January is National Mentorship Month in the United States. The ISSA International AIM program is highlighting several chapters around the globe for the mentorship program and activities. Be sure to reach out to learn how to start or manage a mentorship program!
This article highlights the Colorado Springs Chapter’s Mentorship and is written by Halie Anthony.
The Information Systems Security Association – Colorado Springs Chapter (ISSA-COS) continues to shine as a beacon of support and professional growth for cybersecurity professionals across all career levels. Our Mentorship Matters Mixers have become a cornerstone of this mission, creating a platform for entry-level, mid-level, and senior professionals to connect, learn, and grow.
A Historic Turnout in December
Our December Mentorship Matters Mixer saw one of the largest turnouts ISSA-COS has ever experienced, a testament to the vibrant and growing cybersecurity community in Colorado Springs. With five military bases in the area and no shortage of cyber talent, these events cater to an incredibly diverse group of professionals looking to make meaningful connections.
A Flexible Approach to Mentorship
The success of our mixers lies in their fluid structure. While we provide an event agenda with classes, presentations, and panel discussions, participants have the freedom to tailor the experience to suit their individual needs. Whether attendees want to:
- Dive into an offered class,
- Continue one-on-one conversations with mentors, or
- Explore career opportunities with local recruiters,
The choice is theirs. Our priority is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment that maximizes opportunity for all.
Upon arrival, attendees can choose whether they want to be a mentor or mentee. A brief introduction kicks off the evening, highlighting as many mentees as possible to help facilitate connections. However, as the event continues to grow, we are already planning for 2025 to highlight mentors beforehand through marketing efforts. This will allow mentees to come prepared with a clear idea of who they would like to meet.
Supporting Entry-Level Professionals
ISSA-COS recognizes that the path into cybersecurity is not always linear. That’s why we invite and offer free booths to local recruiters hiring for both cybersecurity roles and entry-level IT positions, such as service desk roles. For many entry-level professionals, gaining foundational IT experience can be a critical steppingstone to qualifying for mid-level cybersecurity roles down the road. These opportunities help aspiring professionals build skills, bolster their resumes, and take their careers to the next level.
Powerful Insights from the Community
The Mentorship Matters Mixers are not just valuable for mentees—they create lasting impact for mentors as well. Here’s what some participants had to say:
“The Mentorship Matters Mixers have been extremely helpful to me due to the opportunities to speak with multiple cybersecurity professionals already working in the field. The mentorship program helped me to step into the industry and acquire a professional role in cybersecurity as an ISSO!” Anthony Lewis, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Lockheed Martin
“I enjoy the mixers; they allow us to help the next generation of cyber warriors while providing us the ability to witness their skills firsthand. It shows the overall cyber talent within Colorado Springs.” Trent Brunnell, Senior Cyber Principal, SAIC
Building for the Future: Roadmap for 2025
ISSA-COS is committed to continuous improvement as our community grows. Our 2025 roadmap includes:
- Highlighting mentors prior to events so mentees can maximize their time and connections.
- Addressing the needs of professionals without security clearances, as the community sees an uptick in such candidates.
- Focusing on soft skills development with presentations like Conversations that Count and From Imposter to Empowered.
- Featuring diverse speakers, including healthcare CISOs, to broaden perspectives and opportunities.
Additionally, we carve out time for an Ask the Professionals panel, where hand-picked leaders from the local cyber community answer mentee questions—an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from some of the most respected voices in the field.
The Power of Partnerships
Strong sponsors are key to the success of our Mentorship Matters Mixers. For this event, RISE Executive Coaching stepped up to sponsor and has partnered with ISSA-COS to support all Mentoring Matters Mixers throughout 2025. RISE has long been a champion of the cyber community, donating countless hours of free coaching and support to our members. Sponsors like RISE provide both the financial support and catered meals that help make these events such a success—let’s face it, attendance always spikes when there’s food, especially during dinner hours!
Looking Ahead: March Mixer and Cyber Focus Week
We are thrilled to announce that our next Mentorship Matters Mixer will be held in March, alongside our Cyber Focus Week at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. This partnership will allow us to deliver even greater value to our members, and we look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces at the event.
At ISSA-COS, we remain committed to fostering connections, professional growth, and community collaboration. These mixers are just one way we help cybersecurity professionals at all levels realize their full potential. Whether you’re a mentor, mentee, or simply a passionate member of the cyber community, we invite you to join us for another impactful year ahead.
Your career, your connections—they matter. Let’s make 2025 a year of mentorship, growth, and success!
Written by:
Halie Anthony, MBA, PCC
Deputy Director of Membership, ISSA-COS
