Mea Clift is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Cengage, a seasoned cybersecurity executive known for aligning security strategy with enterprise risk and resilience. With decades of experience, she specializes in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), helping organizations navigate complex threats and translate technical risk into clear business value.

One of the top 25 Cybersecurity Women of the World for 2026, and a 2025 honoree of the Women in IT Security awards, Mea is widely recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusion in cybersecurity. Mea is also the creator of the GRC Intensive Program, a 14 week hands-on educational program to teach the "how" of GRC to cybersecurity practitioners.

Outside of her professional work, she is a passionate quilt historian and educator, and lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her greyhounds, combining her love of textiles with a deep commitment to community and creativity.