Cyber Policy Leadership Institute
Bridging the representation gap in cybersecurity policy
Mission
The Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) is dedicated to bridging the representation gap in cybersecurity policy by empowering students from historically marginalized groups, with the aim of cultivating the next generation of diverse cyber policy leaders.
The lack of diversity in cyber policy perpetuates inequality and harms security. CPLI seeks to grow leadership in cyber policy by focusing on the untapped talent-rich environments at community college, undergraduate, and graduate institutions including from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions (AANAPISIs).
By educating and equipping these students, CPLI serves as a catalyst for change. The program helps students begin to explore crafting inclusive policies that reflect the perspectives of diverse communities, empowering them to address evolving digital threats, uplift marginalized voices, and champion racial equity in the cyber realm. Through expanding opportunities in this critical field, CPLI fosters a future where equity is woven into the fabric of our digital lives.
The Cyber Policy Leadership Institute is a collaboration between POPVOX Foundation, CrowdStrike, and Advocacy Blueprints. Questions? Contact us at cpli@popvox.org.
About the Program
CPLI aims to provide students with opportunities to learn and engage in US and international cybersecurity public policy. The institute will help students and the entire cyber community begin to view policies through a racial equity lens to create solutions that address the evolving cyber threats, while empowering participation from historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
As participants in the leadership institute, students will have access to speaker series, roundtable discussions, mentorships, and preparation for internships in cybersecurity and public policy. In addition, students will have opportunities to further their education and networking through virtual and in-person professional and community events.
Why Does CPLI Exist?
Diverse Voices, Effective Policies
Historically, the realm of cybersecurity policy has lacked the diverse voices that are essential to creating policies that serve everyone. CPLI was founded on the belief that diverse insights and experiences lead to more robust, inclusive, and effective cybersecurity policies.
Bridging the Gap
Despite the ever-growing significance of cybersecurity in an interconnected world, many talented individuals remain unaware of or disconnected from this field due to lack of representation or opportunity. CPLI seeks to bridge this gap, fostering a community where racially-diverse students can thrive, contribute, and lead.
Empowerment Through Education
Beyond just awareness, CPLI aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to make impactful contributions to domestic and international cybersecurity policies. The focus is not just on the what but also the how – approaching policy-making through a racial equity lens.
Building Future Leaders
Cybersecurity is not just about codes and algorithms; it's about people, societies, and the values we uphold. CPLI envisions a future where the leaders of cybersecurity policy hail from all walks of life, representing and advocating for the diverse communities they belong to.
Answering the Call
As cyber threats evolve and proliferate, the need for well-rounded, inclusive policies has never been more urgent. CPLI answers this call, training the next generation of policy leaders to navigate the intricate landscape of cybersecurity with discernment, inclusivity, and excellence.
Program Highlights
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Helping newcomers gain a foundational understanding of U.S. and international cybersecurity public policy, all in an accessible and engaging format that is tailored for newcomers.
Racial Equity Lens
Emphasizing the importance of viewing policy-making through a racial equity perspective, ensuring policies are inclusive and equitable for all communities.
Holistic Learning
Offering insights into both US and international cybersecurity public policy.
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Cyber Policy Leadership Institute’s Fourth Session Examines the Intersection of Election Security, Misinformation, and Cybersecurity
The fourth session of the Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) addressed election security and cybersecurity, with insights from Paladin Global Institute’s Kemba Walden who shared her experience spanning election security, law, and government service.
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Cyber Policy Leadership Institute’s Fellows Examine Cyber Security Within Critical Infrastructure Serving Minority Communities
During the third session of the Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI), fellows explored cybersecurity weaknesses in critical infrastructure serving minority communities, specifically within healthcare, water systems, and educational sectors.
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Cyber Policy Leadership Institute’s Fellows Explore Legislative Process and Cybersecurity Realities
The second session of the Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) focused on cyber policy legislation on Capitol Hill, opportunities and challenges of investments in cybersecurity, and defending organizations and business from cyber attacks.
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Cyber Policy Leadership Institute's Inaugural Session
On January 23, 2024, the Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) held its first session at Crowdstrike headquarters, where its inaugural class of eight students received an introduction on cybersecurity policy from public policy experts.
Student Testimonials
“The CPLI program truly changed my life; it helped me understand the intersection of technology and policy and inspired me to pursue a career in cybersecurity policy.”
