Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
For eight hours, Allegra Ramirez and her teammates worked to defend their computer systems against a relentless series of simulated cyberattacks.
Their challenge was to keep essential services running while opposing teams attempted to infiltrate their systems and disrupt operations. Ramirez was responsible for protecting the team's database, but success depended on everyone working together.
The competition, hosted by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), a program that recognizes institutions such as CSUSB for their commitment to cybersecurity education, simulated the challenges cybersecurity professionals face in protecting an organization's digital infrastructure. Ramirez and her CSUSB teammates finished fourth in the regional competition.
For Ramirez, the experience was more than an opportunity to test her technical skills. It helped her recognize what she was capable of accomplishing.
"Once I actually began competing, getting points, and working with my teammates, I started to feel really accomplished," she said.
Today, the Fontana native and first-generation college student is putting those skills to work as a cybersecurity apprentice at CSUSB while pursuing a bachelor of science in information systems and technology with a concentration in cybersecurity. She expects to graduate in fall 2028.
She's also president of the university's Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys) student club, a leadership role she pursued after noticing how few women were in her cybersecurity classes. Now, she's helping other women develop their skills, build confidence and discover opportunities in the field.
It's a future she hadn't fully envisioned when she first arrived at CSUSB.
Discovering her passion for cybersecurity
Ramirez's interest in technology began in middle school when her mother enrolled her in an after-school robotics program. Working with LEGO robots introduced her to coding and computer science, but she soon realized programming wasn't necessarily the career she wanted to pursue.
In high school, she enrolled in a cybersecurity pathway, where she discovered another side of technology: protecting the systems and applications that others create.
The more she learned, the more interested she became.
When it came time to choose a university, CSUSB stood out for its cybersecurity program, hands-on learning opportunities and affordability. But Ramirez soon discovered that the university offered far more than she initially expected.
"I first imagined just going to classes and then going home, doing homework, and that's it," she said.
Instead, she found a community of students, faculty and cybersecurity professionals who encouraged her to explore new opportunities and develop her skills beyond the classroom.
Through CSUSB's Center for Cyber and AI, Ramirez became involved in student clubs, technical projects and competitions that allowed her to apply what she was learning, build confidence and discover new interests.
As she became more involved, she also began recognizing opportunities to make a difference for other students.
Creating opportunities for women in cybersecurity
As Ramirez became more involved in cybersecurity, she noticed something about her classes: There weren't many other women.
Her observation reflects a broader gender gap in the profession. According to the 2025 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, women represent just 22% of cybersecurity team members globally, with an even smaller share — approximately 18% to 19% — in the United States.
Rather than simply accepting that reality, Ramirez decided to help change it.
She joined CSUSB's Women in Cybersecurity student club, first as a member and later as an outreach coordinator. When the opportunity arose to run for president, she decided to take a chance.
"Nothing's going to happen if I don't do it," she recalled thinking.
Today, Ramirez leads the club with a mission to increase women's visibility and participation in cybersecurity while creating a welcoming environment where students can learn, collaborate and support one another.
"I wanted to create a space where women could walk in and see other women and think, 'Oh, hey, there are other girls here,' and immediately feel welcome," she said.
Under her leadership, WiCyS is expanding its activities and introducing members to different cybersecurity specialties. Weekly technical projects expose students to areas such as networking and defensive cybersecurity, helping them explore potential careers while developing practical skills.
Ramirez also leads a mentorship group for women studying cybersecurity, meeting with students weekly to share resources, discuss opportunities and help them identify their interests. For her, mentorship is especially meaningful because she knows firsthand how much encouragement and guidance can influence a student's future.
"It feels really good being a resource to other women in cybersecurity and letting them know that they're not alone," she said.
Although the club focuses on supporting women, Ramirez emphasizes that everyone is welcome to participate, including students who want to serve as allies.
Serving as president has also helped Ramirez discover talents she didn't realize she possessed. Previously more comfortable working behind the scenes, Ramirez has stepped outside her comfort zone, strengthening her communication, organizational and leadership skills.
“I think it's something that I'm growing into," she said of leadership.
As she becomes more confident in her abilities, she's determined to help others develop that same confidence.
“I don't want her to ever think that she can't do something,” Ramirez said of the message she hopes to convey to other young women. “I want to be the example that we're actually able to do many things, especially in cybersecurity.”
Turning academic knowledge into career experience
Ramirez's involvement in CSUSB's cybersecurity community has also opened doors to professional opportunities. Through the Center for Cyber and AI, she learned about a cybersecurity apprenticeship program that helps students develop technical skills and prepare for employment. She applied and was accepted.
As a pre-apprentice, Ramirez participated in technical activities, résumé development, mock interviews and other career preparation exercises designed to help students transition from academic learning to professional work.
That experience led to a full-time apprenticeship position as a security operations center analyst at CSUSB, where she is gaining hands-on experience monitoring network activity and helping protect university systems.
For Ramirez, the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional cybersecurity environment has been invaluable.
"I'm able to get real hands-on technical experience with different technical applications," she said. "I'm able to apply my textbook knowledge to an actual job."
Beyond technical training, Ramirez credits CSUSB faculty and staff for providing mentorship, career guidance and encouragement. Among those who have made a significant impact is Arcky Vielma, a lecturer in the School of Cyber and Decision Sciences, with whom Ramirez worked during the university's summer cybersecurity camps. Vielma has continued mentoring her, offering advice on improving her résumé, preparing for interviews and identifying emerging technologies and skills that employers value. He's also encouraged her to explore the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, helping her become more intentional about her education and professional development.
These experiences have also broadened her career ambitions.
Initially, Ramirez envisioned working in an entry-level technical support position after graduation. Now, she's exploring digital forensics, cybersecurity policy and research opportunities, including the possibility of working at a national laboratory.
She's particularly interested in digital forensics and the role cybersecurity plays in protecting healthcare systems and medical devices.
With each new experience, Ramirez is developing the technical knowledge, professional connections and confidence to pursue opportunities she once considered beyond her reach.
Finding her place and helping others find theirs
As a first-generation college student, Ramirez understands the importance of having people who believe in her potential. Her parents have encouraged her to pursue higher education since she was young, and making them proud remains one of her greatest motivations.
At CSUSB, she's found a community equally invested in her success. Faculty, staff and fellow students have offered guidance, encouragement and connections to opportunities she might otherwise have overlooked.
"I've never been turned away by any faculty, any staff, here at CSUSB," she said. "It's helped a lot."
Looking back, Ramirez sees how much she's grown since arriving at CSUSB. The student who once imagined simply attending classes and going home is now a cybersecurity apprentice, student leader and mentor, helping others discover opportunities she never imagined for herself.
"I think what I'm most proud of is putting myself out there, meeting new people, and just taking advantage of every opportunity that I have," she said.
Watch how CSUSB is helping Allegra Ramirez prepare for a career in cybersecurity through hands-on experience, a professional apprenticeship and faculty mentorship.