As I walked through the stately halls of the Institute of World Politics (IWP) in Washington, D.C., on the evening of December 19th, 2024, it was impossible not to feel impressed by the grandeur surrounding me. It was one of those places you stood an inch taller, with the walls themselves perhaps judgmental should one slouch. You sense the importance emanating from the exquisitely hand-carved wood, the crafted leather chairs, the hearth and fire which have hosted an uncountable number of influential leaders. It provided the perfect backdrop for the Military Cyber Professional Association’s (MCPA) 8th Annual Board of Advisors Dinner Meeting. With myself as an outlier, quickly the room became a confluence of crisp minds; a virtual Who's Who in the world of cyber and national security.  The brainpower in that small space, if converted into energy, could have kept the eastern seaboard alive for a week. Those in attendance included distinguished guests the likes of general officers, admirals, university presidents, private sector executives, and highly accomplished professionals holding doctoral degrees with many decades of experience in shaping the future of the cyber domain. It was a distinct honor to be a part of this inspiring event as a representative of the Midwest as Chapter President of the Minnesota Chapter of MCPA, and act as a representative to all of those in our region who care so deeply about the mission at hand.

Inspiration arrived quickly via the attendees themselves as they shared brief insight into their backgrounds. It was quickly apparent that each had a key role in tackling the dynamic challenges within the cyber domain - challenges which will require a collective stride to outsmart. In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Aldona Z. Woś, M.D., IWP President, spoke glowingly about the Institute, its mission, and how together we can continue to pursue our national interests. Her message, echoed in the closing comments of the MCPA Board of Advisors Chairman, Vice Admiral (Ret.) TJ White, not only emphasized the criticality of joint collaboration and innovation in securing our nation's cyber interest but also the education necessary for an informed workforce to stand against any threats that may come against them in the future. It was clear to all in attendance that the work being done by the MCPA to advance these imperatives is both meaningful and exceptional.

The energy in the room was palpable; the vibe was professional yet welcoming, especially to an invited newcomer such as myself, a cyber Lieutenant Colonel from the Minnesota National Guard seated amidst world-class researchers, generals, admirals, lawyers, doctors, and cyber executives. The fact that such prominent individuals choose to invest their time and resources in MCPA speaks volumes to the shared commitment toward the security interests within the cyber domain. Naturally, great challenges still remain.

Constant adversary evolution happens at the speed of code in the cyber domain. As I listened to the discussions and reflected on the evening, it became clear that this is a very critical juncture for MCPA. As a 501(c)(3) charity, material support from sponsors and stakeholders is needed to further grow and amplify the organization's impact.  It became clear that investment in MCPA is more than just financial, with companies looking for immediately measurable returns; it is ultimately an investment into the security and resilience of our nation, which all of us benefit from. As we came out of dinner into the chilly Washington night, feeling merrier than usual, I felt the fire of purpose and pride having been flamed hot within me.

This gathering was less of an event and more of a call to action. It was one of those events, when the fog lifted, it felt like "something Special had just occurred". It reminded me of the importance of coming together, pooling our perspectives, and preparing diligently for the challenges that lie ahead. For people in the cyber profession, this is more than a career; it is a calling. With organizations like MCPA helping all of us along the way, I am confident that we as a community will continue to be able to answer whenever the nation needs us.

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