Embodying Rosie the Riveter
Modern Women in Defense Honor Her Timeless Legacy
I regularly meet virtually with women working in the defense contracting space. On more than one occasion, a framed picture is conspicuous behind them on their office walls in bold yellow, blue, and red: Rosie the Riveter. The iconic wartime ad is very familiar to me, and I am always heartened when I see it: I have a reproduction in the form of a pin that I wear on blazers, and I even painted a self-portrait in the same style as part of a project in college. The familiar words: We Can Do It! are nothing less than a command issued with urgency and an affirmation that success depends on the cooperation of us all. The powerful combination of art and message resonates deeply with me and the sentiment that teamwork is vital to mission success has proven true in my experience as a leader.
Women in Defense: A Legacy of Resilience
Rosie the Riveter became an iconic symbol of female empowerment and determination in the midst of World War II. With her signature red bandana and flexed biceps, she embodied the spirit of resilience and adaptability that defined a generation.
Rosie's story began in the 1940s, when women took on unprecedented roles in the workforce to support the war effort. Rosie is based in small part on a real-life munitions worker but is primarily a fictitious character. During the time of Rosie, a real-life hero worked studiously. U.S. Navy rear admiral and computing pioneer, Grace Hopper worked to develop the first compiler for computer programming languages and laid the groundwork for modern computing systems—critical building blocks for modern cybersecurity infrastructure.
Today, women comprise a significant proportion of the DIB, driving innovation, and advancement in fields like cybersecurity, engineering, and logistics. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the nation's defense capabilities, from developing cutting-edge technologies to supporting critical military operations.
Adapting to Change: Women Leading Cybersecurity Efforts
The truth is, the Rosies of our time are busy in their labor, with no expectations of fanfare or applause, or that their story is memorialized in posters. These daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters play vital roles in the United States defense industrial base (DIB), agencies, and military branches. The ability to adapt quickly has always been a hallmark of women in defense. From developing AI-powered threat detection systems to leading incident response teams, women are pioneering innovative solutions to safeguard national security.
One such person that I imagine Rosie would be immensely proud of is Katie Arrington, currently serving as Department of Defense Chief Information Officer. I imagine her seeing Ms. Arrington as a modern embodiment of the courage and determination that defined her own legacy. While Rosie broke barriers in the factories during World War II, Katie Arrington shatters glass ceilings in the realm of defense technology and cybersecurity. Her spirited leadership not only safeguards our national interests but also paves the way for future generations of women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, proving that the spirit of resilience and innovation endures across generations. Rosie's qualities remain a powerful inspiration for women in defense to contribute our collective best toward national defense.
Parallel Between Rosie's Era and Modern Cybersecurity
The parallels between Rosie's era and modern cybersecurity are striking:
- Uncertainty and Unpredictability During WWII, the outcome was far from certain, and Rosie's generation faced an unpredictable future. Similarly, we confront an unprecedented threat landscape, where the next attack vector may source from outside and even inside our borders.
- Rapid Innovation and Adaptation: The war effort required rapid innovation and production to stay ahead of the enemy. In cybersecurity, the speed of adaptation determines the effectiveness of defense strategies against rapidly evolving threats.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: The success of Rosie’s generation was often attributed to their ability to work collaboratively with others, sharing knowledge and skills to achieve a common goal. Effective teamwork and collaboration are crucial in responding to incidents and developing proactive defenses in cybersecurity.
Lessons for Women in Defense:
Women in defense are called to lead with bold determination in cybersecurity and national security. They must adopt adaptability as a strategic imperative, understanding that constant change drives innovation and forces a reimagining of conventional methods. In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, remaining agile means relentlessly pursuing new ideas and continuously mastering emerging tools to outpace adversaries.
Resilience, too, is essential. By cultivating a robust growth mindset, setbacks are transformed into invaluable opportunities for advancement. Women in defense are urged to forge a culture that celebrates experimentation and calculated risk-taking, turning each challenge into a stepping stone toward greater achievement and fortified defenses.
Moreover, the power of collaboration stands at the core of effective cybersecurity. Recognizing that robust defense strategies emerge from collective expertise, these leaders commit to open knowledge exchange and the integration of diverse perspectives. This collaborative spirit not only reinforces individual strengths but also creates an unbreakable chain of national security—a true embodiment of the selfless, unyielding spirit of Rosie the Riveter.
Participation: Mandatory; Bandana: Optional
Given the chilly worldwide political climate and advanced cyberwarfare that has only increased in both complexity and volume, it is time for all of us to show up and suit up for Team USA, polka-dot bandana optional. There is great strength inherent in a team comprised of people of different ages, abilities, ethnicities, and creeds. In the face of all the challenges facing our nation, surely this is not a time to minimize the contributions that minorities and women have made, often at great peril to themselves, to defend the US. This is an all-hands time in our nation’s story. As we face an uncertain future, we would do well to channel Rosie's spirit – embracing change, fostering resilience, and collaborating with others to develop proactive defenses against evolving cyber threats. Today, women continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation's security and resilience, and Rosie's legacy reminds us that their contributions are essential to our collective defense.
