Michelle Howard

Admiral Michelle Howard is a highly respected authority on cyber security and international diplomacy, whose distinguished naval career and academic contributions have established her as a sought-after speaker in the field. As the first African-American woman to command a United States Navy warship and the first female four-star admiral in the service’s history, Admiral Howard has consistently broken barriers and shaped strategic operations at the highest levels. Her leadership of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, alongside her pivotal role in counter-piracy operations, including the 2009 rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, highlights her operational acumen and commitment to global security.

A trailblazer in cyber strategy, Admiral Howard played an instrumental role in developing Estonia’s first National Cybersecurity Strategy Plan in 2007—laying the foundation for one of the world’s most advanced cyber defence frameworks. Following her retirement from active duty in 2017, she transitioned to academia as the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Visiting Professor of International Affairs at George Washington University, where she pioneered a course on cyber security and international diplomacy. Her teaching focuses on the complex intersection of geopolitics, cyber threats, and national security, underscoring her deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape.

Admiral Howard’s contributions extend beyond her military service. In 2021, she was appointed chair of The Naming Commission, leading bipartisan efforts to address Confederate commemorations in U.S. military assets. Her insights on cyber warfare and international relations are frequently sought after, as evidenced by her impactful keynote at the 2024 cyber and national security talk at the Science Center auditorium. There, she highlighted critical cyber events like the Stuxnet attack and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, offering nuanced analysis on their implications for future conflicts and global diplomacy.

A compelling advocate for ethical leadership, Admiral Howard believes in mentorship and the power of education to shape the next generation of cyber security and national defence professionals. Her ability to translate complex cyber challenges into accessible lessons makes her an invaluable resource for audiences ranging from government leaders to corporate executives. To benefit from Admiral Michelle Howard’s unparalleled expertise and inspiring leadership, hire her via The Cyber Security Speakers Agency.