Washington, D.C. — Dec. 12, 2024 – Fusion Cyber Co., Baker McKenzie, Cisco, Student Freedom Initiative, and Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy successfully hosted the inaugural CISO Roundtable on AI and Cybersecurity Policy at Florida International University’s Capitol Hill Technology Showcase. Leaders from Warner Music Group, Rocket Software, ServiceNow, and others shared insights on current and future AI and cybersecurity regulation and enforcement, underscoring critical policy implications for organizations.
The partnership between FIU and Fusion Cyber was publicly announced today, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to advance cybersecurity education, policy development, and workforce readiness.
“As the world grows increasingly insecure, the need for robust national security measures has never been more critical, "said Brian Fonseca, Director of FIU’s Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy. “Our partnership with Fusion Cyber represents a vital step in equipping the next generation of leaders with the cybersecurity and AI skills necessary to protect our nation’s interests. This initiative aligns with the findings of our research, underscoring the urgency of investing in education and innovation to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
A significant development at the event was the announcement that Student Freedom Loan Agreement are also applicable to selected offerings from Fusion Cyber to help address the talent pipeline gap in the cybersecurity field. SFI aims to give students access to affordable, income-contingent financing options for their education. It underscores the collective commitment to expanding opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, empowering them to pursue careers in cybersecurity and related fields without the burden of traditional loan structures.
Elizabeth Roper, Baker McKenzie partner and former Chief of the Cybercrime Bureau at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, highlighted the value of public service in developing essential skills in complex cybersecurity matters. "Public service with the government is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-stakes cases," Roper said, drawing from her years in the Manhattan DA’s office. Her insights resonated with students and professionals alike, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector experience in tackling today’s cyber challenges.
“There are more opportunities than challenges in AI,” said FIU student Marian Balceiro, echoing the optimism around the technology’s potential. Brian Hengesbaugh, chair of Baker McKenzie's Data and Cybersecurity team, encouraged students to “be nimble, be aware, and see where opportunity takes you.”
A major highlight of the event was Cisco’s announcement of a $100,000 Security Operations Center (SOC) Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds pursuing cybersecurity careers, address urgent workforce needs, and bolster national cybersecurity efforts.
The roundtable discussions focused on emerging trends in cyber law and regulatory challenges, followed by a networking reception where students connected with experts across cybersecurity, AI, and public policy.
Event Highlights:
This event, the first in an anticipated series of roundtables on this subject, represented a collaborative milestone in the partnership between Fusion Cyber and Florida International University and strategic partners Cisco and Baker McKenzie in cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity talent equipped to navigate and shape the evolving policy landscape.
About Fusion Cyber
Fusion Cyber is a cybersecurity training and education company that provides a range of services to individuals and organizations. They are solving the talent gap for diversity, veterans and educating Americans and veterans into six-figure generation-changing Cyber jobs. To learn more, visit www.fusioncyber.co.
About Baker McKenzie Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Group
Complex business challenges require an integrated response across different markets, sectors, and areas of law. Baker McKenzie's data privacy and cybersecurity group works with clients to establish a robust framework to meet business objectives and grow securely. Drawing from experience advising multinational companies across sectors, the team is committed to proactive development of data protection frameworks, prioritizing risk management and ensuring compliance across all relevant jurisdictions. Learn more at www.bakermckenzie.com.
About Florida International University's Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public policy
Florida International University's Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy (JGI) was founded in 1985 to establish, promote, and advance the study of public policy and national security studies. The institute serves as the forefront of public policy discourse by leading, integrating, and delivering exceptional multidisciplinary education and research while improving the competitiveness and diversity of students and professionals entering the workforce. In addition, we have expanded to lead, integrate, and deliver exceptional multidisciplinary education and research in the areas of national security, cyber policy, prosecutorial policy.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals.
Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @Cisco.
Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word ‘partner’ does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
About Student Freedom Initiative
The Student Freedom Initiative is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing economic mobility and reducing student debt among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students. By offering income-contingent funding alternatives to traditional loans, the Initiative enables students to pursue their education without long-term financial strain. In addition to financial support, SFI provides professional development resources, including career preparation, internships, mentoring, and financial literacy education, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally. Focused on equity and opportunity, the Student Freedom Initiative is transforming the higher education landscape for underserved communities.
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