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Explore Your Future in Cybersecurity: Mentorship, Careers, and Next Steps 

Are you ready to take your next step in cybersecurity? Join an engaging panel discussion where industry experts and leaders share their insights on mentorship, career growth, and emerging opportunities in the cybersecurity field. Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring your path or a graduate student planning your next move, this conversation will offer valuable guidance and connections to help you succeed. 

Learn more about these topics:   

• Identify which cybersecurity career path best fits your interests and strengths
• Build meaningful mentorship relationships that support your professional growth
• Stand out when applying for internships and entry-level cybersecurity roles
• Leverage hands-on experiences, certifications, and graduate study opportunities
• Stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity trends and technologies 

This virtual event is free to attend, but registration is required.  

 

Welcome/Intro: 

Erika C. Burt 

Assistant Dean of Professional and Academic Programs 

Illinois Institute of Technology, College of Computing 

Erika C. Burt is assistant dean of professional academic programs at Illinois Tech’s College of Computing, with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership. She leads initiatives to advance undergraduate and graduate programs, expand online learning, and strengthen strategic partnerships. Her expertise includes strategic planning, curriculum design, faculty and staff development, and large-scale program implementation. Throughout her career, Burt has collaborated with executive leaders and managed grant teams to secure over $18 million in funding for STEM education initiatives. She also serves on multiple institutional and professional boards, advocating for teacher leadership and equitable access to STEM and post-secondary education. Burt holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Concordia University Â鶹APP, an M.A.T. from Â鶹APP State University, and an M.Div. from North Park Theological Seminary.  

 

Moderator: 

Nicole Beebe 

Dean and Professor of Information Technology and Management  

Illinois Institute of Technology, College of Computing  

Nicole L. Beebe is dean of the College of Computing at Illinois Tech. With more than 25 years of experience across academia, industry, and government—including 12 years in the United States Air Force—she is a recognized leader in cybersecurity and computing education. Before joining Illinois Tech, she served as assistant vice president for research, the Melvin Lachman Endowed Chair, and professor of information systems and cybersecurity at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Beebe has secured more than $14 million in research funding and published nearly 60 peer-reviewed works cited more than 2,700 times. Her research focuses on cybersecurity, cyber analytics, and digital forensics. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Information Technology) from UTSA, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. 

Panelists 

 Laszlo Gonc 

Chief Executive Officer 

Next Era Transformation Group 

Laszlo Gonc is CEO of Next Era Transformation Group and a seasoned leader in cybersecurity, AI/ML, digital risk, and technology strategy. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he guides Fortune 1000s, nonprofits, and multi-sector organizations through digital transformation, leveraging AI to scale capability, and cybersecurity to protect operations. He serves on advisory boards at Herzing University, Illinois Tech’s C²SAFE, and Keller Graduate School; is Chair Emeritus of Project Management Institute’s Â鶹APPland’s Executive Council; a Forbes Technology Council member; is a certified CISSP; and a Digital Directors Network Qualified Technology Expert. 

 Adam Lewis 

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer  

Alliant Credit Union 

Board Member, ChiBrrCon 

Adam is the deputy CISO at Alliant Credit Union, a board member of ChiBrrCon, and a proud alumnus of Illinois Tech (CS, ’96). Between graduation and his time at Alliant, he built and secured technology for public safety, authored a few patents, and co-chaired the Â鶹APP chapter of the Open Web Application Security Project. Born and bred in Â鶹APP, he is an evangelist of deep-dish pizza and 1980’s Â鶹APP House Music. 

Fred Kwong 

Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer  

Devry University  

Fred Kwong is an award-winning cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of experience across education, finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and insurance. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at DeVry University, having previously been CISO at Delta Dental Plans Association. A frequent speaker at national security forums, he also serves on several advisory boards and consults on cybersecurity and leadership. Kwong is an adjunct faculty member at Roosevelt and Benedictine Universities. He earned a BA in Psychology and Professional Communications and an MBA in Management Information Systems from Roosevelt University, and a Doctorate in Organization Development from Benedictine University.  

Bruce Coffing

Chief Information Security Officer  

City of Â鶹APP  

Bruce Coffing is an award-winning information security professional with more than years industry experience in information technology and cybersecurity. He is currently the chief information security officer for the City of Â鶹APP. He is the winner of the 2025 Â鶹APP CISO ORBIE for Large Enterprises. Prior to joining the City of Â鶹APP, Coffing held senior information security positions at Bank of America and at the consulting firm Accenture. Coffing holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and is a Qualified Technology Expert (QTE).