No Boundaries, Just Brilliance: Rattler Rashan Ali’s FAMU Excellence Knows No Limits 

Rashan Ali is the definition of a powerhouse, an effortlessly cool one at that. A media maven, entrepreneur, and proud graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), Ali has built a career that blends talent, tenacity, and an undeniable love for storytelling. But before the radio waves, television screens, and successful business ventures, her journey began on the Highest of Seven Hills. 

In high school Ali had her sights set on Tennessee State University, planning to major in theater and speech pathology. But fate, and a game-changing scholarship, had other plans.

“I got academic, I got athletic, and then I got a journalism scholarship to FAMU,” Ali recalled to OffTheYard. “So Tennessee State—it was done at that point because I didn’t get any money from them.”

Ali had only applied to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), receiving acceptances from Jackson State, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State, and FAMU. But once the scholarship came through, the decision was clear. Choosing FAMU wasn’t just about finances, it was the best decision of her life.

The moment Ali stepped onto campus, she was all in. She didn’t just attend FAMU, she made it her stage. From radio to film, sports to sorority life, she did it all, and with the trademark grace those who know 

“I think when I auditioned for Chocolate City, Will [Packer] and Rob [Hardy]’s first movie, as a freshman and landed that role—that was just like, wow,” Ali said. 

Starring alongside future industry heavyweights like Kelsey Scott and Jay Carter, Ali got her first taste of what was possible and fanned the flames of her ambition. 

But her talents didn’t stop at acting. She took over the airwaves as DJ Ray Ray on WANM-FM 90.5. “Will Packer came on behind me. He had the Willpower Hour, so he played hip-hop. We were on Monday nights, so it’s crazy how that happened,” she reminisced to OffTheYard.

Beyond media, Ali was a student-athlete, an Academic All-American swimmer, and step master for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Alpha chapter. She even reigned as Queen of Orange and Green on the FAMU Royal Court.

“I look back on my college career, and I don’t know how I got that done because I literally lived four people’s college careers in one,” she laughed.

For Ali, the FAMU experience goes beyond education, it’s about lifelong connections.

“It’s that whole FAMUly thing that we do,” she told OffTheYard. “If you’ve touched any part of the Highest of Seven Hills in Tallahassee, Florida, you have a network of people that will love you, support you, and do whatever it takes for you to continue to thrive.”

That network changed her life in more ways than one. “The reason why I’m literally in my house looking at this man that I love is because of FAMU,” she revealed. “I met him as a freshman on FAMU’s campus [and now] we have our children.”

That serendipitous connection was just one of many life-changing moments FAMU gave her.

In 2024, Ali was recognized as one of FAMU’s Distinguished Alumni, a moment she’ll never forget.

“It gives you just a snapshot of the things that I’ve been able to accomplish in my career and my life, not only in my career but in the community as well,” she told OffTheYard. “You don’t live for accolades, but when you are honored by your university and they’re saying that you’ve done well, that feels great. It’s almost the equivalent of a Grammy or an Academy Award. I look at the medal and the trophy every day. I have it on my dresser. I’m very proud of that.”

Ali’s talent has continued to shine on screen, most recently in Tyler Perry’s “All The Queen’s Men” on BET+. She plays Ms. Tandy, a bold and captivating character in the high-stakes drama, further showcasing her acting chops.

“I’m so grateful to be part of such an incredible cast,” Ali shared. “Tyler Perry creates opportunities for so many of us, and to step into this role has been a powerful experience. It’s a blessing to continue growing in this space.”

Her journey in entertainment, from her early days in “Chocolate City” to her latest role, is a testament to her versatility and determination.

Beyond acting and media, Ali has carved out her own lane as an entrepreneur, creating the Cool Soror brand to celebrate members of the Divine Nine who are just as cool, and just as proud of their Greek Letter organization as her. The idea struck her in a moment of inspiration.

“I was going to a party at Topgolf here in Atlanta… I was like, ‘Man, you such a cool soror.’ And I was like, that’s it!”

From that spark, she secured the brand name across social platforms and launched a movement—one that includes a podcast, merchandise, and more.

“I started my podcast in 2016, so now we have merchandise, we have jewelry… I’m trying to see what it’s like to reimagine what I’m going to do with it next,” she said.

Ali’s journey from FAMU student to industry leader is proof of the boundless opportunities HBCUs create.

“There was no limit. I didn’t feel like I had any limitations on what I could do or who I could be,” she told OffTheYard. “FAMU has and continues to develop who I am as a woman, as an 18-year-old woman, and now an almost 50-year-old woman. I credit FAMU for playing such an integral role in my development. “

Her legacy is still unfolding, but one thing is certain—Rashan Ali is unstoppable. And for her, the best part is doing it with backing of her FAMUly.

“There’s no limit to our greatness,” she said with confidence. “We don’t stop. It’s forever.”