Meet the Illinois State University WiCyS Board Members!
Jasmine Dhamers
President
Year: Sophomore
Major: Cybersecurity
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined WiCyS to share and gain knowledge in a collaborative and empowering environment of Women in Cybersecurity.
Laney Dunker
Vice President
Year: Sophomore
Major: Cybersecurity
Why I Joined WiCyS: I want to help women in the cybersecurity major feel like they belong in this program and know that there are other women in this field that support them.
Maya Gopinathan
Secretary
Year: Junior
Major: Cybersecurity
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined WiCyS because I want to connect with others interested in cybersecurity to learn, network, and be part of a supportive community.
Sarah Beyer
Treasurer
Year: Sophomore
Major: Cybersecurity
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined WiCyS because I wanted to see the growth and possibilities of what this club can do for me and the other young women who are passionate about cybersecurity. I’m excited to be in a space of likeminded women who share the same passions as me!
Tara Stromberger
Public Relation Chair
Year: Freshman
Major: Computer Science
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined the Women in Cyber Security club to develop my skills through mentorship and networking opportunities while also working to empower women in the field.
Sophia Criollo
Social Media Chair
Year: Sophomore
Major: Cybersecurity
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined WiCyS because I wanted to meet other students that are in the same major and make new friends!
Brandi Willis
Tech Lead
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Networking
Why I Joined WiCyS: Technology is my passion, and I enjoy helping people as much as I can. I finally found an organization where I can feel at home.
Grace Rohder
Tech Lead
Year: Freshman
Major: Cybersecurity
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined Women in Cybersecurity because I want to learn more about my major and to meet other women in this field.
Liz Hastings
Tech Lead
Year: Freshman
Major: Computer Science
Why I Joined WiCyS: I joined because cybersecurity is a very interesting field that I would love to learn more about, and it gives me a chance connect with more people in an IT field.
Yousra Javed
Faculty Advisor
Why I Joined WiCyS: Currently, female students make up only 10% of the enrollment in the Cybersecurity program at Illinois State University, which falls below the national average of 20-25%. To address this disparity, the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) student chapter was established with the mission of recruiting and retaining female students. As a faculty mentor for the chapter, I provide guidance, support, and expertise to female students pursuing cybersecurity. My role involves assisting them in navigating their academic paths, exploring career opportunities, and advancing their professional development. Additionally, I actively promote the chapter’s initiatives and help cultivate a welcoming and empowering community for women in cybersecurity at Illinois State University.