Toyota Employees Reflect on Careers and Empower Next Generation of Leaders in STEM.

Toyota employees Lariscia Julion, Justina Thwing, Lavanya Venkatesan, and Kate Thompson are passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders, fostering a harmonious society, and prioritizing self-care. Julion, a quality management systems manager, co-chairs the Women Influencing and Impacting Toyota chapter and enjoys reflecting on her day to balance work and family time. Thwing, a production machining manager, has faced challenges but is now more confident and acknowledges the value of her hard work and self-awareness.

Cybersecurity leaders from NightDragon, Billington CyberSecurity, The Cyber Guild, and Carahsoft have joined forces to launch a new coalition aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration and championing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The coalition, announced on April 24, 2025, at the upcoming RSA Conference, aims to address the critical need for a more educated and resilient cybersecurity workforce.

The coalition's primary objectives include raising awareness and engagement in the field, bridging the cyber talent gap, fostering a sense of belonging and community among cybersecurity professionals, and strengthening public-private partnerships. These goals will be achieved through a series of educational forums, workforce summits, and community-building events.

Dave DeWalt, Founder and CEO of NightDragon, stated, "This coalition represents what cybersecurity needs right now—alignment between capital, community, capability, and cause. By uniting our platforms and voices, we can break down silos and create new onramps for individuals to step into the exciting, high-impact world of cyber."

The coalition will kick off with a series of activations surrounding the RSA Conference 2025, including Carahsoft's RSA Public Sector Day on April 28, the Billington CyberSecurity Breakfast, and the NightDragon Innovation Summit on April 29, 2025. Throughout the year, the coalition partners will collaborate to deliver impactful community events and strategic activations.

Notable events include the NightDragon Innovation Summit 2025, the Cyber Guild's Employer Roundtable, and the 16th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit. Additionally, the coalition will support funding sponsorships for cybersecurity college students and monthly training cohorts.

Thomas K. Billington, CEO and Founder of Billington CyberSecurity, expressed his excitement about the coalition, stating, "We are excited to be part of this coalition, which expands our mission and reach to address workforce at scale."

Debbie Sallis, Founding Executive Director of The Cyber Guild, emphasized the importance of building a more sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem, stating, "Our mission has always been about building community to break down barriers, build bridges, and bring people into the cyber fold."

Craig P. Abod, President of Carahsoft, highlighted the importance of connecting leading cybersecurity solutions with the government and education sectors, stating, "We look forward to supporting events, training programs, and engagement efforts that build a safer, smarter cyber future."

For more information or to get involved, please contact the coalition through their respective organizations.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cyber-leaders-unite-to-strengthen-public-private-collaboration-and-champion-next-generation-of-cybersecurity-workforce-302437156.html