2023 Mentor: Chelsea Smethurst

Chelsea Smethurst

Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy at Microsoft

Region: North America

Field:  Space Cybersecurity, International Affairs, Cloud Computing

Profile: Chelsea J. Smethurst is the Director for Global Cybersecurity Policy at Microsoft. She leads Microsoft’s world-wide public policy initiatives for the secure adoption of emerging commercial space technologies to empower a safe and resilient space ecosystem. She is a key advisor on cybersecurity policy including at the U.S. President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, OECD's Committee on Digital Economy Policy, DHS CISA’s Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working Group and the Space ISAC. She has delivered many public briefings on the future of cybersecurity policy for space and communication systems. Prior to joining Microsoft, Chelsea worked in consulting delivering cloud security strategy and program solutions across Fortune 500 companies and the public sector. She has also worked for the U.S. State Department. Chelsea has a BA in International Studies from University of South Florida, and an MA in Global Affairs from Florida International University. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of women in the space cybersecurity workforce.