Orienting Younger Children to Cyber and Tech – Laura Jones – SCW #10

Laura A. Jones is an award-winning, risk strategist who helps others think strategically about the future of technology and who to address potential barriers to success. She has developed programs for The Pentagon, Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. Laura Jones founded STEMulate Minds with a focus on African American children being as ‘appropriately informed’ as they are comfortable with using technology, understanding cyberspace and later having a seat at the table in a digital world. There is a ‘leaky pipeline’ when it comes to African Americans and technology careers. Laura believes that one way to address this issue is to focus on technology earlier on. She believes that having such skills will prepare children to help shape the future – personally and professionally. Laura’s book characters; Cyber Ky and Tekkie Guy, introduce real terms, definitions and careers to young people. A military veteran, Laura has a M.S. in Quality Systems Management and holds several professional certifications in information assurance, risk, quality and project management. She completed executive education programs at Harvard Kennedy School and Carnegie Mellon University. She has also completed leadership programs with the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF). Laura resides with her family in the Atlanta, Georgia area.