Rina Rakipi

IT Cybersecurity Specialist at Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Rina Rakipi is an accomplished IT Cybersecurity Specialist at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where she has been working since March 2023. Her role is within the Cybersecurity Division's Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) in Washington, D.C..1

Educational Background

Rina holds a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance from The George Washington University, completed in 2022. During her studies, she also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and a Research Fellow at the university's Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Institute. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Michigan State University, with a minor in European Studies, in 2019.1

Professional Experience

Before joining CISA, Rina worked as a consultant for McBride Consulting, focusing on public sector projects related to the American Rescue Plan Act and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Her previous roles include being an Associate Consultant for Technical Assent and a Business Development Representative for companies like Darktrace and Thomson Reuters.1

Skills and Interests

Rina has a strong interest in international security and cybersecurity, driven by her academic background and professional experiences. She has participated in various initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity practices within governmental frameworks.1 2

Her diverse experience, combined with her educational qualifications, positions her as a knowledgeable professional in the field of cybersecurity policy and compliance.

Experience

IT Cybersecurity Specialist at Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Consultant — Public Sector at McBride Consulting, LLC (April 2022 - March 2023), Graduate Teaching Assistant at The George Washington University (March 2021 - June 2022), Associate Consultant at Technical Assent (February 2021 - April 2022), Research Fellow at The George Washington University (May 2021 - August 2021), Business Development Representative at Darktrace (January 2020 - August 2020), Business Development Representative at Thomson Reuters (August 2019 - December 2019), Intern at Thomson Reuters (May 2019 - August 2019), Intern - Campaign Fundraising at U.S. House of Representatives (September 2018 - November 2018), Research Assistant at Michigan Legislative Consultants (September 2017 - July 2018), Research Intern at Manos Unidas (May 2017 - July 2017), Legislative Intern at State of Michigan (September 2016 - January 2017), Behavioral Analyst at No Ceilings Foundation (July 2016 - August 2016)

Education

Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance from The George Washington University - School of Engineering & Applied Science (2020 - 2022), Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from Michigan State University (2015 - 2019), Studies in International Relations and National Security Studies at Université libre de Bruxelles