AUK students participate in first-of-its kind “50 Women in Cybersecurity” skilling initiative

AUK female students participated in the “50 Women in Cybersecurity” skilling initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at fostering cybersecurity expertise and empowering local female talents in the field. Created by Mercedes Vazquez, and organized by ESK Holding, the program was held in the AUK Theater. 

Under the patronage of the U.S. Department of State, facilitated through the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, this skilling initiative represented a holistic and multilayered approach to tackling the ever-evolving challenges of the digital world. Cybersecurity experts exclusively flew in under the sponsorship of the US Embassy to equip participants with the skills needed to enhance cyber resilience. Students had an exclusive chance to explore cybersecurity in-depth, gain insights into various technologies, real-world threats, and cybersecurity techniques used in the U.S.

Among the 50 selected applicants, 16 were AUK students who successfully earned the prestigious certification, signifying their impressive completion of the comprehensive training program. These exceptional students included: Wadha AlAdwani, Dhai Saud AlSaho, Raghad AlSaqran, Kinda Tolba, Dana Alnobani, Mariam Shehadeh, Reem A Qasem, Samar Sayed Zaki Abouzeid, Rawan Saeed Abosedo, Reem Mohammed EL-Sabaa, Shaha Salem Al-Shammari, Farah Khalil, Assil Assaf, Zainab Noorain, Tala Bin Hussain, Alaroob AlHubail. 

Reflecting on the importance of an event of such magnitude, Dr. Mohammed El-Abd, the interim dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), stated, “CEAS has nominated 16 bright student females to participate in the ‘50 Women in Cybersecurity’ event hosted at AUK. Their dedication, hard work, and exemplary skills were on full display as they have represented AUK with great distinction. One team, consisting of AUK students, won the NBK challenge award by providing an innovative solution to facilitate QR payments. By hosting this event, AUK remains committed to supporting and promoting excellence in all fields, and we look forward to continuing to nurture and celebrate talent within our community.”

AUK is committed to continuing its support for distinguished cybersecurity programs and endeavors that empower local female talents in this vital field. The University believes that gender diversity is an essential asset in the ongoing fight against cyber threats, and this initiative is just one of AUK’s many steps towards a more inclusive and secure digital landscape.
 

Group photo of participants