Diane G. Miller, Class of 2016

Diane G. Miller
Director, InfoSec Operations and Identity Management and Director, Global Cyber Education and Workforce Programs, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Richmond, VA

Diane Miller leads global efforts in cyber education, outreach, thought leadership and partnerships that are critical to filling the talent pipeline and creating a diverse global cyber workforce. In 2017 she was recognized for “Exceptional Leadership in Industry” by The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE). Additional recognitions have included “2018 Global Influential Leader” by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and “2018 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year” for the College of Business Administration of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

How did Lead Virginia shape you as a leader?
Participation in Lead Virginia completely shifted my perspective of social capital. Many of my daily interactions have traditionally been around tasks, schedules and follow-up on projects I’d delegated. Lead Virginia taught me that interactions purely for the purpose of building social capital are just as important, if not more important, then those daily interactions.

Since Lead Virginia, how have you put your social capital to work?
I very much enjoyed being Curriculum Co-Chair for the Northern Virginia Region session for the Class of 2017. That role enabled me to expand my own professional network. Also, I have reached out to fellow classmates, asking for their professional perspectives and assistance, including helping to identify opportunities and open doors for protégés. My Class of 2016 mates have always come through in a thoughtful and helpful way. It is incredibly valuable to have a group of peers outside my daily work environment with whom I can engage.

What were your expectations of Lead Virginia prior to beginning the program? Did the program exceed or meet your expectations?
I attended an information gathering in the Northern Virginia Region prior to applying for Lead Virginia’s Class of 2016. I had very high expectations from that gathering but could never have imagined the deep and enduring impact it would make on me personally and professionally. The program far exceeded my expectations. I count the relationships with my classmates among my most treasured.