By Gayathri Rajamohan

The ISC2 Toronto Chapter Mentorship Program is a structured, community-driven initiative that connects cybersecurity professionals who want to grow with others and who are ready to guide them. The program is designed to:

  • Accelerate learning through structured, goal-oriented mentorship
  • Strengthen professional networks within the local cybersecurity community
  • Support members at every stage of their careers, whether they are:
    • Breaking into the industry
    • Preparing for their first major certification, such as the CISSP
    • Sharpening technical or leadership skills

In 2025, the program announcement and registration saw a fantastic response, bringing together 112 mentors and mentees. Our midpoint survey revealed a 91.2% satisfaction rate, proving that the connections being made are both meaningful and high quality. The program runs as a 3-month (16-week) commitment, with mentors and mentees meeting biweekly, totaling two hours per month, to work through defined focus areas such as career development, technical skills, CISSP preparation, and networking. For mentors, participation deepens leadership abilities, reinforces technical knowledge through teaching, and offers fulfillment by giving back to the community; for mentees, it opens doors to targeted guidance, job-market insights, and long-term support that can meaningfully shape their cybersecurity journey.

Want to see the mentorship program in action? Meet Avi and Mario, one of our standout 2025 mentor-mentee pairs. Over 16 weeks, they tackled Avi’s career shift from service desk into cybersecurity, built real confidence, and made the program work for them.

Mentee Spotlight: Avi Reinstein’s Journey

From Service Desk to Cybersecurity

What attracted you to the mentorship program? I joined during my transition from the service desk into cybersecurity. Certifications and self-study only went so far; I needed someone to explain real day-to-day work in the field. The ISC2 Toronto Chapter’s strong reputation and active community made it the clear choice, especially for networking and career guidance.

Describe your first meeting with Mario. We connected immediately despite initial nerves. Being around the same age created instant common ground, and the conversation felt natural rather than formal.

What was your first big win? I secured a full-time IT position during the first week. Discussing the transition with Mario gave me the confidence to know I was on the right path and that consistent progress matters.

How did the meeting structure help you stay accountable? Mario maintained detailed notes from each session. We’d start with 15 minutes of personal updates, focus on growth goals, and end with a casual conversation. This balance kept us on track without feeling rigid.

How did the experience change your career approach? I used to prioritize speed above all else, but Mario showed me that patience is crucial in Canada’s job market. Landing that first role creates momentum for future growth.

Would you participate again? Absolutely. It’s invaluable for meeting professionals, understanding diverse career paths, and building relationships that shape your future.

Mentor Spotlight: Mario A. Matiz Zambrano

Guiding Avi through the 2025 Cohort

What motivated you to mentor? I’ve always loved combining cybersecurity expertise with teaching. This program lets me share practical lessons while helping others navigate their career journeys and strengthening our community.

How do you prepare for sessions? I review notes from our last meeting and our established roadmap to maintain focus on Avi’s goals. I also stay flexible, as the most impactful discussions often arise from current challenges.

What’s been most rewarding or challenging? Seeing Avi gain clarity and confidence in their career direction has been incredibly fulfilling. Coordinating schedules with busy professionals presents challenges, but the results make it worthwhile.

How do you measure success after 16 weeks? We track progress against our initial goals, but true success is Avi finishing with greater confidence, improved skills, and motivation to continue growing.

Would you recommend mentoring to others? Without question. It’s a meaningful way to give back, share knowledge, and help build a stronger cybersecurity community for everyone.

Join the Next Cohort: Spring 2026

We are excited to announce that our next mentorship journey is set to launch mid-April 2026. This upcoming cohort will feature an extended 5-month format, allowing for deeper connection and goal tracking.

Program requirements Before applying, please ensure you meet the following criteria:

  • Membership: You must be an active member of the ISC2 Toronto Chapter.
  • Commitment: Ability to dedicate 1 hour biweekly to your mentorship meetings.

How to apply

  • Keep an eye on our LinkedIn, Discord, or newsletter, or check the ISC2 Toronto Blog for the official “Applications Open” announcement in early April.
  • Use the specific Google Form link (separate links for mentors and mentees) provided in the announcement.

Important dates:

  • Applications open: Early April 2026
  • Program Start: Mid-April 2026
  • Duration: 5 months

Links:

Note: If there is no active call for applications when you check, you can always email directors@isc2chapter-toronto.ca to be added to our waitlist for future cohorts.