“My first WiCyS Conference was a turning point in my career. It showed me that I didn’t need decades of experience to share valuable insights. The connections I made, the skills I gained and the confidence I found there transformed how I approach my career. Today, I’m mentoring others, sharing knowledge on LinkedIn and preparing to present at the next WiCyS Conference, which is an opportunity I had never imagined before attending. WiCyS is redefining what’s possible for me and so many others in the cybersecurity field.”
—Betta Lyon-Delsordo, Application Penetration Tester, OnDefend
The path to a cybersecurity career is rarely straightforward, and Betta Lyon-Delsordo’s story demonstrates how stepping beyond your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth. Now an accomplished Application Penetration Tester at OnDefend, Betta reflects on her journey from self-taught coder to cybersecurity professional, crediting much of her success to her involvement with the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) organization.
Growing up in Montana, where tech opportunities were sparse, Betta’s passion for technology began at just 13. With limited guidance, she taught herself to code and, by high school, was participating in coding competitions and building websites for women entrepreneurs in her community. Her interest in cybersecurity emerged when clients sought advice on improving the security of their businesses, such as blocking bot traffic and managing passwords. Recognizing the importance of secure development, Betta delved into application security and ethical hacking, laying the foundation for her career.
Her academic journey mirrored her determination. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Montana, completed an internship with an ethical hacking firm and went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech. In the final semester of her Master’s program and while working in her first penetration testing job, Betta took a leap of faith and applied for a scholarship to attend the WiCyS Conference—a decision that became a turning point in her career.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” she recalled. “But when I arrived, I saw women presenting cutting-edge research, sharing career advice and genuinely connecting. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before.” For the first time, Betta felt a true sense of belonging in the cybersecurity world. The conference taught her the value of both in-person interactions and staying connected online to share opportunities. By networking and leveraging LinkedIn, she discovered how much easier it was to find job opportunities. This strategy ultimately helped her secure her second position much faster, as recruiters began reaching out to her directly on LinkedIn.
A workshop on LinkedIn optimization further reinforced these lessons. By strategically engaging with the cybersecurity community online, she expanded her LinkedIn network from fewer than 1,000 to over 7,000 connections in just one year. Betta’s increased online visibility led to new career opportunities, including her current role at OnDefend, where she secured a significant salary increase.
Beyond networking, WiCyS ignited Betta’s desire to give back. “WiCyS made me want to become more of a mentor,” she shared. Today, she dedicates her time to mentoring junior colleagues, coaching girls’ coding teams and encouraging others to pursue cybersecurity careers. While mentoring others, Betta continues to rely on the guidance of her own WiCyS mentors, embodying the organization’s spirit of continuous support.
The conference also gave Betta the confidence to dream bigger. Initially hesitant, she submitted a proposal to lead a workshop at WiCyS, encouraged by a fellow attendee who saw the value in her expertise. Her proposal was accepted, and she is now preparing to present at the next WiCyS Conference with her talk titled “Hacking AI: Easy As Pie!”—a milestone that reflects her growth and determination.
Reflecting on her journey, Betta acknowledges the profound impact of WiCyS. “I feel like there’s a WiCyS member at every place I might work, and we’ll find each other,” she said. The camaraderie, mentorship and opportunities within the WiCyS community not only shaped her career but also instilled in her a passion for lifting others as she rises.
From a self-taught coder in Montana to a cybersecurity professional on a national stage, Betta’s story exemplifies the transformative power of community, mentorship and embracing new challenges. Her journey highlights the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when we lean into support networks and push beyond the familiar, unlocking a future filled with potential.
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