Regional Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and Training (RICET)

Nice Symposium: A Coordinated Approach To Supply Chain Risks. Tuesday, November 16, 2021. 1:30 - 5 P.M. EST

RICET, or the Regional Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and Training, is a collaborative effort to build and strengthen a foundation in cybersecurity education, training, and workforce for the Americas. This event provides an opportunity for community members and thought leaders from education, government, industry, and non-profits to explore ways of developing a curriculum for the current and future cybersecurity workforce. This event is hosted by Florida International University and the Organization of American States in cooperation with NICE.

This year’s RICET took place on October 23, 2025, in Montevideo, Uruguay, bringing together over 350 participants from across the Americas, representing a diverse mix of sectors and perspectives.

Among the key takeaways from the discussions was the ongoing challenge of policy fragmentation—both across countries and, in some cases, within them. Participants noted that existing frameworks too often operate in silos, with limited alignment between national priorities and regional objectives. 

Another takeaway centered on building cyber resilience, which begins with investment in education and training. It’s not just about preparing reactive incident responders, but cultivating a resilient, adaptive, and continuously evolving workforce. While human capital is central, lasting progress depends on sustained national investment to strengthen these capabilities.

Relive the conversations that shaped RICET.

 

2025 RICET AGENDA

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Event Welcome

  • Claudia Barriento, Representative of the GS/OAS in Uruguay
  • Dr. Brian Fonseca, Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Florida International University

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  |  Building a Workforce for Incident Response
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, a responsive and skilled cybersecurity workforce is essential. This panel explores how governments, academia, and the private sector can collaborate to build and sustain a pipeline of professionals equipped to manage and respond to cyber incidents. Panelists will discuss training models, certification pathways, public-private partnerships, and cultivating a workforce that is not only reactive but also resilient.

  • Gonzalo Garcia-Belenguer, Cyber Global Director of External Engagement, Banco Santander
  • Graciela Martinez, Community Engagement, First Board
  • Leonard Wadewitz, Senior Director, Business Development Latin America and the Caribbean, CompTIA
  • Matias Camargo, Cybersecurity Expert, Universidad Tecnologica
  • Moderator: Dr. Brian Fonseca, Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Florida International University

3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | Academic Network as the Backbone for Capacity Building

  • Javier Valena, RedCLARA

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Evolving Roles and Responsibilities in the Age of Quantum Computing and AI
The rapid advancement of technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. This panel will examine how emerging risks (e.g. post quantum and transformative tools are redefining roles and responsibilities within the cybersecurity workforce. Experts will discuss the implications of these technologies, explore strategies for future-proofing workforce development, and consider what skills and governance structures are needed to harness innovation while mitigating new vulnerabilities.

  • Hugo Dario Miguel, Former Undersecretary of ICT Planning, General Secretariat of the Presidency of Argentina; CEO, SOGI S.A.; COO, Gluebit
  • Jimena Mora Corredor, Senior Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit
  • Mauro Flores, Head of Cybersecurity, Netlabs Uruguay
  • Timothy King, WIL Advanced Manufacturing & AI Facilitor, Cyber Education & Emerging Technologies Specialist
  • Moderator: Dr. Donavon Johnson, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Policy & Administration, Florida International University

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Future Wired: RICET + LATAM

  • Kerry-Ann Barrett, Chief of Section, Cybersecurity Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, OAS
  • Barbara Peres-Furones, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Division of IT, Florida International University

 

Please note: This agenda is subject to change.

RICET, la Iniciativa Regional para la Educación y Capacitación en Ciberseguridad, es un esfuerzo colaborativo para construir y fortalecer las bases en la educación, la capacitación y la fuerza laboral en ciberseguridad para las Américas. Este evento brinda una oportunidad para que los miembros de la comunidad y los líderes de opinión de la educación, el gobierno, la industria y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro exploren formas de desarrollar un plan de estudios para la fuerza laboral de ciberseguridad actual y futura. Este evento es organizado por Florida International University y la Organización de Estados Americanos en cooperación con la Iniciativa Nacional para la Educación en Seguridad Cibernética.

RICET 2025 se llevará a cabo el jueves 23 de octubre en Montevideo, Uruguay.

El evento será transmitido en vivo. A medida que se acerque la fecha, compartiremos más detalles sobre cómo acceder a la transmisión en directo.

¡Esperamos darle la bienvenida!

 

 

Experience RICET 2023 again!
Relive #RICET2022!
Relive #RICET2021!