Start With Duty: Leadership and Career Excellence Through the Eyes of a Cyber Officer

In this session, students will explore how a clear sense of duty (to oneself, one's community, and one's nation) becomes a powerful engine for leadership and career development. Drawing from the lived experience of a U.S. Army Cyber Warfare Officer, the session examines how disciplined growth, purposeful credentialing, and intentional communication shape a leader's professional trajectory. Attendees will walk through decision-making frameworks used in military operations and learn how these principles apply to navigating college, early career challenges, and personal leadership. Emphasis will be placed on developing a professional identity grounded in responsibility, character, and service. Students will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to communicate confidently, lead authentically, and chart a career path shaped by values rather than circumstance. At its core, this session presents a simple but challenging proposition: "I am a citizen of a proud country, and I have an obligation to become as credentialed, educated, and accomplished as possible in order to protect and promote my family, community, and nation."

Facilitators
Mateo Portelli is a Cyber Warfare Officer in the Virginia Army National Guard's 91st Cyber Brigade and an IT Operations Analyst specializing in infrastructure and security at a nonprofit that trains international leaders in political technology. He is pursuing an M.S. in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University and previously served as an enlisted IT Specialist in the Nevada Army National Guard. His professional focus is the intersection of national defense, cyber leadership, and the disciplined development of future professionals. Mateo's work emphasizes the duty of young Americans to cultivate excellence (academically, professionally, and morally) in service to their families, communities, and country.

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Co-hosted with: Emerging Monarchs, Monarchs LEAD-Comprehensive Leadership Program (OWNER), First Year Leadership Experience, Center for Career & Leadership Development

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