小猪视频

Meta

  • Publisher:
  • Published:
  • Categories:
    • University News
    • Academics

Cybersecurity Leadership Alumna Selected for NobleReach Scholars Program

Diana Zuleta G鈥26 has been selected for the NobleReach Scholars Program, earning a one-year appointment with the Maryland Department of Information Technology.

Chosen from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants, 小猪视频 graduate Diana Zuleta G鈥26 is one of just 43 scholars selected for the 2026 cohort. Through this program, the places talented graduates from across the country in fully compensated roles merging technology, innovation, and public service.

NobleReach Scholars gain real-world experience, mentorship, and professional development while helping government agencies tackle complex challenges in artificial intelligence, computing and cybersecurity, business process innovation, and materials and manufacturing.

For Zuleta, this unique opportunity is the latest chapter in her years-long career transformation. Originally from Colombia, Zuleta began her professional career as a registered nurse, working in intensive care and healthcare settings.

After moving to the United States 14 years ago, she explored several healthcare-related roles, including supporting students with special needs and working with individuals living with dementia. Drawn to service-oriented careers, Zuleta sought opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Her introduction to cybersecurity came unexpectedly. While working as a behavioral analyst at , a Nashua school for children with autism, Zuleta discovered that a similar role under the same name existed within the technology sector, sparking her interest in cybersecurity. Although she had no prior experience, she became curious about the field and began studying independently, earning approximately 17 industry certifications to build foundational knowledge.

When it came time to advance her education, Rivier鈥檚 well-known reputation in healthcare professions and its MBA in Cybersecurity Leadership made it a natural choice.

鈥淩ivier is known for nursing, so I instantly felt a connection,鈥 Zuleta says. 鈥淚 wanted a program that would understand my healthcare background and help me combine my passion for helping others with cybersecurity.鈥

Zuleta credits the University with helping her develop both technical and professional skills. She worked closely with faculty members, particularly Dr. Chari Henry-Wilson, Associate Professor of Practice and Program Director of Business Programs at Rivier, who provided a recommendation for Zuleta鈥檚 NobleReach Scholars Program application.

鈥淚n the Cybersecurity Leadership program, I learned a lot about time management, leadership, networking, communication, and risk management,鈥 Zuleta says. 鈥淩ivier provided challenges while encouraging me to continuously improve. All of that helped me to develop who I am right now in my professional life.鈥

Dr. Henry-Wilson also invited Zuleta to serve as a student panelist at the Region 1 Northeast Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Conference hosted by the University last fall. During the conference, Zuleta shared her experiences as a business student, discussed how her education prepared her for a successful career transition, and provided valuable insights to business faculty and administrators from across the region.

The opportunity allowed her to contribute the student perspective to conversations focused on maintaining and enhancing the quality, relevance, and impact of business education programs.

鈥淔rom the moment I met Diana, I knew her journey would be a special one,鈥 Dr. Henry-Wilson says. 鈥淒iana already had the key ingredients for success: a healthcare background, a vision for transitioning into cybersecurity, strong preparation, and a commitment to networking. As a faculty advisor, my role was to help connect those pieces. Her determination and willingness to embrace new opportunities ultimately made her transformation possible.鈥

Zuleta first learned about the NobleReach Scholars Program through , an online career platform used by the University to help students connect directly with employers. What initially caught her attention was NobleReach鈥檚 emphasis on mission-driven work and public service.

鈥淭he only thing that has always been clear in my life is that I want to help people and be part of positive change,鈥 she says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what drew me to NobleReach.鈥

This fall, Zuleta will begin her appointment as a Cybersecurity Platform Engineer with the . The role will build on the experience she gained during a cybersecurity internship with , where she worked in governance, risk, and compliance, while sharpening her technical expertise. She also hopes to help make technology and cybersecurity more responsive to human needs.

鈥淢y background is very human-centered,鈥 Zuleta says. 鈥淚 want to use that experience to make cybersecurity processes more efficient, accessible, and understandable for everyone.鈥

As Zuleta begins her appointment with DoIT, she joins a select group of emerging leaders committed to applying their skills in service of others. For someone who began her career in nursing, she emphasizes that it鈥檚 never too late to shift to a different career path.

鈥淒on’t wait until you feel confident to do something new, because confidence comes with time,鈥 Zuleta says. 鈥淥ne year ago, when I started at Rivier, I never imagined I would have this opportunity with a program like the NobleReach Scholars.鈥

Rivier students can access career counseling, internship support, employer connections, and Handshake through the .

The connects recent graduates with paid, full-time, one-year positions at government agencies and organizations that address complex challenges across the technology sector.