About

Building Access, Confidence, and Careers in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Visionary and Diversity Advocate

"The value of representation and diversity becomes most clear when you find yourself as the sole presence in a room”
- Jenn Charles, Founder

Jenn Charles is the founder of Digital Defense Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to cybersecurity careers through affordable certification training, mentorship, and clear career pathways.

Her work focuses on supporting women, youth, and underrepresented communities—helping them overcome fear, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to pursue high-growth cybersecurity careers. Through practical training and real-world guidance, Jenn has supported hundreds of learners on their journey into the field.

Jenn’s approach blends education, mentorship, and workforce alignment to create sustainable career outcomes. Her work is rooted in the belief that representation, access, and preparation are critical to building a stronger and more inclusive cybersecurity workforce.

She is also the Lead Cybersecurity Instructor at WeCodeKC, where she delivers hands-on cybersecurity education to aspiring youth ages 7–17, introducing foundational skills early and preparing the next generation for future opportunities in technology.

Through Digital Defense Foundation’s partnership with CompTIA’s Academic Network, Jenn further strengthens the organization’s commitment to delivering industry-aligned cybersecurity education that leads to meaningful career outcomes.

Founder, Digital Defense Foundation
Lead Cybersecurity Instructor, WeCodeKC
CompTIA Academic Partner
Hundreds of learners supported

Mission Statement

The Digital Defense Foundation empowers underrepresented communities by providing innovative cybersecurity career solutions.

We are committed to increasing awareness of STEM and cybersecurity careers while prioritizing underserved, under-resourced African Americans, minorities, and individuals facing economic barriers. Our mission is to reduce obstacles to high-quality jobs and long-term careers in cybersecurity and STEM-related fields.

We prepare the next generation for the cybersecurity workforce by equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Through education, mentorship, and workforce development, we help close employment gaps and strengthen the talent pipeline.

Our work supports workforce development principles aligned with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and contributes to a skilled workforce that meets the needs of employers in today’s global economy. Ultimately, our mission helps create pathways to economic mobility and reduce poverty-related challenges through sustainable careers in cybersecurity.

Expand access to cybersecurity careers for underrepresented communities
Provide affordable certification training and mentorship
Prepare youth and adults for real-world cybersecurity roles
Support workforce development aligned with industry needs

Our work strengthens the cybersecurity workforce while creating economic mobility through

high-demand careers.

About Us

How We Create Pathways Into Cybersecurity

At Digital Defense Foundation, our work focuses on turning access into action—connecting education to real cybersecurity careers.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to empowering underrepresented and economically disadvantaged individuals by providing comprehensive cybersecurity education and career preparation. Our programs are designed to move learners beyond awareness and into action—connecting training to real workforce opportunities.

Through structured learning pathways, mentorship, and strategic partnerships with industry and education leaders, we help our graduates transition confidently into the cybersecurity workforce. Our goal is to prepare individuals not only to secure jobs, but to contribute meaningfully to the security and resilience of the digital world.

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