SFS Cyber LeADERS Program
I was competitively selected for the Cyber LeADERS Scholars program. The SFS program is managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 (Public Law No: 113-274). The SFS program trains the next generation of information technology professionals to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission for the government. Being involved in this program will allow me to engage in applied experiences related to leadership, academic internships, diversity, entrepreneurship, and service learning. The program ensures the recipients will be prepared for a wide range of cybersecurity government careers. I was drawn to this program because it will allow me to solely focus on my studies and its many opportunities to professionally develop to be successful in the cyber force.
2022 Cohort
I am a part of the 2022 cohort in the Cyber LeADERS Program. This cohort is made up of six outstanding students who are committed to public service and willing to succeed. Being able to study and grow alongside like-minded individuals in the cyber force at Old Dominion University has been invaluable. I am very excited to continue to work and progress in my academic career with these amazing people.
Experiences
I've had various insightful experiences so far with the Cyber LeADERS Program. One of them was the ability to attend and help manage COVA CCI's CybER CON which was designed to bring students, researchers, faculty, government, and industry leaders of all backgrounds to network and partner to support learning in cybersecurity. I was also able to attend a virtual and in-person career fair in Washington D.C. with other SFS students looking for a summer internship and post-graduate employment opportunities. Several state and federal agencies were in attendance and I was able to secure a summer cybersecurity internship for 2023 at the in-person job fair.