Lauren Shotwell
Cyberspace Operations Officer
Sigma Lambda | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
As a cyberwarfare officer in my sixth year of service, I’ve been honored to receive the 55th Wing USCYBERCOM Enterprise Officer of the Year Award, as well as being named the 55th Operations Group Flight Commander of the Year for two consecutive years. In my current role, I lead large-scale IT upgrade projects, ensuring the Air Force stays on the leading edge of ever-evolving cyberspace technologies. The work is both complex and rewarding, requiring technical excellence and strategic foresight. As a flight commander, I’m equally committed to mission success and to the well-being of my airmen—many of whom are young and living overseas for the first time. I view mentorship as a core responsibility, striving to support their professional development while also helping them find personal stability and purpose. Outside of work, I’m a mom to two young daughters—Emilia (2) and Eden (1), who was born here in Japan. My experience of taking maternity leave after both births has shaped my perspective and advocacy. I want to show fellow service members that it’s not only possible to take time for family, but that doing so doesn’t limit professional growth. You can lead, succeed, and still be present at home. Rooted in my faith, I help lead a community group through our church that brings together Japanese citizens and Americans. With incredible partners, we organize events that build cultural bridges and foster genuine connection. Living among the Japanese community has been deeply impactful—their positive outlook and cultural depth continue to teach me invaluable lessons about balance, gratitude, and service. Whether in uniform or in the community, I strive to model what it means to lead with both strength and compassion.
What motto or phrase motivates you?
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” - Henry Ford
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Purposeful, Faithful, Relatable
What advice would you give to someone entering your field?
If you’re considering a career as an Air Force officer, know this: you can do it all. I’m a proud military officer, but that’s not all I am—I’m also a woman, a mother, a wife, and a sister. Each role is a vital part of who I am, and none of them are in conflict with the others. You don’t have to compromise one part of yourself to succeed in another. That’s a myth. The key is to embrace balance, not perfection. There will be challenges—long days, tough decisions, and moments of doubt. But there will also be immense pride, purpose, and growth. The military will challenge you, but it will also shape you into a stronger, more capable version of yourself. And along the way, you’ll show others, especially young women coming up behind you, that strength looks like many things: compassion, leadership, resilience, and love. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Ask for help when you need it. Lead with integrity. And never feel like you need to shrink one part of yourself to make space for another. There’s room for all of you here. You can serve your country and your family. You can lead in uniform and show up for bedtime stories. You can be strong, feminine, disciplined, nurturing all at once. You can do it all. And we need more leaders who believe that.