ROTC Mentoring Session

ROTC Mentorship Session @ DAFITC 2025

As part of its education and workforce development initiatives during the 2025 Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference (DAFITC), Montgomery TechLab, in partnership with TechMGM, hosted an impactful ROTC Mentorship Session connecting high school and college cadets with senior military leaders for an afternoon of insight, encouragement, and career-focused conversations.

Inspiring the Future Force

The session welcomed over 100 cadets from AFROTC units at Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, Auburn University at Montgomery, Troy University, and Samford University, as well as JROTC programs from Park Crossing, Percy Julian, and George Washington Carver High Schools. These cadets represented the next generation of Air and Space Force officers—and the mentorship experience gave them direct access to leaders actively shaping the future of the Department of Defense.

The two-hour session began with a moderated panel discussion on leadership, service, and the power of mentorship. Senior leaders shared personal stories and professional lessons learned across decades of service, offering cadets valuable perspectives on navigating ROTC, commissioning, and careers in cyber, intel, space, logistics, and more.

“When we give young leaders direct access to mentors and decision-makers, we accelerate their growth,” said Charisse Stokes, Partnership Liaison at Montgomery TechLab. “This session created an open and authentic space for cadets to ask questions, find encouragement, and build the confidence needed to lead in today’s rapidly evolving defense environment.”

Real Conversations. Real Impact.

Following the panel, cadets rotated through a series of small group breakout sessions, engaging in real conversations with over 20 active and retired officers from the Air Force, Space Force, and other DoD sectors. These rotating discussions allowed cadets to gain deeper understanding across a range of career fields while building meaningful connections with leaders who have walked the path before them.

Each mentor shared practical insights, from deployment experiences to tech training, from officer commissioning tips to strategies for long-term career success. Many cadets noted how powerful it was to have dedicated one-on-one and small group time with leaders they would otherwise only read about or hear in briefings.

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

The ROTC Mentorship Session was designed to reinforce not only the value of service, but the importance of intentional, inclusive leadership development. The event served as a catalyst for professional growth, offering cadets mentorship moments that will follow them far beyond their time in ROTC.

By creating access and exposure to real-world leaders, Montgomery TechLab continues to deliver on their mission to build a future-ready defense and tech workforce—rooted in mentorship, innovation, and community.