WIIS-Queen's
Women in International (Cyber) Security: Emerging Digital Threats, Their Gendered Impacts and Women Led Solutions
Join us on March 24, 2024 at the Donald Gordon Conference Centre for a day filled with insightful discussions on the intersectional impacts of cyber threats, global impacts of digital security innovations, and women’s experiences in the emerging field. The conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and plenty of time to mingle and network with conference delegates and distinguished guest speakers. See speakers below! Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Meet The Speakers
Mark Fernandes
Mark Fernandes is the Global Chief Information Officer for the CAE. Mr. Fernandes has over 28 years of experience in cyber security, governance, analytics, dark space intelligence, and advanced threat defenses, and has spent over 15 years working in the defense and government space building sophisticated threat sensing and early warning systems. Along with his team, Mr. Fernandes built and operated some of the earliest governmental cyber operations, having led the first rollout of large-scale threat defenses for the. 2000 U.S. Presidential Elections. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Fernandes at our upcoming WIIS conference.
Marissa Shiwdayal
Marissa Shiwdayal is a Cybersecurity Transformation Lead at CAE, who excels at aligning cybersecurity objectives with business imperatives and nurturing a culture of security awareness. Previously a Cybersecurity Program Manager, she has a demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, Marissa is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the tech sector, and works to champion the advancement of women in technology.
Dom Spiers
Dom Spiers is a technologist and Relationship Manager, working at Dataminr, which is The Leading AI Platform for Real-time Information and Event Discovery. His interest in Canadian National Security, Public Safety and Technology, policy and capability development, and experience of work at British Army and as a head of technology and cyber will bring us a different perspective on issues related to artificial intelligence, and disinformation.
Ranwa Al Mallah
Ranwa Al Mallah is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Ryerson University with a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from Polytechnique Montreal. She worked in the security of cyber-physical systems with the SecSI Research Laboratory at University of Montreal. She applied AI techniques in the research on vehicular networks and traffic safety and efficiency applications. Her current research goal is to develop multidisciplinary, secure and highly intelligent solutions for the planning, design and operation of cyber physical systems in the context of smart cities.
Allyson Dafoe
Allyson is a PhD Candidate at Queen’s at the Department of Global Development Studies. Allyson’s interests center around the military-industrial complex and the involvement of private military and security companies in extractive industries. Her interest in access to and control over resources impacted by PMCs/PSCs transnationally would contribute to the conversation on the intersectionality of technology and international security.
Claire Genest
Claire Genest is a PhD candidate in Global Development Studies at Queen’s University. She attained her undergraduate degree at Mount Allison University and went on to attain an MA in international/global studies at Queen’s University. Genest has been awarded an Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Queen’s University Fellowship, as well as several other awards issued by Mount Allison University
Isabella Aung
Isabella Aung is currently researching grassroots women’s activism pertaining to the anti-authoritarian movement in Myanmar. Aung has earned an honours degree in International Relations with a minor in Mathematics, and a Masters (MA) degree in Political Science. Here at Queens University Aung is a doctoral candidate within our Dept. of Political Studies.
Dr. Stéfanie von Hlatky
Stéfanie von Hlatky is the Canada Research Chair in Gender, Security and the Armed Forces, co-director of the MINDS Network for Strategic Analysis and an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University. Her research focuses on NATO, gender and the armed forces, military interventions, and defence policy. Stéfanie von Hlatky is the founder of Women in International Security-Canada, the Honorary LieutenantColonel at the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment and the co-host of the security and defence podcast Battle Rhythm. We are honoured to be hosting Dr. von Hlatky as our keynote speaker for this year’s WIIS-Queen’s conference.
Gina Fillion-Ghio
Gina leads the strategic implementation, globalisation and operational efficiency of various Core IT functions including Global Service Desk, Delivery Support, Global IT Asset Management, Global CAE Customer Care and more. She also lead teams which support a variety of operationalized cyber and IT programs. Gina also represents IT in a variety of cross-functional committees and initiatives worldwide as well as lead the Global Women in Tech Program; spanning multiple streams including Cyber, ITDE and Engineering.
Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy is a Banting Postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University, and a Digital Policy Hub fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. He is currently leading three research projects at the Queen’s CIDP funded by the Department of National Defence MINDS Program, including “Q-WPS: Quantum Threats and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.” His research interests include emerging technology threats, higher education pedagogy, and international relations theory.