Pierre said the organization, which recently received non-profit status from the IRS, aims to teach children the importance of internet safety and seeks to empower young minds with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely and securely.

“In today's increasingly connected world, young ones must understand the potential risks online and how to protect themselves,” Pierre said. “I study cybersecurity, so you hear a whole lot about threats, toward kids especially. I have two younger brothers, so seeing them always online talking to their friends and other people, you kind of realize that nobody has actually showed them or taught them what they should be doing while they are online or how to spot certain dangers online. That’s what gave me the idea to start this.”

Digital Defenders Inc. will empower children through engaging activities, educational resources and community outreach. The organization’s mission is to make cybersecurity accessible and fun for kids. Pierre will start visiting schools, libraries and community centers in the fall.

Pierre said Danielle Beerli, who teaches a class on forming nonprofits at Quinnipiac, has provided invaluable help throughout this process.

“Professor Beerli’s support and guidance have been instrumental in bringing Digital Defenders to life,” Pierre said.

Beerli's Introduction to Nonprofit Management class culminates with the students creating a business plan for a nonprofit they have created covering a topic they are passionate about. Beerli was impressed with Pierre's final presentation.

“I thought it was something that was needed, especially with the generations coming up,” Beerli said. “They live online.

They worked together to secure non-profit status and Pierre’s dream became a reality.

“I would say the main thing this taught me is patience,” Pierre said. “I learned that if you want something you have to work for it because it never comes easy. I think it reinforces what I want to do: I plan to go into law enforcement investigating cyber crimes. Preventing crimes and catching criminals would be important work. This nonprofit is reinforcing my interest in this field.”