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KALI JACKSON (@RADICALKJAX)

Kali Jackson

Technical Solutions Specialist | Public-Sector Tech SME
AI SecOps Researcher

Hi there, my name's Kali, I'm just your stereotypical trans girl. I have a distaste for systems that hurt people and enjoy building things that empower marginalized communities.

I'm usually playing games, exploring art or build a giant tech project while poking around the hacking community.

In my profressional life, I'm a Technical Solutions Specialist with 6.5 years of experience as the statewide Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) for California's public welfare technology infrastructure. Proven expertise in large-scale device management, procurement, security operations, modernized app development, service migrations, and AI-assisted workflows in the largest human services system in the United States.

I have a strong background in incident response, endpoint security, network troubleshooting, and creating scalable solutions for enterprise environments. Demonstrated ability in engineering, supporting and managing 300+ specialized public-facing devices across all 58 counties in California. Led platform modernization from legacy Java systems to unified React.js architecture while maintaining FedRAMP, StateRAMP, CISA, and NIST compliance for mission-critical government infrastructure.

I specialize in human-centered technology solutions that empower rather than overwhelm users. As former lead and PoC of DEF CON Group DC916, I champion making enterprise security and privacy accessible through education and community outreach.

I'm passionate about sharing my experiences and advocating for inclusivity and diversity. My blog serves as a platform for both technical content and personal reflections on my life's journey.

Technical Skills & Capabilities

Programming Languages:
TypeScript, JavaScript, Rust, Python, PowerShell, Bash, C++, C#, HTML, SQL, PHP, CSS
Frameworks & Architecture:
React.js, Angular, Tauri 2, WASM, REST APIs, Agile Methodologies
AI & Automation:
Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, CoPilot, Agentic Workflows, SDLC Automation
Security & Analysis:
Incident Response, Wireshark, Metasploit, nmap, Burpsuite, Ghidra, Threat Detection & Analysis, Network Security
Cloud & Enterprise Platforms:
Azure (Entra ID, Intune), ForgeRock IAM, Active Directory
Development & Database Tools:
VS Code, Android Studio, ServiceNow, Jira, Git, Spring Tools, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis
Hardware & Systems:
Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Intel x86, Reverse Engineering, Hardware Interfacing
Compliance & Standards:
FedRAMP, StateRAMP, CISA Standards, NIST Framework, POAM Development

Professional Experience

Software/App/Cloud Specialist
Accenture - CalSAWS Project
June 2024 – Jan 2026 (Full-stack Dev/Technical Solutions Specialist)
June 2023 – June 2024 (Team Lead/Dev)
June 2021 - 2023 (Team Lead/Sr. Support Analyst)
June 2019 – June 2021 (Support Analyst)

Project Leadership & Client Management:

  • Managed 300+ specialized public-facing devices across 58 counties while maintaining operational excellence
  • Built Entra and Intune environments and planned device migration
  • Held technical and decision making meetings with executive leadership, project & county leadership, and third-party vendors
  • Traveled across 58 counties and 80+ facilities to integrate solutions into various business and technical models serving ~5 million Californian welfare beneficiaries
  • Responsible for writing and discussing POAMs (Plan of Action Milestones) according to NIST and CISA standards

Engineering:

  • Reverse engineered upstream API to remove vendor dependency
  • Developed linebuster technical architecture design integrating web app, kiosk, tablet, and dashboard systems across 80+ facilities and 58 counties
  • Built production React.js applications with REST API integration and hardware interfaces (wireless printers, magnetic stripe card readers, barcode readers, duplex scanners)
  • Applied expertise to move Windows, Java-based, and Android apps to single React.js Web App solution retaining all original functionality
  • Engineered thermal receipt printer language integration with specialized devices

Security:

  • Owned FedRAMP and StateRAMP compliance for all public-facing lobby technology processing federal program data (Medi-Cal/Medicaid, CalFresh/SNAP)
  • Primary incident response specialist for incidents such as card theft, physical credential theft, and production outages
  • Utilized Azure management suite to configure, enroll and secure 300+ public-facing kiosks, workstations and tablets
  • Hands on threat detection, analysis, and remediation using Wireshark, nmap, and enterprise monitoring tools
Previous Experience ▼
Advanced Repair Agent
Geek Squad
November 2014 – June 2019
Merced, CA
  • Provided comprehensive PC, Linux, and Mac repair services (software and hardware)
  • Grew productivity of business year over year by 80% since starting position
  • Decreased time-to-completion of repair to less than a day consistently for 2 years
  • Specialized in malware removal and security remediation
  • Lead technician for high-traffic periods (Black Friday & Tax Season)
  • Achieved highest NPS (Net Promoter Score) in territory consistently for over a year
IT Engineer - Contractor
W.J. Koenig CPA
September 2017
Merced, CA
  • Rebuilt entire business network infrastructure for CPA firm
  • Installed new ethernet CAT-6 shielded lines and patch panel for improved network management
  • Rebuilt Windows Server 2012 system and configured appropriate group policies
  • Installed and configured payroll software and tax software on all workstations and server

Community Leadership

Lead/Organizer
DEF CON Group DC916 (Cybersecurity Sacramento)
May 2024 – Jun 2025
  • Established Cybersecurity Sacramento in early 2024 and grew cybersecurity community from 0 to 100+ members
  • Became the new leader of DC916, a DEF CON group, in September 2024 for the Sacramento, CA area
  • Organized knowledge-sharing sessions focused on democratizing cybersecurity tools and making enterprise-grade security accessible
  • Held monthly meetings to bring like-minded people together to discuss cybersecurity and hacking practices
  • Provided resources to those trying to break into cybersecurity industry including job postings, conventions, tools, tutorials, and CTF challenges
  • Maintained group's digital presence including Discord server, GitHub Repository, website, and social media platforms

Learn more at dc916.com

Research & Personal Development
Ongoing
  • Academic research on deep learning applied to malware analysis and detection
  • Active public GitHub development exploring Rust, WASM, containerization, and security automation
  • Built custom Kali Linux container for Mac utilizing XFCE for a hybrid GUI experience
  • Active personal blog topics including: professional community, cybersecurity, technology, and general experiences

2025 Conferences: BSidesSF, RSA, Cisco Live, DEF CON 33

Open Source Projects

View GitHub Repositories ▼

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Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
California State University, Stanislaus - Turlock, CA
Graduated May 2019

Media I Love