HackerSummerCamp 2025: One for the times

From AI to Quantum to hanging with the #cyberjutsutribe, HackerSummerCamp, as we techies call it, was a fantastic year. The crowd, while large, seemed smaller, but the lines for taxis, Uber, and Lyft were incredibly long. We shared lots of hugs, and knowledge was shared throughout. I also worked on proposals for future projects and opportunities to impact cyber.

This year was a bit more special, as I was able to hand over the reins, 90% to the team to execute and organize, from coordinating with Jess from Blackhat on our partnership to coordinating our involvement at the Noob Village with Josh, to ensuring the volunteers were available and ready at all the events. It was amazing to see the talent that is evolving within and around Cyberjutsu. 

What is HackerSummerCamp, you ask? It's 9 days of learning, training, networking, and having fun in Vegas during the hottest time of the year, early August. It's a time when cyber professionals touch down in my "hometown" to see their friends and folks they hadn't seen in a year or more. The major events that occur include: 

Other smaller events occurred throughout the week for participants to enjoy, along with hundreds of opportunities to network with vendors and potential mentors. You can also create experiences, such as building a badge at the Diana Initiative, and share your story or what you worked on over the last year. 

This year, we kicked off the annual volunteer meetup at Casa de Gway, where the team could connect and relax for a bit during their travels.

Then we spent time at SquadCon watching Roxey Davis, Shavvon Cintron, Nicole Smith, Quintana Patterson, Anmol Agarwal, and our newest member, Paola Mendiola Efigenio. They spoke on AI, Community, and navigating cybersecurity. 

From there, it was on to Blackhat to see the new additions to the booth for Cyberjutsu. This year, we included a LEGO Star Wars Helmet and The Mandalorian as a raffle prize. We hosted a mini CTF (capture the flag) event to give visitors a glimpse into some of the things we do at Cyberjutsu. The best part was that we could not only showcase our work through words but also use video to create a bigger impact.

It was here that Roxey and I shared the stage in the Community Lounge, sponsored by TikTok (TikTok, we have a conference coming up, wink-wink), to discuss elevating women from behind the screen. In this 20-minute conversation, we provided tips and tricks to both managers and the individual. For managers, pull in folks who may not be as vocal. Have conversations with them to find out what motivates them and help them navigate the opportunities available. For the individual, don't sit quietly waiting for someone to come to you. Share the work you are doing, the conversations you are having, and even a few extracurricular activities (related to cyber) you are part of, like volunteering at Cyberjutsu, wink-wink :). 

Finally, after meeting up with one of our newest board members, Andreae Pohlman, and friends at XM Cyber and Google, and the helicopter ride across the valley with my girl Q; Roxey, Nikkia and I, closed the Noob Village out at Defcon with a fireside chat to discuss how to navigate being new and joining the industry. We shared stories of your journey with a packed house. This was the first time this village existed, and it was a hit.

There were a few women who stayed, but what stood out was that the guys also stayed to listen to three women provide input on the space. 

And 

Notes were being taken!!!! We love when folks come to learn and share, and make the environment one that is encouraging. Remember, if you walk into a room and see someone who seems nervous, standoffish, or unsure, take the initiative to talk to them, reach out, and say hello. Your next best thing could come from that introduction.

I'd be remiss not to mention judging the HackerRunway Contest with Shavvon and Dr. Crystal Williams. It's such a fun experience every year, seeing the creativity that comes through. You know those floppy disk earrings I have? They come from HackerRunway! Jai creates some amazing things. It's so cool that the contest prizes were handcrafted by her, featuring crochet, sewing, and 3D printing! Don't forget to submit next year for this event (and sponsor). 

It's probably a good idea to share a little of what I learned 🤗: 

• AI isn't going anywhere

• The lack of policy and governance around AI is severely lacking and way behind the curve.

• Agents, agents, everywhere - sift through the marketing to get to the meat of the product before diving in.

• Always have some cash on you - Defcon ATM's were all empty, and I, of course, was fashionably late purchasing.

• It's okay not to attend the parties - Sober In Cyber hosted a fabulous event, from what I saw.

• No Starch Press is dangerous; they always get funds from me at these events, see below!

• And lots of other things!

If we saw each other and grabbed a photo, share it with me! If you stopped by and saw a Cyberjutsu member, the booth, or friends, let us know!

Upcoming A & M Strategies and Cyberjutsu Events

AI Essentials Study Group

Learn the basics of AI and kickstart your business, career, or whatever you are looking to do! Over 6 weeks, YOU and I will go through the Google AI Essentials course on Coursera to cover topics from maximizing productivity to using AI responsibly. Bonus in week 6: a review of the NIST AI 1.0 Framework and a review of the Akylade AI Certification. Space is limited for this session, so sign up fast! We start on September 2nd! 

Register here!

VEGAS

If you are local to Vegas, consider checking out this free training program, Cyberjutsu Training Academy. We have a few seats left for SANS, and even more for our beginner program! And there are scholarships to attend! 

DALLAS

Local to Dallas, check out Cyberjutsu Unplugged: Boots, Bytes, and Breaches event coming soon! Sponsors needed.