American University honored cybersecurity leader Ann Cleaveland, Executive Director at the University of California Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, with its annual Inclusive Technology Policy Changemaker Award. Launched in 2021, AU’s ITP Changemaker Award celebrates leaders who advance inclusive global technology policy in innovative and collaborative ways throughout their careers. 

“We are proud to honor Ann Cleaveland, who truly embodies the spirit of turning research into real-world impact,” said Diana Burley, AU Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. “As a leader in cybersecurity research and education, Ann founded the UC Berkeley Cybersecurity Clinic and directs the global Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, focusing on inclusivity in the tech and expanding opportunities for individuals to engage in cybersecurity.”

Established in 2015, the Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity works to anticipate and address the cyber challenges of the future and acts as a convening platform, translator, and bridge between cutting-edge academic research and the needs of decision-makers in government, industry, and civil society. 

A transformative leader, Ms. Cleaveland made significant contributions to the field through her leadership in cybersecurity research, workforce development, public dialogue programs, and her pioneering work in cybersecurity futures, digital risk communications, and the governance of cyber risk. Her leadership and dedication to fostering an inclusive cybersecurity community has not only inspired her peers, but also set a benchmark for excellence in the field. Prof. Cleaveland co-founded and co-leads the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, a network of universities, colleges, community colleges and ally organizations committed to cybersecurity for the public good. 

“It is a true honor to be in the company of the Changemakers who have previously received this award,” said Ms. Cleaveland. “I applaud everyone who’s working to build a more inclusive global technology environment. Thank you to the Khan Institute for bringing attention to these efforts.”

The 2024 Outstanding Technology Policy Changemaker Award was presented to Ms. Cleaveland during a special event featuring Vice Provost Diana Burley, Fiona Alexander, distinguished strategist-in-residence in School of International Service and executive Advisor for the Khan Institute at American University, and Zach Tudor, Associate Laboratory Director of Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the 2023 Inclusive Technology Policy Changemaker Award recipient.

American University’s academic research and efforts reflect its commitment to supporting inclusive leadership in global technology through policy solutions and the advancement of socially equitable technology infrastructure. Some of AU’s most notable initiatives to expand and promote inclusivity in technology policy include The Internet Governance Lab, The Kogod Cybersecurity Governance Center, The Tech, Law and Security Program at the Washington College of Law, Policy Studies in Cybersecurity Program at the School of Public Affairs, and the Institute on Disability and Public Policy. 

In 2023, American University launched the Shahal M. Khan Cyber and Economic Security Institute (Khan Institute) with a $5 million gift from Shahal M. Khan, SIS/BA ’95, and a partnership with Cyber Range Solutions (CRS). Khan Institute aims to build on AU’s interdisciplinary approach to drive research across the university community and its commitment to inclusive technology policy. Launched in 2021, the Inclusive Technology Policy initiative is now one of the key initiatives of the Khan Institute. 

The event was sponsored by CrowdStrike, the Khan Institute, AU’s Office of Research in collaboration with the School of Public Affairs and supported through the AU Signature Research Initiative program.