Meet Mercedes Phillips: Student, Security+ Course, Code Black Tech

GreenLexi LLC had the pleasure of interviewing Mercedes Phillips, a dedicated student currently enrolled in the Security+ Course offered by Code Black Tech. Some of skills honed in the Security+ Course include: identifying vulnerabilities, manage risks, and protecting data across networks, systems and devices. Ms. Phillips is set to graduate in September 2025 and is already finding ways to connect her training directly to her career. Let's dive right in!

So, we were curious, how did Ms. Phillips hear about the Security+ Course?

Ms. Phillips first learned about the course through LinkedIn. Already working in IT, she saw the program as an opportunity to deepen her knowledge, sharpen her skills, and bring fresh, practical insights back to her role.

What does Ms. Phillips enjoy the course?

Mercedes Phillips, Student, Security+ Course

Ms. Phillips shared that she values the chance to connect with classmates and bring real-world scenarios from her own work experience into class discussions. One highlight for her was the Capstone project, where she created her own OSI model concept to walk through a simulated workstation exploitation incident. “It was a fun way to tie in my previous roles, show my personality, and create something I could even share on LinkedIn to highlight my skills.” 

How did Ms. Phillips determine she was prepared for the course?

Because Ms. Phillips has a solid background in IT, incident management, and healthcare systems, she embraced the challenge. She noted that much of the course content connected directly to situations she had experienced in the field, making even the toughest concepts feel relevant and actionable.

Here's a fun fact about Ms. Phillips you did not know. Ms. Phillips developed an unique method to remember the OSI model—by relating each layer to pieces of construction gear. Curious? She invites you to check out her LinkedIn for the full breakdown. Speaking of gears, let's talk briefly about who inspires us. We asked Ms. Phillips and her answer was timeless.

Security+ Course, Offered by Code Black Tech

When it comes to inspiration, Ms. Phillips points to herself. “I’ve pushed through a lot, kept learning, and found ways to bounce back stronger every time, and that’s what keeps me going,” she said.

So, what's the next steps for you?

Looking ahead, Ms. Phillips plans to take the Security+ exam before the end of the year and apply what she has learned to her current role. Beyond that, she hopes to continue making cybersecurity concepts easy to understand, helping others see security not as something intimidating, but as a powerful and essential tool to protect people and organizations from threats.

You can learn more about Code Black Tech’s programs at codeblacktech.org.