Building the Cybersecurity Workforce Development Ecosystem in Pinellas County, Florida

This presentation outlines the journey of building a robust cybersecurity workforce development ecosystem in Pinellas County, Florida. It highlights the collaborative efforts initiated by the BSides St. Pete conference and extends to partnerships across academia, government, and industry. Focusing on foundational cyber skills and digital resilience, the talk will showcase strategies that align with the US National Cybersecurity Director's vision. Challenges such as community engagement, extending event impacts, and volunteer reliance will be discussed. The session aims to inspire similar initiatives, emphasizing the power of community and collaboration in enhancing the regional cybersecurity defense workforce.

Wilson Bautista Jr. is a distinguished cybersecurity expert, CEO of Jun Cyber, and Executive Director of the Cyber Ohana Project. His education includes an MBA from the University of South Florida and an MSISM from Boston University; he is a CISSP and PMP-certified professional. His career is marked by leadership roles in cybersecurity, program management, and information assurance. A former United States Marine, Wilson has earned numerous honors, including Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement medals. He's an author, speaker, and podcast host, sharing insights on IT security, risk management, and regulatory compliance. His expertise is invaluable for federal contractors and businesses seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.