The Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy & Law (SPL) hosted Akmal Ali L’06, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aluma and inOrbit, for the discussion, “From National Security Law to National Security Business: Perspectives of a National Security Entrepreneur.”
The conversation between SPL Director the Hon. James E. Baker and Ali started with his pathway from Afghanistan to Florida to Syracuse University College of Law, where he was one of the first students in the national security program. Ali discussed how law school impacted his career and how what he learned has helped him as an entrepreneur.
Ali founded Aluma, a risk management and security consulting firm that specializes in, among other topics, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) SAFETY Act program. Ali had previously been Deputy Director in the DHS SAFETY Act program office.
He later founded inOrbit, a software company dedicated to improving the lives of Security Professionals by developing the first Security Program Management Software, which provides a comprehensive toolkit to effectively manage and implement their security program by automating and streamlining critical tasks and providing them with the important information they need to make informed decisions.
Ali spoke about how his national security background informs his approach to risk management for some of the largest sports and entertainment venues around the world and how new threats such as small drones are affecting the risk management industry.
“I’ve put a lot of work into my business, but much of my foundation was built at Syracuse Law. I soaked up so much information on counterterrorism and the law and learned skill sets that allowed me to create a business that is helping to keep people and places safer, and that’s very rewarding,” said Ali.
Syracuse University has recognized him with ‘CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards for both companies.