MEET THE AUTHOR

“I’ve built pathways and walls in the software all around us, but LIFE IN WOKE AMERICA illustrates the power of the ones that reside inside us.”

From a dusty California town to the halls of Harvard, Joel Rakow’s life is a journey of resilience. Raised by a roofer and an elementary teacher, his father’s lessons in honor shaped a career defined by integrity.Joel carried these values from dirt baseball fields to the forefront of cybersecurity, where he became a trusted voice.

A LEGACY OF SECURITY

Joel blazed a path advising agencies like the FBI InfraGard and the U.S. Secret Service. He understands that the greatest threats aren't always digital—they are the patterns of culture we can't afford to ignore.Over decades, he led more than 300 major security deployments and helped shape industry best practices with contributions to ASIS security standards. His work earned teams he led accolades such as Microsoft Partner of the Year and PC World Product of the Year.

THE ROAD THAT SHAPED HIM

Joel’s journey was never linear. From delivering millions of boxes of educational software across 22 countries to testifying as a Court Advocate for vulnerable children, every chapter added weight and purpose to his voice.

Today, Joel, a socially liberal yet fiscally grounded champion of the middle class, shares his life with his wife, four adult children, and six grandchildren, splitting his time between a historic Texas ranch and the beaches of Southern California.

THE FIGHT FOR FREE SPEECH

Dr. Rakow caught website hosts red-handed trying to suppress the message of this book. He didn't just stay online—he documented the fight, ensuring that truth remained the ultimate weapon.