Portugese French Spanish
Register Now

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 10:00AM-1:00PM CT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown | 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Women Who Cyber brings together a diverse group of aspiring and thriving cybersecurity professionals for dynamic and interactive events where you can network with peers, establish meaningful mentoring relationships, share knowledge, and enjoy unique experiences.

What if the key to thriving at work isn’t about pushing harder — but about understanding and mastering your own internal operating system? In this transformative talk, Vanessa McNeal guides professionals on a powerful journey into the science of human behavior and performance. Through compelling stories and cutting-edge neuroscience, Vanessa uncovers why we get stuck in unhelpful patterns — and how to rewire them for greater emotional intelligence, resilience, and strategic action.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize and shift their stress responses
  • Move from reactive to responsive leadership
  • Unlock more creativity, focus, and satisfaction in their life

After the discussion, we’ll enjoy a networking lunch and complimentary professional headshots.

Agenda

  • 10:00AM-10:30AM
    Registration
  • 10:30AM-12:00PM
    Wired for Well-Being Workshop
  • 12:00PM-1:30PM
    Networking Lunch & Professional Headshots

Host

Molly McLain Sterling
Molly McLain Sterling | Sr. Director, Cybersecurity Strategy, Proofpoint, Inc.

Molly McLain Sterling is a Sr. Director of Cybersecurity Strategy at Proofpoint, specializing in human-centric security. Previously, she spent 17 years at Medtronic as Director of Security Culture, leading initiatives in human risk management, developing an award-winning Security Ambassador program, and driving engagement across 100,000+ individuals globally. She is active in the cybersecurity and women in tech communities, and she holds degrees in Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management.

Special Guest

Vanessa McNeal
Vanessa McNeal | Transformation Coach

Vanessa McNeal is a transformational coach, international speaker, and facilitator dedicated to helping high-achievers unlock clarity, confidence, and authentic success through neuroscience-backed strategies. Vanessa received a Bachelor's in Child Adult and Family Services and a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Trauma Informed Care from the University of Northern Iowa. She is a certified Elite Life Coach. In 2024, she was accepted into the acclaimed Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program. Her voice has captivated audiences and transformed lives nationwide for companies and organizations like the U.S. Army and Air Force, F&G, and Clinique. Vanessa has been honored with prestigious awards, including a Girl Scouts Inspiring Women of Iowa Award and an Iowa State University Statement Maker Award.

Who Should Attend

While we are dedicated to bringing talented women together to celebrate and foster their passion and drive for cybersecurity, we welcome everyone—all genders, identities, and generations!

This event is suitable for information security decision makers, including: CXO, VP of IT, Director of IT; mid-level information security management (Senior Security Manager, IT Security Manager, IT Manager) and technical information security practitioners (Security Engineer, Messaging Architect, IT Analyst). This event is not open to channel or technology partners.

Government and public sector employees are reminded to ensure that their acceptance and participation are permitted by applicable rules and regulations.

NOTE: Registration requires a valid email address from your organization’s domain, so Gmail, Hotmail, AOL, Yahoo or any other ISP are not accepted. Yahoo or any other ISP are not accepted.