Kristi Rice

For Kristi Rice, a U.S. Army veteran and former ice cream shop owner, the transition to classroom teaching was a calling that quickly became a mission of national importance. She entered the classroom just as Virginia was launching its state-funded cybersecurity pathway program. When she found out she would be teaching the course, she quickly realized that a traditional educational approach rooted in memorization would not suffice for a field that demands real-time problem solving.

Through the Virginia Cyber Range, Rice’s students learn through game- and scenario-based missions aimed at transforming students into active cyber defenders. “Students do not just learn cybersecurity,” she said. “They’re practicing it.”

Rice also organizes the Virginia High School Cyber Cup, a free, statewide hackathon where student teams can compete in cyber challenges and connect with industry professionals.

Rice’s impact now extends far beyond Virginia. Recognizing that many teachers feel isolated when starting technical programs, she has dedicated herself to building a far-reaching, collaborative community. Her philosophy is simple: No teacher should have to build a program alone. As a co-chair for the NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) K-12 community and a collaborator with the College Board on its AP cybersecurity initiative, she mentors educators globally.

When Rice testified before Congress in 2025, she equated cybersecurity with national security, advocating for urgent investments in cloud-based cyber ranges and modern resources that reflect real-world threats. Central to her message was the need to support the educators who must constantly revamp lessons to keep pace with evolving technology.

And by empowering students with industry credentials and hands-on experience before they even graduate high school, she isn’t just teaching a class — she is cultivating the next generation of cyber defenders.