A Wayne Community College student was selected to be a member of a panel at an information security symposium.

Toni Ramirez was one of five students from community colleges across the state to serve on a Cybersecurity Panel at UNC World View’s Community College Symposium on Information Security in an Interconnected World on Nov. 4.

The symposium explored information security topics and strategies for integrating related content into what is already being taught in courses.

Ramirez, a second-year student, said that Wayne Community College’s Cybersecurity program “ignited a passion” in him for everything encompassing cybersecurity. After graduating, he plans to pursue cybersecurity career opportunities.

“I am on the front lines of this invisible work,” Ramirez said during the panel session. “I plan to apply skills I have learned in the program to the best of my ability and constantly improve. We all know criminals don’t sleep.”

“Being at the symposium gave me a glimpse into my future. Being in the same room with people who share the same passion gave me a strong desire to start my career and make my contributions,” Ramirez said after the event.

“Listening to the people in the cyber industry reassured me that this is what I want to do. I love that speaking on the student panel gave me the chance to be heard. Talking to people about cybersecurity is rare so I am glad this opportunity came my way. I would definitely recommend similar experiences to cybersecurity students,” said Ramirez.

WCC was invited to have a student on the panel by UNC World View Associate Director Hazael Andrew.

“Toni was selected because of his success in the program; we looked at grades and instructor recommendations,” said WCC Cybersecurity Instructor Randy Wilhide. “When I asked other instructors that had him as a student, I got great feedback that he was the student that could represent WCC well.”

The college is seeking accreditation from the National Security Agency for its Cybersecurity program. Attending related conferences and symposiums is one requirement for gaining accredited status.

“Having this opportunity will not only aid us in the accreditation process but it will also help current and future students see what is out there for them in the cybersecurity sector,” Wilhide said.

To learn more about WCC’s Cybersecurity Program, contact Wilhide at [email protected] or 919-739-6955.