072. Building Cyber Leaders from the Ground Up: Inside Loyola Blakefield’s Award-Winning Cyber Program

What really happens inside a Security Operations Center (SOC) – and what does it take to thrive there?In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with James Walsh, seasoned SOC professional and former host of NCF's Cyber Pulse podcast, to break down the fast-paced world of cyber defense. James walks us through what a SOC actually is, what analysts do day-to-day, and how aspiring cybersecurity professionals can get their foot in the door – including the certifications that actually matter.But the conversation goes beyond the technical. Drawing from his background in martial arts, James shares how discipline, situational awareness, and mindset translate directly into cybersecurity. We also explore a more personal side: how working in cyber has shaped the way he approaches parenting in a digital-first world.Whether you're curious about cybersecurity careers, already in the field, or just trying to raise tech-savvy kids safely, this episode delivers practical insights with a human touch.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Register here: https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: martial arts, cybersecurity, Network Operations Center (NOC), cyber certs, CISSP, cyber chats, cyber chatStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

As Laura Nelson prepares to step away from her role as President & CEO of the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF), we take time to reflect on her extraordinary legacy of leadership in cybersecurity and intelligence.In this special #CyberChats episode, Laura shares insights from her remarkable 37-year career at the National Security Agency and her impactful tenure guiding NCF since 2019. From building strong organizations and mentoring future leaders to strengthening NCF’s partnership with NSA and expanding education and engagement programs, Laura reflects on the people, moments, and mission that shaped her journey.Join us for a thoughtful and nostalgic conversation as we prepare to say farewell to a dedicated leader whose influence has helped shape the cybersecurity and intelligence community and inspired the next generation.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Register here: https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: leadership, organizational shifts, cybersecurity, cryptologic, NSA, National Cryptologic Museum, mentorship, retirement, cyber, cyberchats, empowerment, cyber chats, cyber chat, cyber careers.Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re re-airing one of our favorite conversations from last year, highlighting the groundbreaking work of three influential women in cybersecurity.Join us for an inspiring discussion with Dr. Georgianna “George” Shea, Chief Technologist at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Daria Bahrami, Head of Policy at Dreadnode and former technical advisor to DARPA’s AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC); and Renata Spinks, CEO of CyberSec International and former USMC CISO. Together, these leaders share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the vital role women play in securing our digital world.From navigating career paths and balancing work and family to driving innovation and shaping the future of cybersecurity, this conversation remains just as relevant today. Tune in to hear how these trailblazers are paving the way for the next generation of women in cyber.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Register here: https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: Women’s History Month, women in cybersecurity, career journeys, leadership, work/life balance, family, innovation, cyber chats, cyberchatsStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

Bianca “BiaSciLab” Lewis first gained national attention at 12 after hacking a mock election system at DEF CON, later testifying before Congress on election security. Now 19, she returns to #CyberChats to talk about how her journey has evolved since our 2023 conversation.We catch up on the growth of her nonprofit Girls Who Hack, her experience leading DEF CON’s DC Next Gen, the transition from high school into college, and what it’s been like building a voice in the cybersecurity community at such a young age. Bianca also shares insights from speaking at major conferences like DEF CON and Black Hat. Topics discussed: cyberchats, cyber chats, cybersecurity, hacking, cybersecurity education, election security, youth in cyber. Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

New year. Enduring legacy.In this special re-air for Black History Month, we spotlight the trailblazers who shaped modern cybersecurity and cryptology. From codebreaking and computer innovation to intelligence leadership and diversity advocacy, their impact helped secure the nation and open doors for generations to come. We are pleased to feature Bernard Pryor, William “Bill” Coffee, Carroll Robinson, Charles Matthews, Wilhelmena Ware, James Pryde, Minnie McNeal Kenny, Floyd Weakley, Ralph W. Adams, Jr., Debora Plunkett, Brig. Gen. Neal T. Robinson, and CSM Odell Williams in this special episode.Their stories aren’t just history, they’re the blueprint for the future of cyber. Topics discussed: cyberchats, cyber chats, black history month, cryptology, cyber.

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Dr. Yolanda Reid, Vice President at the MIL Corporation and former intelligence community leader, to discuss how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping cybersecurity, national defense, and the future of work.Designed for teens and young people growing up in an AI-first world, this conversation goes beyond hype to explore responsible AI use, staying relevant in a competitive tech landscape, and what it means to protect organizations from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Dr. Reid shares insights from her work in cyber threat intelligence, post-quantum cryptography, and ethical technology leadership—offering a rare look at how defenders think when the stakes are real.Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

What does it take to build a cybersecurity program that prepares students to make a real-world, global impact, before they graduate high school?In this episode of #CyberChats, we go behind the scenes with Steve Morrill, Director of Information Technology at Loyola Blakefield and founder of its nationally recognized Cyber Science Program. With more than 20 years in technology education across higher education and secondary schools, Steve shares how the program began, how it operates, and why its approach to hands-on learning works. We dive into how students are being educated, trained, and empowered to support cyber teams around the world, and their very impressive accomplishments. Whether you’re an educator, industry professional, or simply passionate about growing the cyber workforce, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Recorded LIVE at Cyber Saturday!Topics discussed: cybersecurity education, certifications, capture the flag, CTF, global missionsStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

How do we help kids make wise choices online, especially when we’re not there to guide them? In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Tina Williams-Koroma, Founder of CyDeploy, for a thoughtful conversation on helping children navigate digital relationships, recognize warning signs, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.Drawing from her upcoming Cyber Saturday session, Tina shares practical insights to help parents and caregivers move beyond fear or strict rules and instead equip kids with sound judgment, confidence, and discernment in today’s digital world.If you’re attending Cyber Saturday this weekend, this episode offers a meaningful preview of Tina’s message. If you’re not able to attend, you’ll still walk away with clear, actionable takeaways you can begin using right away with the kids in your life.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don’t miss this free, action-packed even on Saturday on January 17th. Use the registration link below and save your spot today!https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/Topics discussed: cyber safety, internet safety, discernment, raising discerning digital citizensStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

This special episode features the second portion of the recording of a live panel hosted at the NCF Education Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an event dedicated to empowering educators and expanding access to high-quality cyber learning across K–12. Our panel brought together national leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development: Quiana Bannerman, Siraaj Hasan, Dr. Melissa Dark, Kimberly Mentzell, and Seeyew Mo.We dive into what it takes to bring cybersecurity into every classroom, why policy and funding matter, and how strong partnerships between schools, the private sector, and government can open meaningful pathways for all students – especially those in underserved communities. Tune in and take it back to your classroom, your district, or your community.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don’t miss this free, action-packed even on Saturday on January 17th. Use the registration link below and save your spot today!https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: cyber education, cybersecurity, equity, K–12 partnerships, educator support, building the future cyber workforceStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

This special episode features the full recording of a live panel hosted at the NCF Education Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an event dedicated to empowering educators and expanding access to high-quality cyber learning across K–12. Our panel brought together national leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development: Quiana Bannerman, Siraaj Hasan, Dr. Melissa Dark, Kimberly Mentzell, and Seeyew Mo.We dive into what it takes to bring cybersecurity into every classroom, why policy and funding matter, and how strong partnerships between schools, the private sector, and government can open meaningful pathways for all students – especially those in underserved communities. Tune in and take it back to your classroom, your district, or your community.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don’t miss this free, action-packed even on Saturday on January 17th. Use the registration link below and save your spot today!https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: cyber education, cybersecurity, equity, K–12 partnerships, educator support, building the future cyber workforceNever miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5.