“The program fostered an inclusive atmosphere that made me feel supported and valued. Each session was a testament to the program’s commitment to diversity, encouraging us to bring our unique perspectives to the discussions.”
“Throughout the program, I felt not only safe and supported but also deeply included. I was consistently encouraged to share my unique perspective and insights on cyber issues, which was empowering and validating. The experts involved, regardless of their age or experience, genuinely valued our contributions and showed a sincere interest in our thoughts and ideas, fostering an environment where diversity of identity and opinion was celebrated and respected.”
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Status: Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college/university
Classification: Undergraduate junior or senior, graduate-level, or law school, with expected graduation date in 2025 or 2026
Field of Study: All majors welcome - no prior cybersecurity experience required
Students: Open to domestic enrolled students
Citizenship: Applicants must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
Background: Though open to everyone, the program has a focus on people from communities and backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the cybersecurity industry.
Institutions: Priority given to those from Minority-Serving Institutions
Attendance: Able to fully participate in all in-person sessions in Arlington, VA
Interests: Passionate about cybersecurity, inclusion, and collaboration
Credits: No academic credits issued for program participation
Key Dates
Deadline to apply: November 11, 2024 at 9 AM ET
Interviews: Starting week of November 18, 2024
Acceptance: Notifications on Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Roundtable Calendar (Mandatory Attendance):
1st Session: January 28, 2025 from 3-6 PM ET
2nd Session: February 25, 2025 from 3-6 PM ET
3rd Session: March 25, 2025 from 3-6 PM ET
4th Session: April 22, 2025 from 3-6 PM ET
FAQ
Program Details
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The program spans four roundtable sessions, each lasting 3 hours.
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CPLI is free for all selected participants.
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In recognition of the commitment and preparation required for each roundtable, participants will receive a $500 stipend for each session. This stipend is to honor the time invested in preparing for and engaging in these discussions. A $50 metro card is provided to all participants prior to the first session to assist with transportation to any in-person sessions or related events.
Location & Attendance
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In order to foster direct engagement and networking among participants, the CPLI program is strictly in-person.
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All roundtable sessions will be held monthly in the DC metro area, specifically Arlington, VA. The venue, CrowdStrike’s DMV office, is conveniently located approximately 0.6 miles from the Crystal City metro stop.
Participants are responsible for their travel arrangements, and while a $50 metro card is provided to assist with transportation costs, parking is not provided. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation.
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Eligibility Requirements
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No technical background is needed, just an interest in cybersecurity and public policy.
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Yes, the program is designed for students from all academic disciplines.
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No, it's not a requirement. CPLI is open to all applicants who have an interest in cybersecurity or public policy. However, we prioritize candidates from racially diverse and historically disadvantaged backgrounds to address the underrepresentation in the cybersecurity field and foster a more diverse professional landscape.
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No, while we encourage applications from students at MSIs, enrollment at an MSI is not a requirement to apply for CPLI.
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Applicants must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
Participation & Engagement
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The program provides foundational knowledge of cybersecurity policy, enhanced networking skills, and a certificate of completion.
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Cybersecurity focuses on protection techniques, while cybersecurity policy involves creating rules and frameworks for such protection.
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Yes, the program can be the first step toward a career that blends both.
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Active engagement is a requirement for all students chosen for CPLI. A read-ahead packet of materials and discussion questions will be provided no later than 1 week prior to each session. CPLI participants are expected to discuss materials and questions with speakers and peers.
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Roundtables are kept small to ensure interactive and meaningful participation for all.
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Completion of the program opens doors to further opportunities in cybersecurity policy, including internships and networking connections.
Program Team
For program inquiries, please reach out to cpli@popvox.org.
Nicole Tisdale
Co-Founder,
CPLI
Founder & Principal,
Advocacy Blueprints
Rob Sheldon
Advisor,
CPLI
Senior Director of Public Policy & Strategy,
CrowdStrike
Drew Bagley
Co-Founder,
CPLI
Vice President and Counsel, Privacy and Cyber Policy,
CrowdStrike
Karen Kaya
Advisor,
CPLI
Senior Manager, Public Policy,
CrowdStrike
Taylor J. Swift
Program Director,
CPLI
Director of Government Capacity,
POPVOX Foundation
Marci Harris
Advisor,
CPLI
Cofounder and Executive Director,
POPVOX Foundation
