Better Together: Elliot Eleos on Pride and the Power of Community

For Capitol Technology University alum Elliot Eleos, Pride Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of resilience, visibility, and the right to exist authentically in every space, including the world of STEM. A two-time graduate of Capitol Tech, Elliot holds both a Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security and a Master of Research in Cyberpsychology. Today, they use their voice and experiences to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in tech while building a career as a technical writer. 

“Pride Month is heavy on my heart,” Elliot said. “There were times I wasn’t allowed to celebrate my identity, and even now, it can feel dangerous. But Pride is about coming together—about honoring what’s been overlooked and fighting for love and autonomy.” 

As a Capitol student, Elliot found community and purpose through involvement in the Signal-9 competitive cybersecurity team, spending long hours in the Cyber Lab preparing for events like the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) qualifiers. Their strengths in morale-boosting and document-writing turned out to be a natural fit for their career in technical communication. 

“Capitol gave me a wide range of knowledge in different subsections of cybersecurity,” they said. “It helped me learn to communicate across specialties and explore career paths I genuinely enjoy.” 

Navigating the tech industry as a transgender professional hasn’t been without its challenges. Elliot has experienced discrimination, harassment, and missed opportunities, but those experiences have only deepened their commitment to advocacy. 

“I want queer individuals entering STEM to know they belong,” Elliot said. “They might feel alone at times, but they’re not. And the more of us who show up, the less alone we all are.” 

Elliot believes that LGBTQ+ representation—and broader diversity across gender, race, and ability—is vital to innovation in tech. “Diversity brings about new perspectives, novel ways to solve problems, and ideas that go against the norm.” 

For Elliot, Capitol Tech was more than just a place to build professional expertise, but the starting point for a career grounded in communication, advocacy, and authenticity. Their journey shows how identity and education can intersect to drive meaningful change and inspire a more inclusive future in STEM. 

Written by Juliana Walter