The digital world can be a precarious place, but Cal Poly Pomona alumna Diane Miller (’81, computer information systems) is committed to meeting the constantly evolving cyber threat for generations to come.
Miller is director of Global Cyber Education and Workforce Development at Northrop Grumman, as well as a leading voice for CyberPatriot, which promotes cyber literacy starting in kindergarten.
In recognition of her distinguished career, longtime advocacy for diversity across STEM disciplines and role shaping the national conversation about cybersecurity, Miller was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by Cal Poly Pomona and the California State University System at the College of Business Administration’s 50th anniversary gala on March 23.
Miller’s roots in the world of cybersecurity run deep. She graduated magna cum laude from Cal Poly Pomona and went on to receive a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. She has forged a distinguished career at Northrop Grumman and is an internationally recognized speaker on the need to educate and develop a diverse and talented cyber workforce pipeline.
Understanding that long-term solutions lie not in a small cadre of experts, but in a deep pool of talent, she has worked tirelessly to cultivate future cyber professionals. The CyberPatriot program, conceived by the Air Force Association and embraced by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, offers cyber defense competitions in middle and high school, cyber camps and a literature series. Miller has led its global expansion into the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Miller’s commitment extends to higher education, where she assists in developing curricula, offering internships, and forging relationships between academia, government and industry. At Cal Poly Pomona, Northrop Grumman has provided resources for research in the Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory and helped the College of Business Administration and College of Science create a student-led Cyber Security Operations Center.
Miller has received numerous honors, including one for Exceptional Leadership in Industry by The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has honored her as a Global Influential Leader. Last year, the College of Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona named her its Distinguished Alumna of the Year.