Rachel Bracker joined the CyberUp team in January 2022. She transitioned from her career as an elementary school teacher to lead our PowerUp program. She brings an understanding of the challenges faced every day by educators and an uncanny ability to make a relatable curriculum for students to learn. She is leading the team into a new chapter of our youth engagement and we are excited for you to meet her and watch her grow with the organization.
What do you do at CyberUp?
I am the Youth Program Manager at CyberUp! I previously ran our youth CTF and now am running our brand new PowerUp program!
What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my job is working with students! They are so eager to learn and always walk away excited by the idea of cybersecurity as a career. I learn a lot from them, too!
What did you want to be when you were growing up as a kid?
An artist and a veterinarian
What is your go-to song for karaoke?
Teardrops On My Guitar by Taylor Swift
What is your favorite book to recommend?
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. I read it every fall!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone to “LevelUp” their career?
It's never too late to start! It can be scary to make a big career change but don't let that fear keep you from reaching your full potential.
If you would like to volunteer, participate in PowerUp, or simply get more involved with the work CyberUp is doing to ignite curiosity in future cybersecurity professionals be sure to contact Rachel today.
Also, here are some incredible thought pieces on STEM and cybersecurity education created by her. Stay tuned for new ones in the coming weeks about back-to-school safety and more.
LevelUp Cyber Live: https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/ep-60-youth-cyber
Cy Says Blog: https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/cyberups-new-approach-to-cybersecurity-education-powerup