Catalyst
Community
A network of professionals shaping the future of cybersecurity
The Community
The Catalyst community is a dynamic network of hundreds of individuals who have engaged with the Catalyst in different ways — as program graduates, mentors, founders, entrepreneurs-in-residence, corporates-in-residence, academic and industry fellows, board members, team members, partners, and stakeholders.
Catalyst community members are employed at more than 300 public and private sector organizations, of all kinds and sizes, in every region of Canada and internationally.
The Catalyst Community Platform
The Catalyst Community Platform is where our community comes together to learn, share and be inspired, and is available to members of the Catalyst community at no cost.
To get started, alumni from certain Catalyst training and innovation programs will be registered on to the Platform upon their graduation. Catalyst partners, stakeholders and friends will be registered by invitation. The Platform offers:
Continuous Learning
Engaging webinars, inspiring lectures, seminars, and workshops. There’s always something new to discover in cybersecurity.
Insider Perks
Exclusive briefings on the latest plans and activities at the Catalyst, plus special rates for industry events and gatherings.
PD & Networking
Access to curated professional development and networking opportunities with other members of the Catalyst community.
Events
Community events are designed to offer access to Catalyst-exclusive webinars, workshops, expert-led lectures, seminars, and opportunities for professional development and networking.
Some offerings are exclusive to members of the Catalyst Community Platform, while others are open to the broader community and general public. Eligibility details are specified for each offering. All registrations will be reviewed, and Catalyst Community Platform membership will be confirmed before additional details are shared with registrants.
Ambassadors
Messages from the Community
“Participating in the Catalyst program has truly opened my eyes to the vastness of cybersecurity across various disciplines. It has deepened my understanding of real-world cyber events, including their impacts and underlying causes. The program has connected me with like-minded professionals, both women and men, who I can rely on for support and collaboration.”
-Anne-Marie Kelly, Mastercard Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI)
“A former Labour and Delivery RN of 16 years, I worked all through the pandemic, but staffing shortages resulted in burnout and the need to evaluate priorities. I needed a new career direction and was told of the opportunity to apply to the ACTP program. I jumped in with both feet and three certifications later and the amazing support of the Catalyst team, I was able to secure a full time cybersecurity role within a month of graduation!”
-Gina D’Addamio, Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program (ACTP)
Despite having no technical background, the Catalyst Cybersecurity Program empowered me to confidently present myself in the tech world. The program equipped me with globally recognized, employer-sought training and certifications, laying a solid foundation for my success. Also, the Catalyst community – from staff members to alumni – provided a strong foundation to network and to create connections to learn, explore & progress.
-Khatija Qureshi, Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program (ACTP)
The Catalyst was a driving factor to committing to the transition into Cybersecurity. It provided a straightforward entryway for developing my skills, and earning certifications. The connections with employers allowed me to get my first job in Cyber.
-Eric Jiang, CLIC Training Program
The Catalyst provided me with the platform to make my dream of working in cybersecurity a reality. The teachers and coordinators of this great program made me believe in myself that I could take on something I thought was impossible. They were my mentors and coaches and truly made this dream a reality for me.
-Christabel Thomas, Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program (ACTP)
The Catalyst gave me an opportunity to be part of ELCI Cohort 2. Through this program, I had a chance to develop a holistic view of cybersecurity, from the geopolitical dynamic to talking to executives about cybersecurity through the lens of enterprise risk. The program equipped me with the knowledge and tools to confidently take my career to the next level. For that, I am forever grateful.
-An Nguyen, Mastercard Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI)
Create Impact
With your support, we can take cyber to the next level, which means a safer, more self-aware world. Learn more about the ways to give back to the Catalyst.
