Coastal Virginia Cybersecurity Student Association
The Coastal Virginia Cybersecurity Student Association is a community fostering collaboration and skill development for cybersecurity students in the region. Through workshops, seminars, and networking events, we provide educational resources and support for students interested in this dynamic field.
Service-Learning
In my role as the President and Outreach Chair for the Coastal Virginia Cybersecurity Student Association, I have honed and demonstrated exceptional service-learning skills. Through strategic planning and effective communication with my team, we have successfully expanded the association's outreach efforts, connecting with a broader audience and fostering a sense of community. We also collaborated with students from around Coastal Virginia to create events that met a common goal of enriching cybersecurity students with the knowledge to be career ready during and after their academic careers. Leading this initiative of closing the gap between cybersecurity students and the workforce has given me the skills to empower other students to reach further outside of their classroom learning experiences to succeed in this career path.
As a member of the Coastal Virginia Cybersecurity Student Association (CVCSA), I had the opportunity to engage in events that addressed several pressing issues in the field, including emerging cyber threats, lack of cybersecurity awareness in the community, gaps in workforce preparedness, and the need for stronger ethical practices in digital environments. These events ranged from technical workshops and Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions to panel discussions with industry professionals and public outreach activities.
Through my participation, I gained exposure to real-world challenges and practical tools that go beyond classroom learning that will help me in my future career as a cybersecurity professional. For example, events on threat intelligence and incident response helped me understand the fast-paced nature of cyber defense, while ethical hacking workshops taught me about the importance of responsible disclosure and legal boundaries in the profession. Community-oriented events emphasized how vital cybersecurity is at every level—from individuals to national infrastructure
Speaking Events
Monthly speaking events for students provide a platform for continuous learning and networking within our academic community. Featuring a diverse range of speakers, including industry professionals and experts, these events offer students insights into various aspects of their fields of study. Attendees have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, gain practical insights, and connect with professionals who share valuable perspectives. These speaking events foster a collaborative and engaging atmosphere, allowing students to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can be instrumental in their academic and professional journeys.
CyberForge
CyberForge stands as an annual two-day event hosted by the Coastal Virginia Cybersecurity Student Association (CVCSA), dedicated to cultivating the skills and knowledge of students in the cybersecurity realm. This unique gathering combines a Capture The Flag (CTF) competition with an insightful conference, providing an immersive experience for attendees. Students have the opportunity to showcase their cybersecurity prowess in the CTF challenge while also participating in engaging conference sessions led by industry professionals.