The Catalyst Fellowship.
A bridge between mid-career practitioners and a hub of global threat intelligence sharing.
A collaboration between #ShareTheMicInCyber and the Cyber Threat Alliance, designed to cultivate mid-career talent, deepen expertise in threat intelligence, and strengthen global cyber defenses at a time of tectonic shifts driven by AI and emerging threats.
No prior intelligence experience required. Compensated, non-employee fellowship.
More than an opportunity — a platform
Fellows collaborate with CTA and its member companies, working directly with leading threat intelligence teams to lead the authoring of Joint Analytic Reports, contribute to technical research, and bring new perspectives to the most pressing cyber challenges.
By blending technical tradecraft with mentorship, visibility, and professional development, the fellowship equips mid-career professionals to not only grow as analysts but emerge as leaders capable of shaping the next chapter of cybersecurity.
What fellows do
Real analytic products with real consequences — not simulations, and not observation from the sidelines.
Lead a Joint Analytic Report
CTA's flagship product — going beyond documenting known actors and tactics to scan the horizon of the threat landscape, identify emerging risks, and connect intelligence to operations and policy.
Work alongside intelligence teams
Structured access to data, insights, mentorship, and collaboration within CTA's member community, shaping real-world analytic products.
Publish and be heard
At least three tangible outputs across the year — report, blog, webinar — plus public thought leadership and contributions to CTA's global threat intel mission.
Build the tradecraft to lead
Intel tradecraft workshops, storytelling and communication sessions, career coaching and mentoring circles, and policy-and-operations insight.
No prior intel experience required
Mid-career professionals with five to ten years in cybersecurity across industry, government, or academia.
Professionals navigating career transitions are especially encouraged to apply.
AI is reshaping cybersecurity faster than the field can staff for it
Creating opportunities for innovation while accelerating and scaling threats. Actionable threat intelligence has never been more critical, and the field needs new voices and fresh perspectives to keep pace.
Built on three years of published work
The Catalyst Fellowship builds on the #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship at New America (2022–2025), where fellows published groundbreaking work from AI bills of materials to civilian cyber corps legislation. Alumni have gone on to shape national strategies, join leading security firms, and expand the conversation around cyber resilience.
With CTA, this chapter takes the work further — embedding fellows inside the global threat intelligence ecosystem, where their analysis directly shapes how the industry anticipates, responds to, and mitigates cyber threats.
Frequently asked
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What is the Catalyst Fellowship?
Who should apply?
- Have demonstrated experience in cybersecurity across industry, government, or academia.
- Bring diverse or nontraditional perspectives to threat analysis.
- Are eager to deepen their skills in threat intelligence — no prior intel experience is required.
- Want to sharpen their communication skills and expand their professional visibility.
- Are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in cybersecurity.
What will fellows do?
- Lead the development of a Joint Analytic Report — a flagship CTA product that scans the horizon of the threat landscape, identifies emerging risks, and connects intelligence to both operations and policy.
- Publish at least three tangible outputs, such as a JAR, blog, or webinar.
- Work alongside CTA intelligence teams and industry experts to shape real-world analytic products.
- Contribute to technical research, public thought leadership, and CTA's global threat intel mission.
Will I be an employee of CTA or CAS Strategies?
What mentorship and training will I receive?
- Intel tradecraft workshops on analysis methods, structured reporting, and horizon scanning.
- Storytelling and communication sessions to help fellows explain cybersecurity clearly to boards, policymakers, and the public.
- Career coaching including resume and interview support, mentoring circles, and one-on-one guidance.
- Policy and operations insights, reinforcing the connection between threat intel, decision-making, and operational defense.
- Access to CTA's network of member companies and #ShareTheMicInCyber's global community.
How long is the fellowship, and when do applications open?
How can companies or individuals support the fellowship?
- Financial support through donations or sponsorships.
- In-kind contributions such as conference passes, access to training, or other professional development opportunities.
- Community engagement by leading a training session, hosting a workshop, or offering a career-focused fireside chat.
- Connections to networks, organizations, or partners who can amplify the fellowship's impact.
Four fellows a year is a floor, not a ceiling
Support helps ensure fellows have the resources, visibility, and opportunities to thrive — and strengthens the entire cybersecurity ecosystem.
The Catalyst Fellowship is led by #ShareTheMicInCyber and the Cyber Threat Alliance, with support from CAS Strategies and other sponsors and partners.
Championed by Lauren Zabierek, Camille Stewart Gloster, Michael Daniel, Katelyn Ringrose, and Bridget Chan — bringing deep expertise across intelligence, policy, operations, and industry.