Student Spotlight: Suzette Becraft — A Working Mom Finding Her Way in Cybersecurity
For Suzette Becraft, the journey into cybersecurity has been anything but traditional—and that’s what makes it so inspiring. As a working mom balancing family, school, and career goals, Suzanne is proving that it’s never too late to follow a new path. The National Cyber League (NCL) has been a driving force in turning her curiosity into confidence and motivation into a career plan.
Suzette first studied forensics before realizing her true passion was in cybersecurity. A couple of years ago, she began self-studying and practicing hands-on skills, eventually joining a Discord server for women in cybersecurity where she found support, teammates, and encouragement to grow. That community showed her she belonged in this field. Her persistence has already opened doors. Winning the ISACA Foundation One in Tech Scholarship lifted a financial burden for her family and connected her with an inclusive, diverse network of peers and professionals. But it’s the NCL competitions that have been a game-changer. Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges let Suzette apply what she’s learning in real-world scenarios, build problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in her abilities. “The NCL makes learning exciting,” she explains. “It motivates me to keep pushing forward and reminds me why I chose cybersecurity.” For Suzette, the NCL is more than a competition—it’s a community. The mentors, peers, and connections she’s found have helped her see cybersecurity not just as a career path, but as a future she’s ready to embrace. Suzette’s story is proof that it’s never too late to begin again. With determination, support, and the opportunities created by the NCL, she’s building the skills and confidence for a long career in cybersecurity—and inspiring others to do the same.