Maurine Leroy (Photo by Lavanya Chetal/DePaul University).Maurine Leroy, Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Hometown: Lille, France
What brought you to DePaul?
I'm currently pursuing an MS in cybersecurity. My background is in business—specifically operations, supply chain and international business. But over time, I realized I wanted to shift into a more technical field, which led me to cybersecurity.
My specialization is in government risk management and compliance, and beyond academics, I'm very involved on campus. I serve as a student leader for two organizations at DePaul:
Women in Cybersecurity and
Information Systems Audit and Control Association DePaul. We host regular events, and it's been really rewarding and enjoyable.
What is your favorite memory during your time at DePaul?
What really stands out to me about DePaul is the strong sense of community and the people I've met here. Whether it's seeing familiar faces at events or connecting at professional conferences, it's the relationships that make the experience so special. We keep in touch, support each other with studying, share job leads, and stay updated on what's going on in each other's professional lives.
Having a community where you can grow together, have fun, and rely on each other both personally and professionally—that's what makes DePaul so meaningful to me.
What was your favorite DePaul class?
One of the most memorable classes I took was an introductory course in computer networking. It covered the fundamentals of how computers work and communicate with each other, and I found it absolutely fascinating. Learning about the underlying infrastructure of the internet—how data travels, how devices connect using binary code, just ones and zeros—really opened my eyes. That experience deepened my interest in cybersecurity and technology.
Who do you look up to and why?
Someone who truly inspires me is
Ramona Ioana Ratiu, a faculty member who has been my mentor throughout my entire journey here. What's especially inspiring is that she began her own journey as an international student in the U.S. Since then, she has become a powerful example of leadership, resilience and generosity. She's constantly uplifting those around her and is always there when you need guidance or support.
Professor Ratiu wears many hats—she's a dedicated professor, the advisor for ISACA DePaul, and an active contributor to global initiatives like the Global Council for AI. She's involved in so much, yet she always makes time for her students. Her drive and compassion have had a huge impact on me, and I'm incredibly grateful to have her as a mentor.
What advice would you give incoming students?
Talk to people! The people you meet at DePaul will be what makes your journey truly amazing. Whether it's on a professional level or through friendships, you'll find that many of your peers share the same values and interests as you. That connection is powerful.
It's also exciting to see those same people show up at professional events and conferences, even at the city or industry level in Chicago. Those relationships continue to grow over time and can be incredibly valuable for both career and personal growth.
And don't forget to talk to your professors, especially in the School of Computing. They're always open to chatting, offering advice, or just having thoughtful conversations. That openness is one of the things I really love about DePaul.
What's next for you?
One exciting project I'm currently working on is launching a podcast with one of my organizations. We'll be interviewing tech executives and sharing stories that inspire and empower women to develop the skills they need to become leaders in the industry.
This kind of work is really meaningful to me—creating positive impact, supporting others, and building inclusive spaces. It's a big part of who I am, and it's something I plan to continue doing long after graduation. I'm truly excited about what's ahead.
Meet more of the Class of 2025 here.