At ISACA, volunteers are at the core of everything we do. From writing certification exam questions, to judging scholarship recipients, guiding conference attendees, authoring white papers, leading chapters, and so much more, our organization simply could not run without their dedicated partnership.
To celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week this year, I reached out to several ISACA volunteers to hear their journeys and the advice they have for others who may be considering starting their own volunteering journey. Read on for their stories, and hear from ISACA staff on our appreciation for our volunteers in the video below.
What motivated you to begin volunteering with ISACA? Why do you continue?
Janaki Ramani: “I began volunteering with ISACA because it has played an important role in my professional journey. My role in cybersecurity, GRC, and AI governance closely aligns with ISACA’s mission, and I was motivated to give back to the community that has contributed to my growth. I continue volunteering because it helps me stay connected with evolving industry practices and engage with professionals who are equally passionate about advancing cybersecurity and risk management. Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to contribute to the institution that opened doors for my career advancement over a decade ago.”
Isheanesu Sithole: “I was initially motivated to volunteer with ISACA because I wanted to give back to a community that has significantly shaped my professional journey. ISACA represents the global gold standard for digital trust, and I felt compelled to contribute to the engine that drives these standards forward and not just benefit from them. I continue to volunteer because the value is reciprocal. Every contribution offers me fresh perspectives from peers across the world, opportunities to build new networks, and meaningful growth in my skills and expertise.”
Janice Clauer: “Volunteering helps me stay connected to the security and audit community. From a career perspective, it’s been one of the best ways for me to keep learning while also helping others grow. Most of my work is at the chapter level, but I’ve found that getting involved globally adds variety and keeps things interesting.”
Don Tibbits: “I have volunteered with a few professional and industry associations over the years. I currently hold several volunteer roles with ISACA, with both my local chapter and with global. I love the way ISACA spans the local and global community; although focused primarily on information systems management and governance, it’s an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem. The benefits I receive from my engagement as a volunteer are enormous and impossible to quantify, from personal satisfaction to ongoing professional development. Contributing to the community is a value multiplier; I get back more than I put in. In an industry moving at the speed of light, it’s often difficult to keep up. It’s critical to engage with a peer group that speaks your language, that understands your concerns and supports the work you do.”
Niki Gomes: “I was motivated to volunteer with ISACA after I obtained my CISA. I met other members using the CISA exam forum online and got amazing study tips and practiced with the question of the day. I thought it was amazing that volunteers managed the forum. The strong sense of community through ISACA is unmatched and helped shape my career. I’m honored to give back to the organization that gave me new skills and a clear career path.”
What is one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with ISACA?
Janaki Ramani: “One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with ISACA is the opportunity to truly support others in their learning journey. Whether it is sharing insights or contributing to learning resources, it is fulfilling to see others grow and succeed. At the same time, volunteering allows me to continuously learn and explore opportunities that may not always be available in a job, creating a meaningful environment where both others and I grow together.”
Isheanesu Sithole: “One of the most rewarding aspects is the global peer network. It is so fulfilling to collaborate with professionals from different regulatory environments and realize that while our jurisdictions may differ, our challenges in securing the digital landscape are universal. The relationships built along the way and the exchange of ideas with colleagues around the world also make the experience even more enriching.”
Janice Clauer: “The most rewarding part has been the professional and personal connections I’ve made. As an introvert, volunteering has pushed me to connect with people I likely wouldn’t have met otherwise. Those relationships have been genuinely valuable.”
Don Tibbits: “I particularly enjoy helping others achieve certification. As Certifications Director of my chapter and as an Engage Community Topic Leader in the Exam Prep forums, I’m confident that the work I do makes a difference, and that it genuinely helps those I mentor to achieve their goals and ambitions. And in the grander scheme, the world desperately needs more skilled and qualified professionals who support and promote digital trust.”
Niki Gomes: “The most rewarding part of volunteering with ISACA is helping new members find their direction and watching them grow, while also supporting those navigating job loss or career changes. Making new connections is awesome.”
What are you most proud of about your time volunteering with ISACA?
Janaki Ramani: “I am particularly proud of contributing as an Engage Leader for CISM and currently for CGEIT, where I bring both certification and extensive practical experience. I have also been actively supporting the Melbourne Chapter ISACA exam study groups through teaching and presentations, helping participants connect exam concepts with real world risk management practices. In addition, I enjoy writing blogs and white papers as a way of sharing knowledge and contributing to the broader professional community. It is especially rewarding to see how these efforts help professionals build confidence, deepen their understanding, and apply concepts effectively.”
Isheanesu Sithole: “I am most proud of launching and nurturing the SheLeadsTech initiative for our local chapter and taking it from a point where no one felt ready to champion it, to the thriving, impactful program it is today in Zimbabwe. As of this year, the initiative now has its own dedicated chair and patron, and in March we successfully hosted our first-ever SheLeadsTech conference. Through this platform, we’ve facilitated mentorship for many young technology professionals and aspiring leaders, along with several other exciting initiatives that continue to expand the program’s reach and influence.”
