Chicago, IL (July 31, 2026) - On July 31, 2026, Girl Security was featured live on CBS News Chicago. Founder and CEO Lauren Buitta joined recent high school graduate and program participant Susann Dunlap to discuss how Girl Security is preparing young women for careers in national security, cybersecurity, and AI.

Lauren emphasized that girls are increasingly on the front lines of national security challenges, from deepfakes to online exploitation, and that their lived experiences provide critical insights for shaping better solutions. She noted that women currently make up only 20–25% of the workforce in these fields, and Girl Security is working to expand pathways and skills while reimagining what security looks like through diverse perspectives.

Susann shared her inspiring journey, crediting Girl Security with giving her the confidence to pursue STEM. Introduced to the program by her teacher, she discovered how AI impacts everyday life, from social media to healthcare, and developed a passion for problem-solving that now drives her toward applied mathematics at Harvard University, where she will begin this fall on a full scholarship.

Lauren also highlighted Girl Security’s innovative programming, including workforce development, after-school initiatives, and a new teacher professional development program launching in Illinois this fall. She underscored the importance of equipping youth with rigorous analytical skills and metacognitive strategies to thrive in a future shaped by AI. Additionally, she announced the organization’s new All Secure Design Lab, which brings youth together with decisionmakers to co-design solutions for pressing security challenges.

Watch the full interview HERE.

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