Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship: Building Opportunity in Anacostia and Beyond by Trevor Johnson

On the morning of Oct. 21, inside the Alula Complex — part of the new Redbrick development, The Bridge District — and within the midst of the 2025 DC Startup & Tech Week, the Anacostia Business Improvement District and George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies hosted a panel discussion titled “Why Cybersecurity Matters for Jobs, Safety, and Innovation in Washington, D.C.” The conversation explored cybersecurity’s intersection with entrepreneurship, emerging job opportunities, and the evolving threats to digital security in both the present and the years ahead.

Taking part in the discussion were Tsjenna Daley, Senior Manager for Tech Initiatives in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Lucian Niemeyer, Strategic Advisor at Redbrick and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy; Miranda Lutz, Senior Manager for Global Public Policy at Cisco; and Antwanye Ford, CEO of Enlightened, Inc. The conversation was moderated by Liesl Riddle, Dean of the College of Professional Studies at George Washington University, with opening remarks from Howard R. Jean, founder of Black Meta Agency.

“Today’s conversation goes beyond firewalls and code,” Riddle said. “It’s about how cybersecurity protects our neighborhoods, our schools, and small businesses — and how it fuels opportunity across this great city of ours, from Anacostia to every corner of the District.”

Following Riddle’s remarks, the discussion broadened to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity — from the rise of AI and the growing sophistication of digital threats to the need for stronger infrastructure and smarter community-based solutions. Panelists shared insights on how both the private and public sectors must collaborate to build digital resilience, emphasizing that cybersecurity is not only a technical challenge but a social and economic one as well.

“We have a huge shortage of cybersecurity workers nationwide, but we also need everyone to have a level of cybersecurity expertise, no matter what role they’re in,” said Lutz. “We really need government, private sector, and education working together to meet this moment.”

Expanding Access and Empowerment Through Cybersecurity

Among the topics covered, job creation was a central theme. With more than 500,000 cybersecurity positions currently unfilled nationwide, speakers stressed the importance of preparing residents — particularly those in Wards 7 and 8 — to step into high-demand, high-paying roles through local training and education programs. The conversation highlighted how cybersecurity can open new pathways to success for those who may not have access to traditional four-year degrees or technical backgrounds.

Niemeyer spoke about Anacostia’s growing potential as a center for innovation and cybersecurity development. 

“You start seeing how the Anacostia area can be that hub — that central point — in a region that already has the talent and the ability to stay home, stay local, and really contribute to a national effort to protect the whole of society,” Niemeyer said. “It’s an area we need to be looking at for national security companies, but more importantly, we need to start inspiring people in this community to see that they can have a career in cybersecurity without leaving home.”

Ford contributed by noting that entrepreneurship offers second chances and community empowerment, creating new opportunities for residents to thrive in a fast-changing digital economy. 

“Let’s be clear — we have the highest unemployment in the city here,” Ford said. “It’s about connecting people at the right moment, with the right training and access.” 

He also spoke about the need to make the industry more approachable for everyday residents.

“There’s an intimidation factor among folks here who could be in cybersecurity. Everyone doesn’t have to be an engineer — some people need to write policies or study ethics. There’s a role for everyone in this field.”

Finally, Ford emphasized that true cybersecurity begins with mindset and problem-solving. 

“Cybersecurity is really about anticipating opportunity — understanding what to protect and how to protect it,” he said. “A bad actor isn’t going to follow a playbook, so we have to think beyond the script. I can teach you the technical side, but what matters most is human intelligence — the ability to think, solve, and adapt.”

While the discussion covered a range of perspectives, several key ideas resonated throughout the morning — the need to view cybersecurity as a human issue, the importance of preparing every generation for the digital age, and the role of community in building a safer, more resilient future. By taking all forms of data into account — from personal and family life to the systems that safeguard physical health — the conversation reinforced that cybersecurity touches nearly every aspect of modern society.

Together, these ideas point toward a shared goal: advancing cybersecurity through awareness, collaboration, and education that reflects the realities of everyday life in communities like Anacostia.

“Cybersecurity isn’t just about systems — it’s about people,” Riddle said. “When we invest in education and opportunity, we’re not just protecting data; we’re protecting communities and creating a safer future for everyone.”