait’s Vision 2035 through the pillars of human capital, tech-enabled GDP growth & world-class education.

The second phase of the “50 Women in Cybersecurity in Kuwait” will take place on October 27 & 28, 2023 with an innovative hackathon with the posture of innovation, enabling cyber resilience and securing based on the holistic & rigorous academic impact that the 50 Women in Cybersecurity had acquired during the first phase.

For inquiries, please contact:
press@esk-holding.com