Arthureen Brown, BISO at Altria, is a security expert with a master’s degree in Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to being a valued member of the EWF Sisterhood, Arthureen has greatly impacted EWF’s Rising Leaders Forum. The Rising Leaders Forum (RLF) is a program the EWF specifically created to help Millennial and Gen Z women advance and thrive in their careers. To quote Linda Dolceamore, EWF’s Director of Leadership Development, “The Rising Leaders Forum offers multiple initiatives to connect, engage, advance, and develop our next generation of leaders.” If you are a Millennial or Gen Z woman and are interested in learning more about the Rising Leaders Forum, please email rlfactionteams@ewf-usa.com. We are thrilled to introduce our readers to Arthureen Brown who will speak to the power of our Rising Leaders Forum!
In addition to being an EWF member, you have been a co-lead for our Rising Leaders Forum (RLF). What are some of the ways RLF has shaped you in your career?
Being a member and co-lead has helped me recognize and seek out new opportunities in my career. The RLF community has produced events from which I learned how to better engage my leadership and build mentoring relationships. I have been able to expand my leadership capabilities within my organization and build my confidence as a cyber professional. RLF has afforded experiences where I was able to help shape content delivery to our community and engage in my first public speaking event.
What would you say are some of the main obstacles Millennial and Gen Z women face in the cyber/tech industry?
There are many obstacles facing Millennial and Gen Z women. Cybersecurity is still a prominently male-dominated field creating a highly competitive workforce. This is sometimes compounded with generational stereotyping and bias as barriers for advancement.
“EWF’s RLF can help solve these problems by hosting discussions and delivering relatable topics using via multi-channel communications.“
Considering the above questions regarding obstacles, how do you think programs like EWF’s RLF can help solve those problems?
EWF’s RLF can help solve these problems by hosting discussions and delivering relatable topics using via multi-channel communications. This will afford the opportunity to provide Millennials and Gen Z with tools to navigate these obstacles. Another benefit would be to directly connect Millennials and Gen Z women with cyber/tech professionals of different career stages in networking events. This would allow a chance to strengthen networking skills, share career insights and create new connections.
“Being supported by RLF has made me comfortable to challenge my personal boundaries and learn a lot about myself.”
What do you think is the greatest lesson you learned from being part of the Rising Leaders Forum?
I have learned the value of getting out of your comfort zone with confidence by giving yourself a little push. Being supported by RLF has made me comfortable to challenge my personal boundaries and learn a lot about myself. I have been more vocal interacting with my leadership team and considering public speaking requests.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining EWF’s Rising Leaders Forum?
RLF is a community of amazing and supportive women. The benefit of being a part of RLF is there is real opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join with a purpose, be active, get involved, participate in the community. You will reap the rewards of your effort and help give back to others.