Josue Gonzalez’s interest in computers began at an early age, thanks in large part to his mother, Abigail, who encouraged her sons to explore technology while pursuing her own education in the field.
Growing up in Corpus Christi, Gonzalez and his brothers often watched their mother develop her computer skills as she earned multiple technology-related degrees from a local community college. The experience taught Gonzalez the value of hard work and sparked a fascination with computers that would eventually shape his education and career.
“When I was in first or second grade, my mom taught me how to take apart a computer and put it back together,” Gonzalez recalled. “I was fascinated.”
Today, that early curiosity has grown into a successful career in cybersecurity. A 2022 graduate of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Gonzalez works as a senior information security analyst at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. He also recently received national recognition for his professional service, earning the Information Systems Security Association’s (ISSA) 2026 Volunteer of the Year award. The honor recognizes Gonzalez’s contributions to the organization, where he serves as digital marketing director on the board of directors.
Building a Foundation at A&M-San Antonio
Following in his mother’s footsteps, Gonzalez earned an associate degree from Del Mar College before transferring to A&M-San Antonio. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, graduating in 2022 with a 4.0 GPA.
Gonzalez credits the University's faculty with helping him develop both the technical knowledge and independent problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the cybersecurity field. He said his instructors provided guidance and support while encouraging students to conduct their own research, work through challenges and develop solutions.
“I really enjoyed the culture at A&M-San Antonio,” he said. “I felt that everything we were learning was going to be useful down the road.”
While attending the University, Gonzalez also completed an internship at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Balancing work and school required a big commitment, with long days that often stretched from early morning through late-night classes.
“I would wake up early, go to my internship, leave at 4 p.m., get to class at 5 p.m., leave at about 11 p.m. and do the same thing all over the next day,” Gonzalez said. “For two years, it was a grind.”
His dedication paid off. Following graduation, the credit union offered him a full-time position. Within a few years, he advanced to senior information security analyst, a role that draws on his cybersecurity and digital forensics expertise to investigate data breaches, hacking incidents and other potential security threats.
Turning Success into Service
As his professional career progressed, Gonzalez also looked for opportunities to give back to the cybersecurity community. He joined the San Antonio chapter of the ISSA, an international professional organization serving cybersecurity and information security practitioners. His mother had served as president of the Corpus Christi chapter.
For Gonzalez, joining the board was an opportunity to continue a family connection while helping others develop their own careers in the field.
“Joining the board of directors gave me the opportunity to give back to a community that has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” he said.
At the organization's 2026 international awards gala in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ISSA recognized Gonzalez as its Volunteer of the Year, honoring his work as the chapter's digital marketing director.
His responsibilities include maintaining the chapter's website and social media channels, promoting mentorship and scholarship opportunities, supporting educational and networking events, and expanding the chapter's reach and membership.
The award represents Gonzalez's commitment to helping others find the same opportunities and encouragement that helped him succeed.
“With the career, promotions and the ISSA award, I definitely feel like all my hard work is paying off,” he said.