Mindful Security.

Fearless Careers.

Punk Rock Passion.

Welcome to Vigilant Violet, where the rebellious spirit of punk meets mindfulness principles to redefine the cybersecurity landscape.

Security leadership that doesn't ask you to leave yourself at the door.

Vigilant Violet is Jess Vachon's advisory practice — built for organizations that need senior security leadership and professionals who are ready to own their next move. Whether you're a board navigating cyber risk or a security professional charting your path, this is where strategy meets conviction.

Jess is shown from the neck up, wearing a dark jacket and a botanical print blouse. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera. A leaf border appears in bright green around the image.

I'm Jess Vachon — Global CISO, advisor, and founder of Vigilant Violet LLC.

I've spent 20+ years in information security, starting in the Marines and moving through network engineering into executive leadership. Today I serve as Global CISO at a financial services firm, hold a board seat with Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, and run this practice for the work I find most meaningful: helping organizations lead security with clarity, and helping people build careers they actually want.

I'm a 2026 Portal26 Champions in Security Award recipient in the Leadership category at RSAC. I'm also an ordained Buddhist Minister. I ride a motorcycle. I believe punk rock and mindfulness are the same philosophy wearing different jackets.

If any of that resonates — let's talk.

Press about Jess
Press about Jess

The cybersecurity industry has a habit of rewarding compliance over conviction — in its organizations, and in the people it recruits. Follow the framework. Check the box. Don't make it weird.

We think that's exactly the wrong instinct.

Mindfulness isn't soft — it's the discipline to act with precision when everything is loud. Rebellion isn't reckless — it's the refusal to accept a broken default. The most effective security leaders we know practice both. They hold the line and they push it.

Vigilant Violet exists for them. And for the people becoming them.

What clients say about working with Jess

  • "Jess is a supportive and incredibly knowledgeable mentor. Her compassionate leadership style allowed me to find my footing in cybersecurity and feel confident in my abilities!"

    ~Julia Angelini (she/her)

  • "Jess provided me with real-world examples, conversations about the business, and practical advice. She was always there with honesty, compassion, and encouragement... made me feel that there was a spot for me at the table."

    ~Anthony Merles (he/him)

Break through barriers,
supercharge your career

Whether you are looking for support on your next big career move or browsing for inspiration on how to create safer cyberspaces in general, Vigilant Violet is here for it!

Learn more
Learn more

You're also invited to discover more through the Vigilant Violet podcast - Voices of the Vigilant - where you'll find inspiring human stories from the frontlines of the cyber industry.

Podcast
Podcast

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