The Mississippi State University-led Mississippi Cyber Initiative, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi, recently organized a day of cyber skills and career-focused activities at the Mississippi Cyber Center Annex, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College campus. On Saturday, September 7, twenty Girl Scouts from across the state, including the Gulf Coast, Meridian, Jackson, Hattiesburg, and George County, gathered at the Cyber Center Annex for a day of hands-on learning. The event featured labs promoting digital technologies and cybersecurity training.
With support from the Gulfport Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office (Cyber Crimes Division), the FBI, and Keesler Air Force Base, the Mississippi Cyber Initiative facilitated two immersive technology sessions. During these labs, the Girl Scouts had the opportunity to earn their Cyber Patch by engaging in digital forensics, 3D crime scene mapping, and learning about cyber citizenship, hygiene, and safety.
The young participants also attended a special Q&A session with an all-female panel of cyber and technology professionals, including members of Keesler AFB’s 333rd Training Squadron and an FBI field agent. The panel shared valuable insights into career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Computing (STEM+C).
For accompanying Girl Scout leaders and parents, Dave Allen, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crimes Division Field Operations Director, conducted a briefing on cybercrimes. He emphasized the importance of staying engaged with young adults’ use of digital technology and highlighted the dangers of online predators, providing guidance on reporting incidents to local and state authorities.
The Mississippi Cyber Initiative extends its gratitude to Laurel Jalufka and the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi for their participation. Special thanks also go to Morgan Graham, Gulfport Police Department Crime Scene Analyst; Lieutenant Theodisha Etienne, 333 TRS; Captain Lauren Goodhue, 333 TRS; FBI Special Agent Hillary Ladner; and Dave Allen for their contributions to the event.
Events like these underscore the significance of empowering young women with knowledge about careers in today’s interconnected world. MCI regularly hosts outreach activities targeting K-12 students to foster interest in cybersecurity and digital technologies.
For more information or to arrange a visit to MCI’s cyber labs, contact MCI Technical Manager Martin Rivera at mrivera@research.msstate.edu
