Jessica Cohen is a dynamic force in Texas politics, tech, and advocacy, known for building bridges and driving change. As President of the Stonewall Democrats of Austin and Vice President of the Texas Democratic Party LGBTQ Caucus, she leads with both strategy and heart, pushing forward inclusive policy at every level of government.
Jessica wears many hats across the political landscape, serving on the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee, chairing the Austin Board of Adjustment, and contributing to urban planning as an ex-officio member of the Austin Planning Commission. She also represents her local community as a Precinct Chair in Travis County (PCT 425), ensuring every voice is heard from the neighborhood to the Capitol.
Outside the political arena, Jessica brings her expertise as a network security consultant to the forefront, specializing in financial and healthcare systems. She’s also a passionate advocate for women in tech, using her platform to promote equity and opportunity in STEM fields.
A proud trans woman with over 25 years of lived experience, Jessica’s activism is deeply personal and powerfully effective. From her roles in local and statewide LGBTQ+ organizations to her outspoken testimony at the Texas Legislature, she’s a fearless voice for justice and representation.
In 2018, she ran for Austin City Council (District 3), boldly standing against anti-trans legislation while advocating for housing affordability and sustainable development. With a past as an EMT and a future shaped by advocacy, Jessica continues to be a catalyst for progress across Texas.
What first sparked your interest in both politics and technology?
My curiosity for both politics and tech started early. I was fascinated by systems, whether they were civic or digital, and how people interact with them. Politics became personal when I saw how policies affected LGBTQ+ communities, including my own experiences as a trans woman. Tech came from a natural interest in problem-solving and a desire to keep systems secure and inclusive. Over time, I realized the intersection of these fields offered powerful ways to protect people’s rights, whether that’s digital privacy or legal equity.
You’ve worn many hats, consultant, advocate, board chair. How do you manage so many roles effectively?
It’s about aligning all roles with a shared mission: justice and inclusion. Whether I’m working on a cybersecurity framework or leading a political forum, I center everything around values-driven leadership. I stay organized, prioritize based on urgency and impact, and lean on an amazing network of collaborators. Self-care and boundaries are also critical. When your work spans multiple sectors, it’s easy to stretch too thin. But I’ve learned to say “no” when needed so I can say “yes” with purpose.
What’s one of your proudest accomplishments in advocacy?
My proudest moment is when the council adopted my proposed Board of Adjustment Applicant Assistance Program. Access to the BOA in Austin is expensive. $1000 for a homestead homeowner with the possibility of that number increasing to as high as $2000 depending on postponements and renotifications. I created a program that sets a criteria for lower income residents to be able to access a fund that would pay for their application and funding for legal assistance should they need it. This model has been adapted and used on 2 other initiatives since I originally created it and I’m extremely proud of the framework I designed.
Can you share a time when your tech background informed your political work?
Definitely. When testifying before the Texas Legislature on digital privacy and transgender rights, I was able to bridge both worlds. Legislators often overlook how surveillance tech and cybersecurity laws disproportionately affect marginalized communities. My tech expertise allows me to translate complex systems into human-centered language. That’s a powerful skill in a room full of policymakers who may not grasp how their votes impact real people’s lives, especially vulnerable ones. Advocacy isn’t just emotional, it’s also deeply technical when done right.
You’ve run for public office. What did that campaign teach you?
Running for Austin City Council in 2018 taught me that authenticity matters. I ran to stand against anti-trans legislation and to push for affordable housing and equitable development. Even though I didn’t win, the campaign built lasting relationships and showed people a trans woman could lead boldly and competently. It was exhausting, humbling, and exhilarating. I learned how to listen better, communicate across divides, and hold onto my values when things got tough. That experience fuels everything I do now.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is about lifting others up and creating space for everyone’s voice, not just the loudest or most powerful. It’s listening before speaking, taking accountability, and being unafraid to challenge norms. As President of the Stonewall Democrats of Austin, I don’t just direct, I convene, collaborate, and build capacity in others. Leadership, to me, is stewardship. You don’t own a movement. You nurture it and pass it forward stronger than you found it.
How do you keep your motivation up when the political climate is tough?
I ground myself in community. The work can be draining, especially in Texas, where trans rights are constantly under attack. But seeing young LGBTQ+ folks step into advocacy roles, hearing from someone who felt seen because of something I said or did, that’s fuel. I also give myself space to rest. Burnout helps no one. At the end of the day, I remind myself why I started: to make the world safer and more just for people like me.
Who has been a major influence on your journey?
So many people have shaped my path, but grassroots organizers, especially queer women of color, have had the most profound impact. Their resilience, creativity, and refusal to accept injustice as inevitable taught me how to lead with both heart and strategy. I’ve also been lucky to have mentors in the cybersecurity field who championed inclusivity in tech long before it was trendy. They showed me that excellence and equity can, and should, coexist.
What advice would you give someone looking to enter public service or advocacy?
Start local and stay authentic. You don’t have to be an expert to make change, you just have to show up consistently and be willing to learn. Attend city council meetings. Volunteer for a campaign. Build relationships, not just résumés. And don’t wait for permission, especially if you’re from a marginalized background. Your voice is needed, even if the system wasn’t built to hear it. Find your people, build your platform, and stay grounded in your values.
What’s next for you?
I’m focused on strengthening LGBTQ+ political power across Texas, especially in rural and underserved regions. I’m also continuing my cybersecurity work, particularly around ethical tech policy and data protection for vulnerable communities. Long-term, I’m exploring opportunities that merge civic technology, advocacy, and leadership development. I believe we’re entering a critical moment where democracy, digital security, and human rights intersect. I want to be at that intersection, helping build a future that’s more inclusive, more secure, and more just.