Willie Sanders

Prof. Dr. Willie Sanders, Jr. is a veteran technology professional, business leader, educator, and author with over 20 years of experience in IT, Cybersecurity, and Higher Education. He possesses a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University and holds over 30 professional certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Dr. Sanders previously served in senior technical expert roles at organizations such as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Pearson Education, where he was heavily relied upon for his technical expertise and effective communication.

Currently, Dr. Sanders contributes to the next generation of professionals as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Associate Director of the Cyber4All Center at Towson University. Extending his commitment beyond the classroom, he is also the Founder and Executive Director of Pass IT On, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on eliminating the technology skills gap for youth and adults from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

„Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Workforce-Aligned Learning“

This workshop will equip attendees with five high-impact strategies to align academic learning with workforce expectations. Participants will explore both why and how to integrate durable and career-ready skills—such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving—into career preparation. Also highlighted will be the value of technical skill development, industry-recognized certifications, and non-traditional experiential learning opportunities like volunteering and workplace simulations. Participants will also learn the value-add of building professional portfolios that showcase competencies developed in and beyond the classroom. By bridging the gap between education and employment, this session offers a variety of strategies to prepare a labor force for meaningful, future-focused careers.