02/17/2026
As we continue our Black History Month celebration, we’re proud to highlight five influential African Americans in cybersecurity each week. Their leadership, innovation, and impact have shaped the field in powerful ways, and sharing their stories helps us recognize the trailblazers who continue to inspire progress across our industry.
William D. Coffee played a pivotal role in U.S. cryptologic success during World War II, leading a segregated unit that decoded critical encrypted messages with exceptional skill. He recruited and developed more than 100 African American cryptologists, breaking racial barriers and elevating their contributions at a time of widespread discrimination. His leadership and expertise helped pave the way for greater inclusion and recognition within the nation’s intelligence community.
Herman Phynes rose from a cryptanalytic aide to become the first African American office chief in NSA’s Operations Directorate, leading critical code breaking efforts during and after World War II. He succeeded William Coffee as assistant officer in charge and later became the official head of the Commercial Code unit, directing teams responsible for solving complex encipherments. His leadership and technical expertise helped advance both U.S. cryptologic capabilities and opportunities for African American professionals in the field.
Tyrone Wilson, after serving as an Army computer technician, was deployed with the Northeast Information Operations Center to help respond to network intrusions in Iraq, later bringing his expertise to U.S. Cyber Command, the FBI, and the Department of Energy. Seeing a need for stronger awareness and community engagement in cybersecurity, he founded the D.C. Cybersecurity Professionals group. Today, with more than 7,500 members, it stands as the largest cybersecurity meetup in the country.
Renee Forney has shaped the cybersecurity landscape through senior leadership roles in both government and industry, including directing workforce development and training programs at the Department of Homeland Security. As Senior Director of Cyber Assurance at Capital One, she leads major efforts in risk management and threat intelligence. Recognized as a Woman of Influence, she continues to advance the field through mentorship, advocacy, and initiatives that promote security, privacy, and the next generation of cyber professionals.
Marian Croak revolutionized modern communication by pioneering Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the technology that makes today’s audio and video conferencing possible. She also created the widely used text to donate system that enabled millions in disaster relief contributions and now leads Google’s efforts in Responsible AI and human centered technology. With more than 200 patents and a career dedicated to expanding access and representation, she continues to shape the future of global connectivity and inspire the next generation of engineers.
