Cheyenne Ralosky’s journey to a degree in emergency management

Growing up in Florida, Cheyenne Ralosky developed a fascination with hurricanes and natural disasters. Today, that early curiosity has evolved into a professional calling. 

Ralosky is graduating from The University of Akron (UA) with a degree in emergency management and homeland security.

“I used to say I wanted to be a storm chaser,” said Ralosky. “Now I feel like I’m a glorified one, just in a different way.”

Her path to graduation has been far from conventional. She began her college career at Ohio University - Zanesville as a psychology major. But after her mother was injured in a serious car accident, Ralosky made the difficult decision to withdraw and become her caregiver.

Then, in March of last year, Ralosky’s world shifted again when her mother passed away suddenly. That moment would change everything, including her role in her family when she became the legal guardian of her 13-year-old sister.

“I’ve never had kids of my own,” she said. “It’s been a huge adjustment, but it’s been rewarding. I even started assistant coaching her softball team.”

While managing her new responsibilities at home, Ralosky remained focused on finishing her degree. Originally enrolled in a Fire and EMS program, she quickly realized that while she loved fire studies, the medical side wasn’t for her. That realization led her to UA’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security program. 

“My first class in the major was Crisis Leadership with Dr. Stacey Willett,” Ralosky said. “That class lit something up in me. I realized, ‘This is what I’m meant to do.’ I’ve always had those leadership qualities — people just naturally come to me in tough situations.” 
Life continued to throw challenges her way, including some personal health issues. But Ralosky credits her professors at UA with helping her stay on track.

“They were so accommodating — not just academically, but personally,” she said. “When my mom passed, Dr. Willett personally called me. We had a long conversation, and she helped me figure out how to take time off and come back stronger. It felt like a family.”

That sense of support carried her through the most difficult times and gave her the confidence to lead others. She currently serves as president of UA’s chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), where she’s helped rebuild the organization from just a couple of active members to a growing group of engaged students.

“It’s a small field, but it’s so important,” she said. “Through IAEM, we’re building a network, not just for ourselves, but for future students too.”

As she prepares to enter the workforce, Ralosky is focused on staying local. She hopes to land a role in emergency management somewhere in Northeast Ohio, a place she now calls home and a region in which she’s excited to serve.

“I want to stay here and give back to this community,” she said. “I’ve started attending a church and I’mcoaching softball. I want to stay rooted.”

When asked how her life experiences have shaped her professionally, Ralosky was quick to answer. 

“I’ve become incredibly adaptive,” she said. “That’s key in emergency management. I always have Plan A, B, C, all the way to Z if I need it. And that mindset is something life taught me.”

Looking back on how far she’s come, Ralosky reflects on the version of herself who first stepped foot on UA’s campus; shy, uncertain and unaware of her own strength.

“I can go up to just about anyone now and have a full, deep conversation,” she said. “UA gave me the confidence to believe my future was possible.”