Student Sub-Chapter Supports NOVA Innovation Hackathon

In April, the newly formed Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) student sub-chapter, sponsored by the Belvoir Chapter, conducted their very first event as one of the sponsors of the 2017 NOVA Innovation Hackathon. This was the second year that NVCC has conducted a hackathon. The 36-hour event was filled with tech talks, programming, cybersecurity practice, food, fun and cutting edge creation. This event focuses on safe coding to advocate for a more secure cyberspace while showcasing the importance of cybersecurity to organizations, companies and the public. The NVCC student sub-chapter manned an AFCEA membership drive and information table, provided snacks for the hungry hackers and secured a guest speaker for the chapter-sponsored dinner. The evening wrapped up with dinner and an address by Stephen Petruzzo, founder of GreenTec-USA, and a member of AFCEA. He provided an engaging talk and presentation on the future of cyber innovation and the career potential for those entering the field. The presentation was well received and garnered numerous questions from the audience covering topics from ethical hacking to future trends in cybersecurity. Petruzzo concluded his presentation with a $1,000 challenge, sponsored by GreenTec-USA, for anyone who could break into one of the company’s proprietary storage devices. The NVCC student sub-chapter is planning on future participation in the annual NOVA Hackathon and will be conducting a bi-monthly speaker series focused on cybersecurity education and professional development starting in the fall. The official charter recognition ceremony will take place on May 24 at the annual Belvoir Education Luncheon.

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