Need for STEM Professionals Highlighted at August Luncheon

The chapter welcomed Jody Ito as its featured speaker to the August luncheon. Ito is the information security officer for the University of Hawaii (UH). She was joined by Steve Auerbach, director, Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT). Ito briefed the audience on the security risks she manages on the campus network at UH and their satellite campus' on island and throughout the outer islands. With so many students connecting to their networks, it is a daunting task to protect the network with the number of bring your own devices (BYOD) being used. She spoke of a shortage of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals, which was a lead in for Auerbach to explain the programs being offered by PCATT. Ito and Auerbach took turns explaining the plans each of their organizations are offering to attract STEM professionals and the need to start grooming them at an early age, and to track their progress from the beginning and to follow them throughout their career. Both organizations have partnered together and assisted each other with their curriculum's to recruit and educate tomorrows STEM professionals. This month the chapter recognized Staff Sgt. Jaleesa Woods, USAF, as Young AFCEAN of the Month; Joseph Lee, CEO Configure LLC, as AFCEAN of the Month; and Lt. Col. Mary King, USAF, as Senior Government Leader.

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