Mandi Camille Hauwert is one of the bravest people I’ve met. She’s pushing boundaries in society, challenging policies and perceptions at work and in the world, just to be herself — something many of us take for granted.

Mandi, a U.S. Navy veteran, is a correctional officer at California’s San Quentin State Prison. She’s also a transgender woman, who transitioned while in her role at the prison.

I met Mandi in downtown Petaluma (that’s in the north bay of the San Francisco Bay Area), surprisingly the town we both live in. We talked about her story of transition, bias, overcoming darkness, and more, why she’s sharing her story, her activism work for the Trans Community, and how she’s continuing her story in the world.

Mandi is thoughtful and transparent in our conversation, sharing her difficult realities. She also reminds me of the positive changes, even during the dark periods of life.