Innovation Springs Interview 9: Steve Recca

• Center for Human Security: https://cps.uccs.edu/research/chs 
• UCCS Cybersecurity Program: https://cybersecurity.uccs.edu/ 
• Bachelor of Innovation Program: https://innovation.uccs.edu/ 

📺 Viewers can access the full transcript or captions on the YouTube video for a deeper dive into the conversation.

https://youtu.be/gRl-TsTZjn4

🎧 Human Security, Leadership & Community Resilience

What does human security really mean and why is it about much more than law enforcement or national defense?

In this episode of Innovation Springs, host Hayley Blackburn sits down with Steve Recca, Executive Director of the Center for Human Security at UCCS, to explore how the concept of security has evolved from protecting borders to strengthening people, communities, and civic resilience.

Drawing on a career that spans military service, international partnerships, higher education, and public service, Steve explains how human security encompasses financial stability, mental and physical health, community engagement, emergency preparedness, and global collaboration. Rather than focusing solely on responding to threats, his work encourages building stronger communities before crises occur.

The conversation also highlights the Center for Human Security's partnerships with local governments, healthcare organizations, nonprofit leaders, and international collaborators. Steve shares why interdisciplinary thinking, community engagement, and leadership development are essential for solving today's complex challenges: from cybersecurity and emergency management to public health and social resilience.

Throughout the episode, Steve encourages students and professionals alike to volunteer, seek experiences beyond their comfort zones, and engage directly with their communities. Innovation, he argues, comes not only from new technologies but from connecting with people whose perspectives challenge our own.

Whether you're interested in leadership, public service, emergency management, global affairs, or community resilience, this episode offers a broader perspective on what it means to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What human security means beyond traditional homeland security
• How community engagement strengthens resilience and public safety
• Why interdisciplinary collaboration leads to better problem-solving
• How leadership and civic participation contribute to stronger communities
• Why communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building remain essential career skills

🔑 Key Quotes

“The notion behind it is to create a human-centric approach to security.”

“Always volunteer for every opportunity to get out.”

“The more people that I engage with that don't think like me, the more likely I will see problems differently.”

“Find your voice here… make some mistakes here in a safe intellectual environment.”

“Write well, speak well, sell your ideas.”

“The trick is not to let the anxiety stop us from engaging.”

🎯 Why Students & Faculty Should Listen

This episode answers questions like “What is human security?” and “How can students prepare to lead in complex, interconnected environments?”—making it especially valuable for students interested in public service, emergency management, leadership, international affairs, and civic engagement.

It also offers practical advice for anyone seeking to build stronger professional relationships, communicate across disciplines, and make meaningful contributions beyond the classroom. From volunteering and public engagement to critical analysis and collaboration, Steve demonstrates that innovation often begins with people—not technology.