NCMF #CyberChat with Dr. Sally Botsai
Title of Chat: Ever wonder what it is like to work in the White House Situation Room and help prepare intelligence briefings for the National Security Advisor and the President?
Level of Students: Middle and High School
Description of Chat: In honor of Women's History Month, join us for an #NCMF CyberChat with Sarah ‘Sally’ Botsai, Ph.D. on March 31st at 2pm EST. Dr. Botsai will share with students about her time as the first female NSA representative in the White House Situation Room. Years later she served as the Deputy Director of the White House Situation Room during the Vietnam War and the Nixon & Ford Administrations.
Register for Dr. Botsai's NCMF# CyberChat on March 31 at 3 pm EST by clicking on the red Register Now button on this page. NOTE - This #CyberChat will be held via Zoom webinar. You will receive instructions for joining the webinar with your registration confirmation.
The registration deadline is March 29.
Key Questions: (these are examples and should reflect questions to support the Chat)
* What challenges did you face as a woman starting a career in a male-dominated field?
* How important are mentors?
* How has the workplace changed for women in STEM fields since you began your career?
* What is the future of this field?
* How one might gain the experience necessary?
* What students may do now to prepare themselves for a future career in cyber?
Expected Outcomes: (these are examples and should reflect questions to support the Chat)
* Awareness of the importance of cybersecurity to protect and defend our national way of life.
* How to Explain the need for cybersecurity professionals.
* Summarize the breadth of cybersecurity opportunities students may not have explored.
* Identify the opportunities for hands-on experiences to excite cyber awareness and interest.
ABOUT DR. BOTSAI
Sarah "Sally" Botsai started work at NSA in 1957 shortly after her college graduation. She continued her education eventually earning her Ph.D. in International Relations in 1972.
Dr. Botsai spent twelve years in Operations before she was selected for a tour as the NSA representative in the White House Situation Room. She was the first NSA woman to hold this position. After her two-year tour, she was asked to return as the Deputy Director of the White House Situation Room. She held this position until 1976. She also attended the National War College again the first NSA woman to do so graduating in 1977.
Dr. Botsai received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1976 and the Director's Distinguished Service Medal in 1998.
Dr. Botsai is the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO). She also serves as the Programs and Recognition Committee Chairperson for the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation.
Click the link below to see a short teaser video about this #CyberChat from our Education Director Mark Loepker.
