Keeping people safe online requires more than just advanced security technology, it requires people.

Google’s security teams are made up of some of the world’s greatest hackers, developers and leaders. Day in and day out they work to keep our users and our Googlers information safe and secure.

There is no one size fits all security practitioner and we believe that diversity is key to building effective security teams. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to an end, I’m thrilled to announce that Google is furthering its support for #ShareTheMicInCyber by investing in the the #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship.

Founded by Googler Camille Stewart and Harvard Kennedy School’s Lauren Zabierek #ShareTheMicInCyber began as an online conversation between Allies and Black cyber practitioners on Twitter and LinkedIn, and transformed into a social media phenomenon that highlights the experiences and expertise of Black practitioners in the field, features their accomplishments and creates a critical conversation on race in the industry.

The #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship, developed in partnership with New America is the first of its kind and will build on the work of previous #ShareTheMicInCyber campaigns by creating a program for Black cyber practitioners to further their career goals, build on their networks and pursue new opportunities. #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellows will conduct policy research and analysis, explore cybersecurity field issues from important perspectives and address the human side of cybersecurity, both from policy and technical aspects.

As part of Google’s commitment to strengthen the security workforce, we are proud to support the critical mission of #ShareTheMicInCyber by funding the first year of the fellowship and pledging to a total of five years of funding. The #ShareTheMicInCyber and New America teams will develop the fellowship program, which is expected to launch in 2022.

As modern cybersecurity threats evolve into new and more dangerous attacks - and as the industry seeks skilled workers - we need an arsenal of different ideas that represent all backgrounds. The #ShareTheMicinCyber Fellowship will amplify diverse talent and bring new voices and ideas to the industry and ultimately make us all safer and more secure.