Cybersecurity Fellows Program (Spring 2025)

Spring 2025 ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellows Program and Scholarship Awardees Announced

Congratulations to our newest ISACA Central Ohio Chapter members who were accepted into our ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellows Program and Scholarship.  In this innovative and experiential program, candidates explore the field of cybersecurity while engaging with industry professionals in the Central Ohio ISACA chapter.  Additionally, through the ISACA credentialing service, they will earn an internationally recognized Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate.  Upon completion, they will become an ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellow and will be awarded a $500 scholarship!  This program is in its second year and runs through spring 2025 semester.  Our top 10 awardees are: 

  • Richard Abaidoo
  • Lydia Adarkwah-Pepra
  • Ezekiel “Kenny” Adediji
  • Christopher Begines
  • Bernard Berchie
  • John Bob
  • Richard Dwamena Boampong
  • Sadick Essandoh
  • Ebenezer Osei Kwakye
  • James Turner

These candidates stood out in a competitive field, based on his/her academic accomplishments, personal essay on cybersecurity career pursuits in Central Ohio, and their professor’s recommendation. 

In the program, the selected candidates receive membership to ISACA (international) with Central Ohio as their local chapter (worth $25), study materials for the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate (worth about $200) and reimbursement for one exam fee (worth about $120).  Additionally, candidates are expected to attend a minimum of one Central Ohio ISACA chapter meeting, have at least one mentoring session with a Central Ohio ISACA member, and pass the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate exam to become a Fellow and receive the $500 scholarship.  If you would like to volunteer in the Academic Relations as a mentor, please complete our interest survey at https://forms.office.com/r/J4i0rcyURt.

A special “THANK YOU” to our Academic Relations Selection Committee for their dedication and diligence in promoting and engaging in this transformative program.  Members included:  Laura Aeh, Alyssa Ahmann, Amgad Fahmy, Jaelyn Pounds, John Roberts (Board Committee Chair) and David St. Clair.

Please welcome our Spring 2025 ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellows Program and Scholarship Awardees to Central Ohio ISACA and congratulation on this prestigious accomplishment!

 

Meet our Spring 2025 ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellows Program and Scholarship Awardees

Richard Abaidoo
Graduate Student Studying Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University

 

Lydia Adarkwah-Pepra
Graduate Student Studying Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University

  Ezekiel "Kenny" Adediji
Graduate Student Studying Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University
  Christopher Begines
Undergraduate Student Studying Computer and Information Science at The Ohio State University

From Richard, “I am interested in becoming an ISACA Cybersecurity Fellow to advance my passion for cybersecurity, contribute to the community, and collaborate with industry leaders.”

From Richard's Professor, His studies continue to leverage his industry experience with new interests in Cybersecurity. I highly recommend Richard.”

From Lydia, “Becoming an ISACA Cybersecurity Fellow would be a significant milestone in my career. ISACA’s global reputation for fostering excellence in cybersecurity aligns perfectly with my personal and professional goals.”

From Lydia's Professor, [Lydia] clearly desires to augment her academics with certifications and has shown interest in information security issues.”

From Ezekiel, “As an aspiring cybersecurity professional, I aim to advance my skills in risk management, threat intelligence, and incident response. ISACA’s focus on hands-on learning and access to a network of experienced professionals aligns perfectly with my career goals.” 

From Ezekiel's Professor, “Kenny's intellect, commitment to excellence, and hands-on networking and infrastructure management expertise make him an exceptional candidate for this fellowship.”

From Christopher, “Central Ohio’s cybersecurity industry offers an amazing environment to build on these skills, collaborating with professionals to address security challenges on a larger scale.” 

From Christopher's Professor, “I wholeheartedly recommend Christopher Begines for this scholarship. I am confident that his exceptional leadership abilities, and drive make him an outstanding candidate for this honor.”

 

 

 

 

Bernard Berchie
Undergraduate Student Studying Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University

 

John Bob
Graduate Student Studying Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University

 

Richard Dwamena Boampong
Graduate Student Studying Laws in Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Compliance at The Ohio State University

 

Sadick Essandoh
Graduate Student Studying Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University

From Bernard, “Through this fellowship, I hope to gain the knowledge and connections required to become a responsible, skilled cybersecurity professional capable of safeguarding our digital future.” 

From Bernard's Professor, “I am excited that Bernard applied for this fellowship as he is one of my best students...”

From John, “Becoming an ISACA Cybersecurity Fellow is a crucial step in achieving my long-term career goal of working in cybersecurity… and deepen my understanding of the field… Central Ohio's growing cybersecurity initiatives provide the perfect environment [to learn the field].” 

From John's Professor, “He is a regular source of questions and always engages in classroom discussions... he is willing to offer conjecture on difficult questions posed to the class.”

From Richard, “My goal is to work in a role that will enable me to advise small and medium-sized enterprises in Central Ohio on complying with cybersecurity laws to avoid enforcement actions from state and federal regulators.” 

From Richard's Professor, “I have been a data privacy, cybersecurity and technology lawyer for 25 years and can identify those young lawyers with aptitude and engagement for this space.”

From Sadick, Cybersecurity is more than just a career choice for me; it’s an endeavor i am passionate about... By exploring this field in Central Ohio and joining ISACA, I aim to make a significant impact while continuously advancing my knowledge, understanding and skills in cybersecurity. 

From Sadick's Professor, “I have the pleasure of having Sadick in my IT Compliance class this semester and enjoy the questions he asks in class as they bring an international perspective to our discussions.”

Ebenezer Osei Kwakye
Graduate Student Studying Instructional Technology at Ohio University

James Turner
Graduate Student Studying Management at Ohio University

From Ebenezer, “The field of cybersecurity provides a dynamic environment where I can apply my technical skills and strategic insights gained through my work experience as a Telecom Engineer, master’s program and further refined during my PhD studies. 

From Ebenezer's Professor, “… [Ebenezer’s] breadth of knowledge, exceptional work ethic, and passion for learning make him a stellar candidate for this prestigious program.”

From James, “My interest in exploring cybersecurity, particularly for ISACA, stems from my passion for technology and a commitment to protecting sensitive information. 

From James' Professor, “[James’] academic performance, combined with his intellectual curiosity, positions him as an exceptional candidate for the ISACA Cybersecurity Fellows Program.”