Cyber Policy Leadership Institute Welcomes Second Cohort at Crowdstrike HQ

This week, the Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) welcomed its second cohort at Crowdstrike headquarters, where the Spring 2025 class of nine students received an introduction on the landscape for cybersecurity policymaking from public policy experts.

CPLI is a collaboration between CrowdStrike and Advocacy Blueprints, dedicated to bridging the representation gap in cybersecurity policy and creating pathways for emerging policy leaders. Through direct engagement with policymakers and industry experts, students explore domestic and international cybersecurity frameworks while examining how policy decisions impact different communities. The curriculum combines technical understanding with policy insights, helping students understand how cybersecurity challenges and solutions affect diverse communities.

At the program’s first session, the students received a general overview on the landscape for cybersecurity policymaking at the federal level, including the relationship between Congressional legislation and oversight, Executive branch rulemaking and implementation, advocacy campaigns from corporations, and civil society groups. Advocacy Blueprint’s Nicole Tisdale and Crowdstrike’s Rob Sheldon and Karen Kaya walked students through a case study of successful advocacy campaign, and strategic approaches to providing regulatory comments and engaging with federal agencies and officials.

All sessions include speakers, discussions, and mentoring designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity and public policy. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for further education, networking and internships. We at OPVOX Foundation are proud to provide administrative support for the project. Learn more at popvox.org/cpli.