I was certified as an Information Security Manager (CISM) under ISACA in 2024. A Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification from ISACA is a globally recognized credential that validates expertise in information security management. The certification focuses on the relationship between information security programs and broader business goals.
Key areas of expertise for CISMs include:
1. Information Security Governance
2. Establishing and maintaining security strategy aligned with organizational objectives
3. Developing and overseeing security policies and procedures
4. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards
5. Risk Management
How I became involved with ISACA
As a member of ISACA, I am also a member of the ISACA Calgary chapter. I attended the ISACA AGM in 2024, where 80 professional members came to vote on a new president, vice president and various other board members. ISACA Calgary chapter had not been as engaged in the community for the last 2-3 years because of Covid-19. And to be fair, all ISACA chapters are run by volunteers who may need to put at least 10 hours a week into organizing events, conferences and activities for members. Volunteering for a board can be demanding, especially if people have families or other obligations.
Why I am on the board
I saw an opportunity during the 2024 AGM and asked lots of questions to understand exactly what the ISACA board wanted to do for 2025. After conversations with the new president, they suggested I reach out to volunteer. I thought about volunteering for a while before applying.
In the past, I have started non-profits and volunteered for organizations such as IEEE, so I am no stranger to the amount of work and engagement a Director needs to do. In the end, I decided to join because I saw an opportunity. Here was a community group of the best Information Security Managers and Auditors in the city with a membership of 800 people! The opportunity to engage people, have networking events and create a community of involved technology members was huge. So, I applied to be the Communications Director and after being accepted from the Board I took my position and ran with it.
What Volunteering means to me
I have some personal goals to meet for this position. My definition of success is based on engagement, events and activities for ISACA over the year. I would like to see more events bi-monthly and more engagement on the ISACA LinkedIn.
The board is eager to branch out across social media, and I agree that regular posting and communication with our members is the best method to provide value. Another goal of mine is to encourage professionals to become involved and engaged in the community. Through 1-on-1 conversations, I'm hoping to encourage people to come in-person to meet people. In-person networking is the most effective way to find friends and potential jobs within the community.
My Role and Responsibilities as a Communications Director includes:
- Creating and curating a monthly email
- Updating and maintaining the ISACA Calgary Website (with my student volunteer)
- Creating all social media posts
- Engaging community members online
- Posting photos of our activities
- Communicating with stakeholders to sponsor or become involved in events
- Onboarding communications/website volunteers and assigning tasks
- Communicating with potential speakers and providing information