Janice Clauer: “I’m most proud of the professional training and educational programs our chapter has delivered for members. Organizing quality events isn’t easy, but year after year we’ve been able to bring in strong speakers covering timely, relevant topics.”
Don Tibbits: “Locally, I have built a committee of volunteers to support our Certifications Portfolio, which will not only help to add more value to the programs we deliver, but also build a pipeline of succession, to onboard more accredited trainers and ensure that the systems we build will persist beyond my tenure. Globally, I successfully brought Engage Community Topic Leaders together in a ‘global meetup’ to examine ways to standardize our forums and improve community engagement.”
Niki Gomes: “I am most proud of helping to review scholarship applications and being on the Awards Working Group. It always feels amazing to provide someone with the means to continue their education in this field, and to reward members for their tireless efforts and dedication of service to ISACA.”
What are some skills that volunteering has helped you develop that also are useful in your career?
Janaki Ramani: “Volunteering has strengthened my ability to communicate complex cybersecurity and GRC concepts in a clear and practical way. It has also enhanced my collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, as I regularly interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. In addition, it has helped me build strong professional relationships and credible referees who can vouch for my work and contributions.”
Isheanesu Sithole: “Leadership and strategic thinking — guiding initiatives and working with diverse teams has sharpened my ability to think long-term and manage stakeholders effectively. Also, communication and facilitation — engaging members, speaking at events, and leading discussions has enhanced my ability to communicate clearly and influence effectively.”
Janice Clauer: “Serving on the Chapter Board has taught me how to plan and run successful events. That experience carries over directly to my professional life, whether it’s managing logistics, working through issues as they come up, or getting the best out of a team. I’ve also learned how to create presentations that actually engage an audience. I don’t always get it right, but I’ve learned how to evaluate what didn’t work and improve the next time.”
Don Tibbits: “I am interested in pursuing governance roles, so my position as a Chapter Director feeds directly into the required skills and experience. My work as Certifications Director, Accredited Trainer and Engage Community Topic Leader reinforces and strengthens my own knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, increasing the value I deliver to my clients.”
Niki Gomes: “Volunteering has helped me to build stronger leadership and mentoring skills, networking and collaboration skills, all while working with diverse professionals. Also, being able to balance volunteering and my professional duties has helped me with project management.”
What is your advice for someone who is considering getting involved as an ISACA volunteer?
Janaki Ramani: “My advice would be to start small and choose an area that truly interests you. Volunteering is a great way to contribute without expecting anything in return, yet it brings many intangible benefits. It offers valuable opportunities to learn, expand your network, and give back to the profession. Over time, it also helps build confidence and provides exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas.”
Isheanesu Sithole: “The best time to start was yesterday, and the next best is today! Just start where you are and get involved in any capacity that interests you. You don’t need to be an expert to contribute; ISACA offers opportunities for all levels of experience. Volunteering is not only a way to give back, it’s also one of the best investments you can make in your own growth. The more you pour into the community, the more the community pours back into your career.”
Janice Clauer: “Start with something that genuinely interests you. That could be behind-the-scenes work like writing exam questions or managing social media, or something more visible like presenting security awareness, writing for ISACA, or helping at local events. It can be a small time commitment or a larger one. It’s flexible. The key is finding something that fits your interests and schedule.”
Don Tibbits: “Volunteering doesn’t have to mean a gigantic commitment; start small, get involved, focus on what interests you. You might be surprised at how easy it is to contribute, and at how much you get back in return.”
Niki Gomes: “My advice is to find an area that you may not be an expert in. This is where you will learn, stretch and grow in your profession and in volunteering. Do something that is scary and a bit outside of your normal! I did and it has helped tremendously!”
Volunteer Contributors
Janaki Ramani is a Cyber GRC and AI Entrepreneur, Advisor, and Consultant based in Sydney, Australia. Janaki has volunteered with ISACA as an ISACA Foundation Scholarship Reviewer, CISM Review Manual Reviewer, Engage Topic Leader and more.
Isheanesu Sithole is an AI Consultant and Cybersecurity Expert based in Zimbabwe. Isheanesu is Past-President of the ISACA Harare Chapter, and has volunteered with ISACA as an ISACA Mentor, a Market Research Participant, AI Certification Beta Tester and more.
Janice Clauer is an Executive Compliance Officer based in the United States. Janice is also a chapter leader in the ISACA Greater Hartford Chapter and has volunteered with ISACA as an ISACA Award Reviewer, conference volunteer, a member of the CDPSE QAE Quality Assurance Team and more.
Don Tibbits is a Director of BB IT Group Pty Ltd based in Australia. Don is Certifications Director of the ISACA Melbourne Chapter and has volunteered with ISACA as an ISACA social media advocate, Engage Topic Leader, AI Certification Beta Tester, on the Emerging Trends Working Group and more.
Niki Gomes is a Senior Internal Auditor based in the United States. Niki has volunteered with ISACA as a conference volunteer, ISACA Foundation Scholarship Reviewer, Awards Working Group member and more.
