Lieutenant General Susan Lawrence (Ret.), President and CEO of AFCEA International

July 14, 2024

Building the Cyber Workforce of the Future

Presented by AFCEA International

Lieutenant General Susan Lawrence (Ret.), President and CEO of AFCEA International, discusses the pressing need for a collaborative approach between government, industry, and academia to build a strong cyber workforce. Lawrence highlights the critical role of engaging students in STEM education at an early age, showcasing initiatives like the Signal Kids Magazine, written by young students about technology and its impact on their world. Additionally, AFCEA has invested significantly in STEM scholarships and teacher grants, emphasizing the importance of educational support in developing future cyber professionals. Lawrence stresses the necessity of partnerships with academic institutions to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled individuals entering the cybersecurity field. She also underscores the pivotal role of industry collaboration in accelerating technological advancements, stressing that winning the technological race against adversaries requires a united effort from both government and industry partners.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Initiatives like Signal Kids Magazine and STEM scholarships are designed to inspire and educate young students about technology and cybersecurity.
   
   
2. Collaboration between government, academia, and industry is crucial for addressing the cyber workforce shortage and advancing technological capabilities.
   
   
3. Providing financial support and resources to students and educators helps to cultivate a skilled and prepared cyber workforce.