CyberWire Daily Jennifer Walsmith: Pioneering and defining possible. [Cyber Solutions] [Career Notes]
Apr 13, 2025
Jennifer Walsmith, Vice President for Cyber and Information Solutions at Northrop Grumman, shares her inspiring journey from a high school job at the NSA to a leading role in tech. She emphasizes the importance of education, having earned her computer science degree while balancing work and family life as one of the first women in her field. Jennifer discusses the vital role of support networks and boldness in leadership, highlighting how diversity strengthens cybersecurity. Her insights illuminate the path for future generations of women in technology.
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Following in Father's Footsteps
- Jennifer Walsmith's father worked at NSA, influencing her career path.
- Initially wanting to be a vet, she followed in his footsteps, joining NSA in 1982.
From Data Entry to Computer Science
- Jennifer Walsmith started at NSA after high school, hired as a data entry operator before becoming a computer systems analyst.
- She realized the importance of a college degree and pursued computer science at UMBC with NSA's support.
Pioneering Computer Science
- Jennifer's father advised her against electrical engineering, suggesting the emerging field of computer science.
- She became a pioneer in computer science, despite NSA's rich history of supporting women, challenges remained.