Optiv, a Denver-based cyber advisory and solutions company, awarded Nigel Tatem, a graduate of Rick Reedy High School in Frisco, Texas, with its annual Black Employee Network (BEN) scholarship.
This initiative aims to promote diversity within the cybersecurity field and support the next generation of professionals. Tatem, who achieved a remarkable 5.13 GPA, will pursue computer science at Cornell University starting this fall.
"I am a firm believer in the safety and privacy of our information online, and I plan to combine my focus on AI and data analytics to change the field of cybersecurity forever," Tatem said in the official statement. "I am deeply grateful to the Optiv Black Employee Network for providing this opportunity to further my education and make a lasting impact as a Black scholar in STEM."
At Rick Reedy High School, Tatem excelled academically, ranking in the top 10 for C# programming statewide and qualifying for national C++ programming. Beyond academics, he captained the varsity wrestling team, played football and held leadership roles in the Black Student Alliance and the National Technical Honor Society.
According to the official statement, Tatem's interest in computer science developed during his involvement in optimizing operations at his father's car wash through software development. His internship furthered his passion, where he applied analytical solutions to streamline regulatory processes.
“Our goal is to positively impact the lives of the next generation by providing opportunities that they may not have otherwise had to pursue a career in tech with the support of this scholarship,” said Marlee McAlpine, Optiv’s senior DEI manager in the press release.
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