Elyssa Ratliff
Elyssa Ratliff is a driven cybersecurity student at Tennessee State University, pursuing both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through an accelerated program, with graduation anticipated in Spring 2026. Passionate about technology and its potential to empower others, she has led projects that blend education and innovation, including the development of an RPG-style cybersecurity educational game for K-12 students as her senior project.
As a Student Ambassador for the Society for Financial Education & Professional Development (SFEPD) and a Tech Fellow with CodePath, Elyssa advocates for financial literacy and access to technology education, presenting on topics such as budgeting, credit management, and cybersecurity to peers and the broader community. She also champions initiatives to bring CodePath courses to her campus, supporting her mission to expand technology opportunities for students.
Elyssa has gained professional experience through internships with Deloitte in Risk and Financial Advisory and has developed practical skills across open source intelligence, digital forensics, and cybersecurity practices. She balances her academic and professional pursuits with volunteer work, supporting organizations such as Sacrifice for Hunger and Arnold Grove Baptist Church.
Recognized for her leadership and academic excellence, Elyssa has earned multiple honors, including Dean’s List recognition, and maintains active involvement in student organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
• SFEPD Mind Over Money Skills Financial Literacy Certification - 2024
• National Cyber League (NCL) Spring 2024 Season - 2024
• Honors Certificate of Achievement - CodePath Intro to Cybersecurity - 2023
• EVERFI Keys to your Future-Career + College Certification - 2021
• EVERFI Financial Literacy - 2020
• Tennessee State University - BS
• Tennessee State University - MS (in progress)
• Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Rewriting the Code
• Society of Women Engineers
• University Honors College (UHC)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for cybersecurity and a genuine love for technology. This drive pushes me to continuously learn, explore new challenges, and find innovative solutions in every project I undertake.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal and professional life, I value creativity and collaboration. I love to play the clarinet and am actively involved in my school’s marching band, which keeps me connected to teamwork, discipline, and the joy of making music with others.