Why Every OSINT Professional Should Know Sarah Womer

Every once in a while, you meet someone who raises the bar for everyone around them. For us at Plessas Experts Network, that person is Sarah Womer. From the moment we began working together, it was clear that Sarah was extraordinary. Over the past decade, she has become one of the most respected and admired members of our team: a sharp analyst, a steady leader, and an oracle who blends technical expertise with authentic passion.

A Career Defined by Depth

With over 20 years of experience in open-source intelligence (OSINT), her expertise spans the gamut. She has served as a tutor, analyst, researcher, editor, and instructor. Her impressive career includes leading OSINT instruction for the 304th Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Huachuca, developing curricula, managing an academic OSINT production cell, authoring analytical reports (including one in 2008 that accurately forecasted terrorist use of Twitter), and deploying internationally in complex operational environments.

But what sets Sarah apart is her relentless curiosity. Sarah continues to explore new frontiers. Her recent workshop, "Harnessing AI and LLMs for Smarter OSINT Research Leads," is just one example of how she continues to push the field forward with clarity and innovation.

Always Ahead of the Curve

If Sarah mentions something new, take note because it's about to become essential. Whether it's a search platform you've never heard of, an AI verification tool, or a subtle OPSEC detail, Sarah has an uncanny ability to spot what matters before the rest of the world catches up. That instinct has made her an invaluable resource to our team. Collaborating with Sarah feels a bit like having a built-in early-warning radar. As the co-host of OSINTirl on Twitch and YouTube, you can get a peek at what Sarah is thinking about each week.

Security-First Thinking

Sarah is the kind of professional who evaluates every tool, checks every source, and questions every assumption. She thinks not only about how information can be used, but how it could be misused. That is the mindset she brings as Production Lead for the PEN Knowledge Base, our free tool and verification database.

Her leadership ensures that our reference materials, methodologies, and analytical workflows maintain the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and security. Sarah's influence is quiet but profound, always strengthening the integrity of what we deliver.

An Accessible Educator

Sarah's reputation as an instructor is well earned. She takes complex, technical subjects and turns them into accessible, engaging lessons that empower students rather than intimidate them. Her approach is clear, methodical, and always grounded in real-world application.

And while her vocal disphonia may surprise or alarm first-time attendees, it quickly becomes clear that her confidence is backed by immense depth of knowledge. Her students leave ready to apply what they've learned with greater precision and security awareness.

A Trusted Partner and Colleague

For over a decade, Sarah has been an anchor in our professional community. She brings logic, foresight, and rigor to every project she touches. Sarah doesn't just find solutions, she anticipates them. Working alongside her has been both an education and a privilege. Her insight, composure, and dedication make her a trusted colleague, a dependable leader, and a daily reminder of what excellence looks like in practice.

Why We're Honoring Her Now

In a field that values discretion and diligence, brilliance often works quietly behind the scenes. Today, we want to bring that brilliance into the spotlight. Sarah's contributions not only strengthen our organization but also the entire OSINT community we serve.

Cheers to Sarah Womer! For her intellect, her integrity, and her commitment to doing things the right way. We're grateful for every insight she shares, every standard she upholds, and every student she helps empower.

Thank you, Sarah, for your leadership, your wisdom, and the countless ways you make our work smarter, safer, and stronger.