Addressing the Lack of Diversity in IT & Cybersecurity: Prof. Ricky West
By Lana Reid | August 30, 2023
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Prof. Ricky West, educator, entrepreneur, and cybersecurity workforce advocate, to discuss the lack of diversity in IT and cybersecurity fields. Prof. West shares how systemic barriers impact access to technology careers, why credential transparency and workforce preparation matter, and how education, certification pathways, and industry accountability can create more equitable entry points into cybersecurity.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Prof. Ricky West provides a clear and solutions-focused conversation on diversity, access, and workforce readiness in IT and cybersecurity.
Prof. West explains how underrepresentation in technology is not the result of a lack of talent, but of limited access to resources, information, and pathways into the field. He discusses how confusing credential systems, high training costs, and unclear career roadmaps often prevent capable individuals from entering or advancing in cybersecurity careers.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Prof. West explore the importance of education and certification management as tools for equity. Prof. West shares how initiatives focused on continuing education units (CEUs), certification alignment, and practical training can reduce barriers for underrepresented communities. He emphasizes that transparency and guidance are essential for helping learners navigate complex career pipelines.
The discussion also highlights workforce readiness and accountability. Prof. West reflects on how employers, educators, and institutions must work together to ensure training programs align with real-world job requirements. He underscores that long-term sustainability in cybersecurity depends on expanding access, supporting learners, and creating inclusive systems that recognize potential as well as credentials.
This episode reinforces the need for intentional action to address diversity gaps in technology and illustrates how education, access, and accountability can help build a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce.
About the Guest
Prof. Ricky West is an educator, entrepreneur, and cybersecurity workforce advocate focused on expanding access to IT and cybersecurity careers. He is the founder of Bridging Cyber, CertWallet, and Xodus Project North, initiatives designed to support credential transparency, workforce readiness, and equitable pathways into technology careers.
For more information on Prof. Ricky West:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickywestmba/
https://www.bridgingcyber.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bridgingcyber/
http://www.getcertwallet.com/
http://www.xodusproject.com/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are educators, innovators, and leaders working to expand access, equity, and opportunity in emerging industries.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
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