Laura Gazda
Executive Assistant to CCI Executive Director Luiz DaSilva
Get to Know Me
How I’d capture the essence of my work in a newspaper headline...
Highly organized, positive, and communicative executive assistant to Luiz Da Silva manages, communicates, researches and designs to support all aspects of her director's professional day-to-day work life.
Something that excites me in my field...
Looking through cybersecurity through the science and technology studies lens, specifically, the history, social impact, and policy surrounding it.
I first discovered my passion for this work... |
Reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus in high school. The idea of technology being both beautiful and scary, with all the potential risks and glory fascinates me.
Cybersecurity research is the lynchpin in technological advancements that can enhance technology and keep users safe, or without may potentially devastate the lives of users or somewhere in between.
I find the most joy in my work when...
I'm helping others, having fun, and learning along the way.
The book(s) currently on my nightstand…
That’s a tough question to answer as there are so many! On any given day, I'm usually reading a fiction novel, from young adult to beach read, a non-fiction text, usually a biography of a British monarch or a specific look at an object or thing and its historical impact, as well as my coursework. Basically, reading is my favorite!
The most courageous thing I've done... |
I left my 23-year educational career to delve into my passion to help and make a difference in cybersecurity.
Current University
CCI Hub
Background
Laura Gazda is executive assistant to CCI Executive Director Luiz DaSilva. Her duties include managing and organizing his calendar and events, supporting him with database analysis, communicating with internal and external stakeholders, and designing and drafting presentations and letters.
Prior to joining CCI, she spent 23 years in pre-K-12 education as an English teacher, coach, assistant principal, then principal. As a published educational leader and speaker, she transformed schools to increase positive school climate and culture, literacy, math skills, and statewide test scores. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies at Virginia Tech. |
Alma Maters
Virginia Tech
Marymount University
James Madison University