Deborah Kariuki

Deborah Kariuki is a visionary leader, educator, and cybersecurity expert with a deep commitment to advancing equitable computer science education. She serves as Graduate Program Director and Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she created and now oversees the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program in Computer Science. A former software engineer and Certified Ethical Hacker, Deborah combines technical expertise with educational leadership, fostering opportunities for students and educators to develop computational thinking, coding proficiency, and cybersecurity skills essential for the 21st century.

An accomplished professional and advocate, Deborah is the Founder of Women in Computing (WIC) and serves as a SheLeadsTech Ambassador and MIT Inspire CS-AI Fellow. She holds multiple master’s degrees and is currently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity, demonstrating her dedication to lifelong learning and innovation. Her extensive volunteer and leadership roles include Vice President of WiCyS Mid-Atlantic, Co-Lead of the WiCyS Mentor/Mentee Program, and President of CSTA Maryland, where she champions diversity, mentorship, and the professional development of computer science educators.

Deborah’s work extends beyond academia into public speaking, professional development, and community engagement. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to cybersecurity, STEM education, and women in technology, and frequently speaks at national and international conferences on topics ranging from ethical hacking to AI, cybersecurity, and data ethics. As an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and CS evangelist, she continues to inspire and empower students, educators, and professionals to become creators of technology rather than mere consumers, ensuring every learner has access to meaningful, culturally responsive computer science education.

• Applying the QM Rubric
• Researchers conducting no more than minimal risk research

• University of Maryland Baltimore County - M.S.

• BlackWomenComputHer Sistah Award (2019)
• Grace Hopper / AnitaB Faculty Conference Scholarship (2020)
• Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) Faculty & Student Scholarships (2020–2021)
• Professional Business Women of California Speaker Recognition (2020)
• National Science and Technology Medals Foundation Recognition (2025)
• MIT Inspire CS-AI Fellow
• SheLeadsTech Ambassador
• Siemens STEM Fellow

• CSTA Maryland
• WiCyS Mid-Atlantic Affiliate
• Computer Science Teachers Association