Empowering Future Leaders in Cybersecurity: Hackergal’s Partnership with CSE!

February 5, 2025

Since 2017, Hackergal has been proud to team up with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to spark curiosity and empower girls across Canada to dive into the dynamic, ever-evolving world of technology. CSE, Canada’s national cryptologic agency (yes, the folks who help keep our country secure through next-level tech wizardry), brings their incredible expertise to our workshops and resources, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to work together!

From the start, CSE has helped us break down complex cybersecurity concepts into fun, accessible, and interactive learning experiences. Think of it as taking the mystery out of tech and replacing it with “Whoa, this is so cool!” Along the way, these workshops have helped build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while sparking curiosity about the behind-the-scenes magic of how technology shapes our everyday lives.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Over the past seven years, we’ve welcomed incredible women leaders from CSE into our programs. These inspiring role models have shared their journeys, opened up about their careers in tech and cybersecurity, and shown Hackergal participants what’s possible. They’re living proof that girls belong in cybersecurity, and can absolutely thrive in it.

Speaking of cybersecurity, did you know it’s one of the most exciting and fast-growing fields out there? Whether you’re into ethical hacking (think superhero-level problem-solving), data analysis, policy development, or even tracking global threats, there’s a role for everyone. Hackergal’s partnership with CSE is about more than just learning technical skills. It’s about inspiring girls to see themselves as creative problem-solvers and changemakers ready to take on big challenges.

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And the impact? Huge. Thanks to mentorship opportunities and real-world applications woven into our programs, thousands of girls have been empowered to envision themselves as future leaders in cybersecurity. Whether through the hands-on activities in our workshops or the motivational stories shared by CSE mentors, the message is clear: Girls belong in these spaces.

This partnership couldn’t be more timely. Research tells us there are massive gender gaps in tech-heavy fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and—you guessed it—cybersecurity. At the same time, these fields are facing a major talent shortage, with millions of job openings projected in the next few years (we see you, Global Gender Gap Report 2021). Together, Hackergal and CSE are on a mission to close these gaps and ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for the tech industry.

“What I have learned is that communication, curiosity, playing with technology, asking for help, and developing friendships can help take you very far in life. I honestly believe that a career in STEM/Cyber security, including computer science, is something that anyone can do.”

 

Melanie Anderson, Director General, Information Assurance 

As we celebrate over seven years of collaboration, we’re beyond proud of what we’ve accomplished with CSE. From helping girls understand how to stay safe online to igniting passion for cutting-edge careers, our partnership is proof of the magic that happens when we work together for a shared purpose.

Here’s to empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, innovators, and tech leaders! With partners like CSE by our side, Hackergal is breaking barriers, unlocking potential, and shaping the future, one girl at a time!

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