At Cleveland Community College, Catherine (Cate) Meininger is turning a long-standing curiosity into a real career path rooted in purpose, skill, and community impact. With support from the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN), Catherine has found that hands-on experience and mentorship are powerfully shaping her journey.
Cate is working toward her associate degree in Cybersecurity and Networking, with plans to graduate in 2027. Technology has always been a part of her life. Her mother’s work in tech sparked an early interest. Still, it wasn’t until Cate joined Cleveland Community College’s cybersecurity program and connected with CCN that she saw how that interest could lead to a meaningful career.
Through CCN’s coordinated statewide system, students like Catherine get much more than classroom training. The network connects 23 community colleges and universities across North Carolina in a shared mission: to build a strong cybersecurity workforce prepared to meet employers’ needs in both public and private sectors. That mission plays out through internships, professional development, mentorship, and direct experience supporting local organizations.
One of the key moments in Cate’s journey happened at a Cybersafe Communities event hosted on campus. Alongside classmates, instructors, and CCN mentors, she helped assess the cybersecurity needs of small businesses in the community. The students offered practical recommendations and guidance. This is essential support for organizations that often lack internal IT or security teams.
“It helped me step out of my comfort zone,” Cate says. “I’ve definitely built my speaking skills and my soft skills. I was more technical before this program, but now I feel more confident with public speaking and explaining things to people outside of tech.”
CCN emphasizes the ability to blend technical knowledge with professional communication across all its programs. This skill is critical for cybersecurity professionals who will spend their careers bridging the gap between technology and people — whether responding to threats, advising clients, or training coworkers.
Catherine’s long-term goal is to become a Security Analyst, but she’s keeping her mind open. Through her coursework and CCN-supported opportunities, she’s been introduced to various career paths, all part of a growing industry with strong demand for talent.
Her story is just one example of how CCN’s vision takes shape: a well-prepared, work-ready cybersecurity talent pipeline that starts in North Carolina’s classrooms and reaches directly into the workforce. That means more access to cybersecurity expertise for local businesses, schools, governments, and nonprofits. For students like Cate, it means real preparation for success in a critical and growing field.
