Faces of CPS: Roshane Stephenson
BS Information Technology, Class of 2026
Where are you from?
I was born in Jamaica and raised in East Hartford, Connecticut.
What three words would you use to describe your Northeastern experience?
Relentlessness | Innovative | Dedication
What drew you to pursue your degree?
I chose IT because, first and foremost, I wanted a career that would prepare me for the future, especially in the age of AI. IT is a broad field, and coming from an artistic background, it was hard to decide where I fit. But artists are curious, creative, empathetic, and observant, and those traits fit well in IT and cybersecurity. I explored several majors, but IT, with a mix of AI and cybersecurity classes, was the best fit for me.
What was your biggest challenge before enrolling at Northeastern?
I grew up as a caregiver for my late mother from age 13 to 29. She had pulmonary fibrosis and lupus. I did not fully understand it at the time, but I had many responsibilities at a young age. I made her meals, took her to the hospital, emptied her commode, and handled many daily tasks. It caused a lot of anxiety and depression. She was also a single mother, and we did not have much. I started and stopped jobs and school, but taking care of my mother always came first. It was heavy emotionally and mentally.
After my mom passed, I met my wife, and I was encouraged by my wife and her late father to go back to school. My faith, therapy, my wife, and her family helped me get here. Knowing that people believed in me and wanted me to succeed helped me overcome obstacles and helped me believe in myself.
The most valuable thing I learned is to not be afraid to talk to people, encourage them, and take on new challenges. Many of us operate from fear even when we think we do not. I learned how to flip that fear. Am I more afraid of failing a class, or of my sons living a life of struggle like I did? I use that fear as motivation to keep going because my purpose is bigger than me.
Roshane Stephenson
What inspired you to choose Northeastern specifically?
I chose Northeastern for many reasons. Its flexibility, its strong major combinations, and its relevant programs, stood out to me.
The co-op opportunities and experiential learning were also major factors. Knowing the school is nationwide and global made me feel like I was part of something bigger. It was challenging at first, but it is a blessing to be here.
Were there any ongoing challenges during your time at CPS?
There were many challenges. Being one of the few older Black males on campus during polarized times in our society was not easy. My faith in God, prayer, and the support of loved ones helped me push through. My Jamaican spirit and determination also kept me going.
I deserve to be here with the best and brightest, no matter my age or what school I came from. Fun fact: I was raised on Chinese martial arts films. When I was around 6 to 10, my father would visit and bring home martial arts movies with Grape-Nut ice cream. Those films and Bruce Lee, one of my heroes, had a big impact on me and gave me a warrior spirit.
What has your journey at Northeastern revealed about yourself?
It revealed that the biggest thing holding me back was the voice in my head telling me I was not good enough. I expected negative outcomes because of past failures. When I learned to turn that negative voice into a positive one, my anxiety decreased and my confidence grew.
Attend conferences, networking events, and workshops. Reach out to a professor if you really enjoy their class. Utilize your advisor. Try a variety of classes in the beginning if you are unsure. Learn who you are and do not try to be someone you are not. If you want something, be flexible, be adaptable, and make sure your career aligns with who you are at your core.
Roshane Stephenson
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at Northeastern?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned is to not be afraid to talk to people, encourage them, and take on new challenges. Many of us operate from fear even when we think we do not. I learned how to flip that fear. Am I more afraid of failing a class, or of my sons living a life of struggle like I did? I use that fear as motivation to keep going because my purpose is bigger than me.
What advice would you give to others considering higher education?
Make the best out of it, and don’t think you are not part of Northeastern because you are. Attend conferences, networking events, and workshops. Reach out to a professor if you really enjoy their class. Utilize your advisor. Try a variety of classes in the beginning if you are unsure. Learn who you are and do not try to be someone you are not. If you want something, be flexible, be adaptable, and make sure your career aligns with who you are at your core.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself as a Senior Risk and Compliance Analyst at a major hospital, bank, or technology company. My focus will be on AI threats, new vulnerabilities, and risk. I also plan to start thinking about launching my own consulting firm, investing, or starting a side business. I will have my master’s degree and several important certifications.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by not letting my mother’s sacrifices be in vain. She immigrated from Jamaica and had big dreams. She went through many trials and tribulations, and even while sick, she earned her master’s degree. She was a fighter. I cannot let her passing be in vain, so I will continue the journey she started.
I also do not want my sons to experience the hardships I had to face. Another motivation is my desire to protect people, their hard-earned dollars, their privacy, and their data. Helping and protecting others comes naturally to me, so it is the perfect career path.
How has Northeastern prepared you?
Where do I start? Northeastern has a large network, many conferences, strong alumni connections, links to major companies, co-op programs, and hiring events. The opportunities are endless. The adaptability and flexibility at Northeastern are unmatched. I know there will be people rooting for me even after I leave the college.
Tell us your story in your own words.
Born in Jamaica and raised in East Hartford, Connecticut, I had no choice but to grow into a fighter. My mother worked extremely hard but was diagnosed with lupus and other illnesses. I became her caregiver from age 13 to 29 as her health declined. Her passing felt like entering a different universe. My entire life had been built around caring for her. I would even dream she was still alive and felt like waking up was the dream.
After she passed, I decided to change my life and continue what she started. I began my own art business and ran an Airbnb for a while. Then I met my wife. My father-in-law told me that if I wanted to marry his daughter, I had to finish school. I promised him I would.
I chose IT because of its flexibility and the many directions the industry offers. I chose cybersecurity because the ability to spot risks, identify vulnerabilities, and help people aligns with who I am. I plan to get my master’s degree and change the trajectory of my family. I am blessed and grateful to wear the Husky logo because this school has changed my life.
What are some of your hobbies and other passions?
My hobbies include painting, creating abstract art, and making hip hop beats. I love going to the movies because it gives my mind a break. I also enjoy going out to eat with my family.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My biggest accomplishment, besides marrying my amazingly supportive wife, is earning a scholarship award from CPS. It reassures me that all my hard work has paid off.
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