Reflecting on Our First Year Together

Dear ISC2 Charlotte Metro Chapter Members and Friends,

As I reflect on my first year serving as President of the ISC2 Charlotte Metro Chapter, I am filled with pride and gratitude for everything we have accomplished together. When I stepped into this role in April 2024, my vision was clear: strengthen our community, foster professional growth, and amplify our impact across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Thanks to your unwavering support and dedication, we’ve made incredible strides.

Here are a few highlights from the past year:

✨ Membership Growth and Engagement:
We grew our membership significantly, welcoming new cybersecurity practitioners, students, and emerging leaders into our community. Together, we fostered a culture where both seasoned experts and newcomers feel supported and inspired.

✨ Dynamic Programming:
From engaging monthly meetings with top-tier speakers to specialized workshops, we covered critical topics like Identity and Access Management, Cyber Risk Quantification, Security Champion Programs, Adversarial AI, and Regulatory Compliance through Tabletop Exercises. Each event showcased thought leadership, practical advice, and real-world insights.

✨ Launch of the Mentorship Program:
We officially launched our first Mentorship Program, matching mentors and mentees to build stronger career pathways, promote leadership development, and encourage knowledge sharing within our chapter.

✨ Strategic Partnerships:
We strengthened relationships with other local organizations such as ISACA, CSA, and CLTIP/LNITP, reinforcing our collective commitment to advancing cybersecurity excellence in the Charlotte region.

✨ Professional Development Opportunities:
Our chapter provided members with access to headshot opportunities, CPE-eligible events, and career-advancing resources, further enhancing professional visibility and growth.

✨ Increased Visibility:
Through LinkedIn, newsletters, and conference and community participation (like SecureWorld Charlotte, Wells Fargo S.T.E.A.M-posium, SecondHarvest), we amplified our chapter’s presence and created new opportunities for members to engage, network, and volunteer within the community.

✨ Chapter Sustainability:
We revitalized our leadership structure, membership due structure, updated board member role definitions, and introduced new committees to ensure that our chapter remains strong, sustainable, and positioned for continued success.

This year was just the beginning. As we look ahead to 2025-2026, we are excited to continue expanding mentorship initiatives, hosting even more innovative educational events, and deepening partnerships with our technology and community partners. Together, we will build a chapter that not only supports the professional advancement of our members but also drives positive change in the cybersecurity industry.

Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to lead. Your enthusiasm, ideas, and commitment make all the difference. I cannot wait to see what we’ll accomplish next—together.

With appreciation and excitement, stay safe,

LaToya Workman