From Navy Veteran to Future Government Cybersecurity Leader
For Rachel Barsi, the journey into cybersecurity began after serving in the Navy. Her transition into civilian life was marked by determination, curiosity, and a deep desire to keep learning. After her service, she enrolled at Forsyth Technical Community College, where she earned her associate degree in cybersecurity and discovered a passion for protecting systems and solving complex problems.
While studying at Forsyth Tech, Rachel participated in the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) programs, which help students gain real-world cybersecurity experience. During the CyberSafe Communities internship, she helped develop a Python script to identify local businesses and organize cybersecurity seminars for small organizations across North Carolina.
“At first, I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy scripting,” Rachel said. “But once I started, it was so rewarding to see the results. Even though our first seminar had low attendance, the process of building it and sharing what we’d learned was an incredible experience.”
After graduating, Rachel secured a place in the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, a prestigious federal initiative that provides funding for cybersecurity education in exchange for a commitment to work in public service after graduation. She now studies at UNC Charlotte, where she is completing both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through an accelerated program.
While working with the CCN, Rachel shared that one of her most impactful experiences was collaborating with a virtual Security Operations Center (SOC) team, which rotated through modules covering MITRE ATT&CK, incident response, and other critical cybersecurity frameworks.
“My associate degree gave me a solid foundation, but the internship really expanded my technical understanding,” she said. “It helped me see how everything fits together in a real-world environment.”
Rachel’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Midway through one internship, she stepped away to care for her aunt during cancer treatment and to help her mother relocate. She sees these experiences as reminders of her resilience and adaptability, qualities that continue to serve her well in both school and life.
Today, Rachel commutes daily from High Point with her family, balancing a full course load, internships, and her responsibilities as a mom. She spends time studying in UNC Charlotte’s SFS lounge, using technical videos and tutorials to sharpen her skills.
“I’ve always been curious about how things work,” she shared. “Lately, I’ve been exploring how AI and cybersecurity intersect, especially around topics like hallucinations and prompt engineering. It’s something I research for fun.”
Rachel’s long-term goals reflect her wide-ranging interests. She has applied for an FBI internship and hopes to work in a federal cybersecurity role one day. She is also considering a future in education, possibly teaching cybersecurity at Forsyth Tech, the college that first sparked her interest in the field.
“The Carolina Cyber Network really prepared me for this path,” Rachel said. “It taught me how to manage my time, work with teams, and think critically. Completing the Exploitable Lab on my own and then helping my peers do the same was one of my proudest moments.”
Rachel’s story is one of persistence, service, and lifelong learning. From her Navy background to her success in higher education, she represents the mission of the Carolina Cyber Network: building a skilled and adaptable cybersecurity workforce to protect people and systems across North Carolina and beyond.
