Women from different government organizations come together for a candid conversation about breaking barriers and driving meaningful change in leadership roles within cybersecurity and related fields. While progress has been made in recent years, women’s representation in leadership positions remains a pressing challenge.

This panel will explore the unique hurdles women face in ascending to leadership roles and the strategies that have proven effective in overcoming them. Our speakers will share their personal journeys, insights into creating more inclusive pathways, and actionable strategies to inspire and support the next generation of women leaders.

Join this empowering discussion to understand what it takes to rise to leadership in government IT, the essential skills required to thrive, and how collective efforts can create a future of equitable leadership.

 In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and interconnected systems, cybersecurity has emerged as a cornerstone of democratic resilience. This panel will explore how security acts as a foundation for progress, enabling institutions to remain resilient and empowering citizens to engage confidently in the digital age.

Our speakers will discuss cybersecurity as a “means to an end”—a tool to fortify trust, protect vulnerable populations, and foster innovation. They will highlight the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding democratic processes, enhancing safe interactions, and driving economic growth while embracing technology’s transformative potential.

Join us to discover how we can collaboratively build a future where cybersecurity ensures trust, unlocks opportunities, and supports a thriving, secure digital democracy.

As federal agencies advance AI innovation, addressing challenges like algorithmic bias is critical to building trustworthy systems. Bias in AI can stem from datasets, associations, interactions, automation, and confirmation, potentially affecting outcomes and decisions. For successful adoption, agencies must implement robust policies, practices, and processes to create and deploy AI systems that are accurate, efficient, and free from harmful biases.

Join this session to hear from federal leaders on how they establish standards and guidance to mitigate risks, develop reliable AI solutions, and maintain the integrity of curated data sets.

As agencies strive to modernize systems and adopt new technologies, the strength of the federal IT workforce remains a critical factor in long-term success. This session will highlight strategies for supporting professional growth and creating inclusive workplace cultures that enable all employees to thrive. Federal leaders will discuss ongoing efforts to recruit, retain, and uplift underrepresented talent, while also navigating hybrid work environments, evolving mission demands, and future workforce planning. The conversation will explore the intersection of equity, mentorship, and resilience in building a sustainable public sector tech workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.