Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- UWIC 2026 focuses on the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence in cybersecurity defense
- Sessions address AI governance, quantum computing risks, workforce development and cyber resilience
- Speakers include former NSA Director of Cybersecurity Rob Joyce and OpenAI’s Head of AI Adoption Alexis Bonnell
- The event targets women cybersecurity professionals, government personnel, senior executives and career transitioners
- Takes place October 8, 2026 at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia
About the Event
Uniting Women in Cyber (UWIC) 2026 is The Cyber Guild’s flagship conference dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity workforce through leadership, innovation and inclusion. The 2026 edition carries the theme “Creative Cyber: Amplified Intelligence,” examining how human ingenuity and artificial intelligence can work together to address emerging threats.
The Cyber Guild Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, hosts the single-day event featuring keynotes from nationally recognized thought leaders, panel discussions, interactive audience sessions and networking opportunities. A scholarship programme provides complimentary access for public servants transitioning to industry roles and individuals facing financial difficulty.
Programme Highlights
The agenda opens with a global panel titled “When AI Operates at Machine Scale,” exploring how governments, industry and critical infrastructure operators can coordinate cyber defense as AI accelerates the speed of operations. Panelists include Rob Joyce (former NSA Director of Cybersecurity), Annie Fixler (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) and Annie Plews (Head of Cyber Policy, UK Embassy in the USA).
A session on “Quantum + AI: The Cybersecurity Disruption No One Is Ready For” brings together Leslie Kershaw (CISO, IonQ), Kathryn Wang (SandboxAQ), Eugenia Lostri (Google) and Burt Kaliski (Verisign) to examine how quantum computing and AI may converge and where organisations remain vulnerable to rapid technological change.
The “Human in the Lead” panel addresses why judgment, creativity and accountability remain critical in an AI-enabled world, featuring Alexis Bonnell (OpenAI), Camille Stewart Gloster (CAS Strategies) and Lori Martinez (McKesson). A C-suite discussion tackles AI governance, accountability and trust when technology evolves faster than traditional decision-making models.
Workforce Development Focus
An interactive “UWIC Improv” session invites attendees to identify workforce challenges and emerging talent needs, with experts from SANS Institute, George Washington University and Safe Security responding in real time. ISC2’s Center for Cyber Safety and Education will present its Global 50×50 Initiative aimed at building the next generation of cyber talent.
The event includes a graduation ceremony for participants in The Cyber Guild’s RISE Inclusive Mentoring Program, along with a fireside chat on protecting children’s digital identities and a resilience session addressing burnout in the profession.
Who Should Attend
UWIC 2026 is designed for women cybersecurity professionals, technology leaders, government officials and allies committed to workforce diversity. According to 2025 attendance data, 69% of participants were women, 42% were senior executives, 17% represented US government and 11% were active duty military or veterans. The event offers dedicated ticket categories for students and government personnel.