David Mayne lost his sight as the result of an automobile accident in his 40s. The years that followed were filled with recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially—as he navigated life on disability while raising four children as a single father. But David’s drive to provide for his family and rebuild his independence pushed him forward.

He enrolled in a cybersecurity program at a junior college, and within just a year and a half of starting his first job, he rose to a management position overseeing two different locations. But what’s most inspiring is what came next—David wanted to open the same doors that had been opened for him.

He helped create and now directs the APEX Program at Novacoast, an initiative designed to train and empower people who are blind or have low vision to pursue careers in cybersecurity.

In our conversation, David shares his incredible journey from tragedy to triumph, how he found purpose through technology, and how APEX is transforming accessibility in the cybersecurity industry.