Welcome to Georgetown for Leadership Initiatives' Cybersecurity & Defense Internship!

Today marked the exciting launch of the 2025 Cybersecurity & Defense Internship. Interns from across the country arrived at Georgetown University and officially began a weeklong journey of innovation, learning, and impact. Throughout the day, the interns settled into their dorms, met their peers, and participated in initial team bonding activities that laid the groundwork for the collaborative week ahead.

In the afternoon, the interns attended the opening keynote session: “Cybersecurity in Protecting Business Opportunities,” led by CJ Dixon, a cybersecurity and business strategist. Dixon led an energizing and insightful overview of how cybersecurity intersects with nonprofit business operations and community-focused missions. He emphasized the growing threat that nonprofits face. The keynote served as motivation for the interns not only for digital systems but also the people and missions behind them.

Following receiving their team assignments, interns were introduced to the nonprofit organizations they’ll be consulting for throughout the week. These nonprofits span various sectors, from youth programs to arts organizations, all with one shared need, a stronger cybersecurity infrastructure. 

To wrap up the day, students toured the National Mall, including a loop of Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial. The experience was both fun and engaging, allowing interns to bond while immersing themselves in the powerful symbolism of the nation’s capital. The week has just begun, but already, their commitment to learning and positive change is exceptional.