In the world of cybersecurity, where silence, precision, and vigilance are the tools of the trade, Emily Crose has built a name for herself not only as a formidable network threat hunter, but also as a woman of quiet resilience, clarity, and strength. A former civilian cybersecurity specialist with the U.S. Army, Emily's story is a rare blend of technological prowess and deeply personal transformation. When she made the brave decision to transition medically and socially in 2016, she was not just stepping into herself, she was stepping into the spotlight of a career field dominated by men, and into a world still struggling to understand what it means to be truly inclusive. Emily’s life is grounded in love, curiosity, and purpose. With the unwavering support of her wife and two children, she navigated her path with grace and intentionality. Her shift from aspiring history teacher to cybersecurity expert speaks to a woman who would rather shape the future than only study the past. Yet, her love for history still glimmers behind the lines of code and firewalls she now commands.
She calls the trans women who guided her early steps her “fairy godmothers,” and speaks with admiration of figures like Jenny Boylan, Sarah McBride, and countless others whose courage paved the way. At the same time, she is refreshingly modest about her own journey, acknowledging the privileges she’s had, while never minimizing the weight of choosing authenticity over comfort. Emily is not just a voice of reason in the volatile realm of cybersecurity. She’s a voice of reflection and honesty in a society still learning how to hold space for trans stories, stories like hers, rooted in everyday love, tenacity, and fierce femininity. Whether she's discussing the broken landscape of cybersecurity policy, the stubborn glass ceilings in tech, or the understated beauty of a well-fitted skirt and a favorite nail polish, Emily brings insight, sincerity, and strength. It is my honor and delight to share this conversation with a woman who exemplifies intelligence and integrity, not only in what she does, but in who she is.