The Weight of Institutional Abuse
Resilience following institutional harm and abuse is no easy undertaking.
Over the past two years — following multiple incidents involving my former employer, Leidos Inc., the Federal Aviation Administration, and the U.S. Air Force — I've had to keep pushing myself, even on the days when I no longer felt like pushing at all.
Because when entities as large as these attack your character, well-being, and safety, you are the only one left to rebuild. They move on; you're left in the dark — with your career sabotaged and your mental health shattered.
Surviving Psychological Targeting
For more than two years, I was psychologically targeted by the U.S. Intelligence Community. Each time I reached out to Congress or official oversight channels for help, the intimidation intensified. I was threatened, isolated, and cornered — experiences I would never wish on anyone.
To be harmed and then portrayed as the wrongdoer is beyond cruel. It's a form of institutional gaslighting that undermines truth and destroys trust.
Endurance in the Aftermath
But I'm still here. I'm still standing.
I refuse to be silenced by fear. I did not endure these human rights violations to disappear into despair. The complex PTSD I live with now is a reminder of what was done — but it's also evidence that I survived something most people couldn't.
This is a survivor's voice — the one you created, grounded in integrity.
Truth Over Silence
I will continue speaking out because transparency and accountability are cornerstones of any ethical institution. The truth matters — not for revenge, but for reform.
In a previous post, "The Presentation That Never Happened: When Transparency Becomes a Threat", I shared how attempts to silence or discredit truth-tellers often reveal more about the system than the individual. This reflection continues that story — one about endurance, honesty, and rebuilding after institutional harm.
Resilience as a Way Forward
Resilience, to me, means continuing to build, to create, and to advocate for a world where no one has to rebuild alone. I can't change what happened, but I can make sure my story serves as a record — and as proof that even after the deepest institutional betrayal, it's possible to rise with clarity, conviction, and purpose.