Advancing Women in Tech (AWIT) today announced the launch of its Real-World Cybersecurity Leadership Specialization, now available on Coursera. Sponsored by 1Password and Microsoft, this new offering is AWIT’s fourth specialization on Coursera and is designed to prepare learners for leadership roles in cybersecurity across all stages of their careers.

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AWIT launches real-world cybersecurity leadership specialization on Coursera, sponsored by 1Password and Microsoft

The specialization provides strategic insights from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Vice Presidents of Security, and other senior security leaders, offering a unique opportunity for learners to understand the evolving landscape of cybersecurity leadership.

“This Specialization is the distillation of everything I wish I’d known earlier in my career,” said Steve Zalewski, former CISO of Levi Strauss and lead instructor for the program. “It’s my way of giving back — helping aspiring cybersecurity leaders build clarity, confidence, and long-term impact.”

Leaders Educating Future Leaders

In addition to Steve Zalewski’s presence as the main instructor, the program also features guest appearances and commentary from many other leaders, including:

• Nancy Wang, Founder and CEO of AWIT; SVP, Head of Engineering at 1Password; and Venture Partner at Felicis Ventures
• Kevin Magee, Global Director of Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups
• Renee Guttmann, former CISO of Coca-Cola, Royal Caribbean, and Time Warner
• Heather Hinton, former CISO of PagerDuty
• Lena Smart, former CISO of MongoDB
• Swathi Joshi, VP of Security at Oracle
• Paul Bingham, SVP of Western Governors University, former FBI Cybercrime Task Force member
• And other accomplished cybersecurity executives from leading companies

“This program equips learners with real-world knowledge of what it takes to succeed in cybersecurity leadership,” said Nancy Wang, founder and CEO of AWIT. “Whether you're new to the field or aiming for the CISO role, it's never too early to learn what leaders need and expect, and to begin preparing to become one.”

Comprehensive and Career-Relevant Curriculum

The Real-World Cybersecurity Leadership Specialization includes three in-depth courses:

• Foundations of Cybersecurity Leadership: Understand the CISO career path and the strategic mindsets required at different company types, from startups to global enterprises.
• Risk, Vendors, and Metrics: Learn how security leaders assess and communicate risk, manage third-party partnerships, and align with business outcomes.
• Leading with Influence: Build leadership presence, improve communication with executive stakeholders, and lead teams to proactively address emerging threats.

As with AWIT’s previous Coursera specializations, the program is on track for the American Council on Education (ACE) Credit Recommendation, allowing eligible learners to earn college-level credit.

A Strategic Investment in Cybersecurity Talent

Cybersecurity roles continue to be among the fastest-growing and most in-demand positions in tech. However, many professionals lack access to the leadership training needed to move into strategic and executive roles.

Get Started Today

AWIT’s Real-World Cybersecurity Leadership Specialization is now available globally on Coursera. The program is designed for learners at any stage: from those exploring a cybersecurity career to senior practitioners ready to take on leadership roles.

To learn more, visit: www.coursera.org/awit.

About Advancing Women in Tech (AWIT)

AWIT is a global nonprofit committed to offering skills-based training programs to help learners of all backgrounds launch and advance their careers.

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