Her Story
About Lissa
Lissa Rackley, JD, is a Risk Intelligence Analyst specializing in intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, investigations, and risk assessment. She brings a multidisciplinary professional background spanning military service, intelligence, linguistics, law, investigations, and risk intelligence. She began her intelligence career in the military and later transitioned into civilian intelligence investigations in 2016. During her military career, she served as a counterintelligence agent and Spanish linguist with the Defense Intelligence Agency, an experience that became one of the most significant foundations of her professional interest in intelligence. She subsequently expanded her experience through investigative, legal, linguistic, and intelligence-analysis roles, ultimately moving into risk intelligence. Lissa currently works with Alpha Recon Technologies as a Risk Intelligence Analyst, conducting research and threat evaluations for private clients and organizations. Her work involves assessing potential risks, researching security and crime-related conditions, and developing intelligence that can support informed decision-making. Her professional background also includes serving as an Intel Analyst with Alpha Recon, working as a linguist with Legal Interpreting Services, Inc., serving as a Document Review Lawyer with Trustpoint.One, and working as an Investigator with General Dynamics Information Technology. This combination of legal training, investigative experience, language proficiency, and intelligence expertise gives her a broad perspective when evaluating complex security and risk environments. She is also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Programming at Harvard Extension School as she continues expanding her technical skill set. Lissa's educational background reflects the same commitment to continuous development that has characterized her career. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminology from the University of Puerto Rico, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and later earned a Juris Doctor before completing a master's degree in Criminology and Justice Studies at the University of the Rockies. She is a scholarly member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and is also associated with the American Association for Psychology and Law. Beyond her professional achievements, Lissa's journey has been shaped by significant personal adversity, including a severe house fire in 2022 that resulted in extensive injuries and a lengthy recovery. Rather than allowing those circumstances to end her professional journey, she returned to work and continued developing her expertise. Today, she is building on her intelligence and risk-analysis background while pursuing programming education and remaining committed to continued professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, education, adaptability, and the support and example of my parents. My parents were the first people in my family to earn college degrees, and their example demonstrated the importance of education and creating opportunities for yourself. My daughter, Alexandra, was also a major source of motivation for me. My desire to provide her with better opportunities helped influence my decision to pursue military service and use the educational opportunities available through the military. Throughout my career, I have continued to adapt, whether transitioning from military service into intelligence investigations, legal work, or risk intelligence, and I have remained committed to learning and growing professionally.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to find their passion and pursue work that gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. My own experience has taught me that even after significant adversity or major changes in your career, it is possible to find your way back to work that is meaningful. Returning to intelligence work became both fulfilling and therapeutic for me during an extremely difficult period of my life. I would encourage the next generation not to allow adversity to convince them that their professional journey is over. Continue learning, find what motivates you, and pursue the work that allows you to use your strengths.
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