Empowering Women In Their CyberSecurity Careers

Willis College is delighted to announce the Willis College Women in Technology Scholarship (WiT). This scholarship initiative was undertaken to empower women and to help recruit new talent into the rapidly growing sector of CyberSecurity.

One scholarship is awarded to a qualified recipient each year. The scholarship will be administered by the WiT Board of Trustees, who will meet annually to evaluate and award the candidates. The Board of Trustees is comprised of the following exemplary individuals, who are recognized leaders in their fields:

Board of Trustees

Meet the current board trustees of the Willis College Women in Technology Scholarship. Willis College is proud to be working with this diverse group of business professionals. They truly enjoy their role of reviewing and ultimately selecting the winning candidate. We thank them for their time, energy, and service.

Quotes from the Board of Trustees

“As we approach 2021, I’m thrilled to be joined by so many leading IT and business experts from across the Capital region and internationally who share my vision for women in the cyber and network security industry. Women must be part of the cyber talent pool, and we must work together to avoid the same mistakes that kept women from joining other lucrative industries solely because of stereotypes. We have seen the success and benefits our first WiT scholarship award recipient achieved and we are excited to see many more women benefit from this scholarship in future.”

– Rima Aristocrat, Willis College Board of Trustees Chair

“At Elevate International, we have the mission to elevate women and girls locally and globally. Particularly focusing on Women’s Leadership, Economic Growth, and Community Building. While leaders and institutional shareholders have been stepping up to express support and the importance of increasing gender diversity in all sectors and amongst companies, gender diversity remains a key item in our society, on the governments and corporate governance agenda. It is with great honour to be part of The Willis College, Women in Technology Scholarship, to inspire, empower, and elevate more women in this the Tech Industry.”

– Solange Tuyishime, President & CEO, Elevate International

“I am proud to contribute as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Women in Technology Scholarship Fund. This initiative, led by Willis College, will arm talented women in the cybersecurity field with the necessary resources to thrive amongst their peers and contribute to Canada’s economic growth. Diversity efforts such as these will enable Canada’s technology industry to develop a competitive advantage and discover success on the world stage.”

– Jamie Petten, Director of Marketing, L-SPARK

“With its curriculum driven by real-world needs, Willis College is preparing students for lucrative careers in newly emerging fields. The Women in Technology Scholarship represents an exceptional approach to boosting female participation, which will further establish Ottawa as a leading producer of diverse talent. I am thrilled to be involved with such an influential program.”

– Diana Davies-Harju, CMO, Magnifi (Past Board of Trustees Member)

Details

One annual scholarship will be awarded starting in 2021. The scholarship will be open to qualified female students from across Canada who require financial assistance to enroll in one of Willis College’s technology programs. This includes Help Desk and Network Technology, CyberSecurity Operator, and CyberSecurity Analyst diploma programs subject to scheduling.

Each scholarship will cover all costs, including tuition, books, materials, and industry certifications related to the successful applicant’s program of choice.    

The scholarship is non-transferable and may only be applied to academic career courses at Willis College. There is no cash value to the scholarship. An applicant is not eligible if they have already registered for a program and are awaiting their start date. Current students of Willis College are ineligible. 

The scholarship application process timelines are subject to change.

The evaluation and award process will take place annually by the WiT Board of Trustees who administers the Scholarship.

The Board of Trustees will be assessing candidates who have passed all required screening by Willis College. The candidates will demonstrate some or all of the following qualities (in no particular order): proven intellectual and academic ability, personal integrity, interest in technology and cybersecurity, demonstrated leadership, and the need for financial assistance.

The successful candidates will be awarded the scholarship and a commemorative certificate.

Selection Process

Basis of Selection

The Board of Trustees is looking for candidates with proven intellectual and academic ability, integrity of character, interest in technology, respect for fellow human beings, ability to lead, demonstrated leadership and creativity in the areas of cybersecurity stewardship, appreciation for education, and initiative to use their talents to the fullest. 

Criteria and Decision Making for Awarding a Scholarship 

Scholarships will be granted on the basis of the Board of Trustees’ estimate of the prospective value of the proposed activity, its relevance to the field of judgment and decision research, the credentials of the applicant, and the extent to which the award would contribute to the applicant’s success (including considerations of financial and academic need). 

Method of Selection

A Selection Committee consisting of members of the Board of Trustees’ will choose the successful candidates. The decision of the Selection Committee is final.

Method of Application

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Admission Status

The applicant:

• Must be 18 years of age or over;
• Must successfully pass all entrance requirements;
• Provide proof of education, including all secondary or post-secondary transcripts.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Award Presentation

The successful candidate will be presented with the award and a commemorative certificate. If the successful applicant is located in the Ottawa region, a presentation of the Women in Technology scholarship will be presented at the Annual General Assembly to be held each summer at Willis College Headquarters in Ottawa (schedule permitting).

Meet Sarah Boyer – Past Willis College Women in Technology Scholarship Winner