Communications & Culture

How do we cultivate emotions of excitement and hope that will drive us forward?

Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield in conversation with Jack DeGioia, Shamina Singh and Julia Ioffe.

The history of exploration on Mars reads like a good book with twists and turns and unexpected findings.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - Current diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts have not adequately supported underrepresented groups in the cybersecurity field. The Aspen Tech Policy Hub and Aspen Digital hosted experts to discuss how to build a more inclusive cyber future, and launch a related report detailing the findings from two roundtables convening an intergenerational and cross-disciplinary group of professionals.

Women and people of color are less likely to serve in leadership positions in cybersecurity companies, and there are stark cybersecurity salary discrepancies across race and gender. Yet the government and private sector laments a cybersecurity talent gap, as thousands of cybersecurity positions remain unfilled due to a supposed lack of qualified workers. We must do better. Building a more diverse cybersecurity industry is not only critical to creating a more inclusive America. It will also strengthen our nation’s security by bringing in new perspectives to solve thorny information security challenges and shoring up our workforce.

The national reckoning on racial justice that began in mid-2020, prompted by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans at the hands of police, has further clarified that current DEI efforts, however well-meaning, have not addressed the overwhelming white-ness and male-ness of the cybersecurity field. With support from the Hewlett Foundation and in consultation with cybersecurity expert Camille Stewart, Aspen Digital and the Aspen Tech Policy Hub have made recommendations for diversifying the cybersecurity industry across two categories: immediate actions and those that require further investment.

We are living through a time of intense conflict in what seems like every part of society - online, on TV, and in our communities. You’re not imagining it. So, on this episode of the Value of Leadership, we ask: Why are we so polarized?

In recognition of the anniversary of women’s suffrage and equality day, our special guests Gayle Goldin, Nikki Pitre, and Lola Adedokun will discuss the undeniable power of women’s leadership and opportunities ahead to center gender and racial equity to transform communities and systems that create inclusive pathways for generations to come to reach their full potential.

Representative Liz Cheney discusses her personal experience at the Capitol January 6th.