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Shantel Salvador, a third-year BS Cybersecurity student at Holy Angel University, has been selected as one of only 10 recipients of the renowned 2025 ISC2 Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship on June 4, 2025. 

What a Global Scholarship means

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (or ISC2) Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship is a program particular for women of any nationality in the field of cybersecurity, providing them financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the amount depending on the applicant’s overall standing. It aims to support and empower women pursuing degrees in cybersecurity as they recognize their knowledge and abilities in a male-dominated field. 

Salvador expressed disbelief at being chosen as a 2025 ISC2 scholar, claiming it is a huge privilege and opportunity for her. “Getting the chance to represent the Philippines and to stand for women in a male-dominated field like cybersecurity means so much to me.” she explained in an exclusive interview. The scholarship recognizes and acknowledges her outstanding performance and dedication in cybersecurity.

She also revealed that the scholarship program was made known to her from a former cybersecurity student, Angel May Maniago, who shared information of various cybersecurity scholarships in their Cybersecurity Intelligence Alliance (CSIA) group chat. From there, she spent time looking through different articles, stumbling upon the 2025 ISC2 scholarship designed for women.

Chasing Merit, Passion, and Background 

The 2025 ISC2 Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship is based on three criteria: merit, passion, and background. Salvador was given various sets of questions to answer, taking her more than eight hours to do so. Each question tackled her experiences, skills, and passion in cybersecurity, proving herself to the world.

When asked what made Salvador seek this scholarship program, she states that “I’ve often felt like I had to prove myself.” as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry like cybersecurity. “…When I saw the scholarship, it wasn’t just about the amount of funding they could offer, but it also felt like a chance to finally claim my space in the field. And I took it as a sign that if I were accepted, I could finally say to myself that I belong here and that this space is meant for me too!” she explained her former statement. Salvador also shared that she saw the program “as a platform where I could grow and be part of a global community that uplifts women who share the same passion for cybersecurity.” aligning with the ultimate goal of the scholarship program itself.

The Climb to the Summit 

Extracurriculars in cybersecurity and involvement in activities beyond school are mainly the factors that helped Salvador be a scholar. She reflected on the real-world problems she encountered in answering questions by connecting her experiences as a college mentor, community tutor, and a volunteer for children with cancer to cybersecurity. Moreover, she was required to submit grades from her freshman to sophomore years, along with recommendation letters highlighting her attributes.

In addition to the grueling eight-hour application process, Salvador faced other challenges as well during the process of her application. She stated “One of the notable challenges I faced was not being able to start earlier due to the many academic requirements I had to complete and quizzes I needed to study for” as a result of this, she admits to have crammed her ISC2 application, submitting it just three-hours before its deadline. 

Salvador’s entire journey was not traversed alone. She shared that several individuals helped her throughout the application process including Ma’am Khatz Aguilar–who wrote her recommendation letter, and the guidance counselor, Sir Ryan Tibe–who gave her unending advice, helping her ease mentally and emotionally. In addition to them, Salvador expressed gratitude to her partner, Raji Miguel Dizon, for staying with her until she submitted her application at 2am in the morning, despite having tests the following day. “He reminded me of the important deadlines and requirements I needed to meet for the scholarship, and his support meant everything!” she added to her acknowledgements.

This scholarship will cover Salvador’s tuition fees up until her senior year, and a small amount for her personal expenses as well. To live up to its honor, she plans to continue expanding her knowledge in cybersecurity by joining more training, certifications, and global communities, as well as sharing her experiences with other women in the field.

The Empowered Empowers Others

As the interview came to an end, Salvador shared her advice and message to her  fellow women in cybersecurity who wish to follow her steps. “You have to know yourself first and understand what you truly want to achieve. Don’t get pressured by other people’s success, because you have your own path.” Salvador adds that everyone should surround themselves with others who share the same passion as it will serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their efforts. Everyone will figure everything out in time, just like she did. 

by Angela Manalastas