“In walks a 20-something year old not-unattractive, confident, vibrant woman. She was prom queen, graduated from college with a degree in mathematics, held executive positions in her sorority, moved out of state to work for the U.S. government, earned numerous accolades for her years of federal service, and now works full-time for SANS, a cybersecurity institute. She doesn’t look like she’s sick or struggling in this world – that Sadie girl has got it made! Well, that same woman has four rare chronic illnesses that make every single day a battle.
For 20+ years, I’ve fought against chronic illnesses and neurodivergence in an attempt to feel “normal” and fit into society. Now I’m taking my power back by embracing my neurodivergent superpowers, living as authentic as possible, and by sharing the Real STEM Sadie story: equipped with a different operating system and dysfunctional hardware, this is one STEM woman’s unique journey through life and cybersecurity.
Interests: Cryptanalysis, OSINT, DFIR, Mathematics, Cyber Security, Public speaking and advocacy
Chronic illnesses: PANDAS (Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep), HAE (Hereditary Angioedema & Urticaria) type 3, FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), and PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis)
Neurodivergence: ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, motor tics, dyscalculia, PTSD”
