Abigail Estrada-Hernandez is a cybersecurity researcher, digital strategist, and advocate advancing secure, equitable, and community-centered technology. She currently serves as a staffer for Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro, supporting legislative work at the intersection of technology, public policy, and community impact.

A longtime advocate and changemaker, Abigail began her public service early as the first student representative for the City of Elgin and as a Teen Advisor to the United Nations Foundation. She has since contributed to high-impact initiatives across the public and private sectors, including work with the White House Office of Digital Strategy, Target, and the Illinois Senate, gaining hands-on experience in digital governance, strategic communications, and policy development.

As a first-generation Mexican-American, much of Abigail's work is rooted in uplifting Latinx leaders. Abigail's work sits at the intersection of cybersecurity, social impact, and responsible technology policy, with a particular focus on protecting digital communities and ensuring emerging technologies are developed with security, equity, and accountability at the forefront.  Most recently, she spoke at the Latino AI Summit on cybersecurity and AI education.

She is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Gender & Women's Studies and was awarded the university's Senior 100 Honorary in recognition of her leadership and service on and off campus. Her unique perspectives as a transfer student and leader have enabled her to bring an intersectional lens to her work. 

Abigail is committed to building inclusive digital ecosystems and cultivating the next generation of technology and policy leaders. Outside of her professional work, she is passionate about mentorship, civic engagement, and creating pathways for young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to shape the future of technology and governance.

In her free time, Abigail enjoys running, exploring new adventures, taking on creative side projects, and trying out new cafes. 

Abigail can be contacted through her LinkedIn page.