Meet Kelly Onu

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Onu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.

Hi Kelly, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

As a Black woman and an immigrant in the tech space, being the only one in the room has been a familiar experience. I remember when I first started college and quickly noticed that I often was the only woman and certainly the only woman of color in my classes. My immediate response was to question why these spaces didn’t reflect more of the world I came from but over time, I stopped asking and started changing the narrative.
Since then, I’ve learned not to shrink in those moments but to lead from that place of difference. I went from being a quiet observer to becoming a confident, soft-spoken speaker, a trusted cybersecurity expert, and a mentor for young women who are navigating similar paths.
The one thing that has helped me most is pairing confidence with preparation. I’ve earned respected degrees and certifications in my field, and I never shy away from the tough challenges. That’s how I’ve built a voice that is not only heard but respected.
Today, whether I’m advising executives on cybersecurity best practices or mentoring newcomers, I bring my full self into every room. My identity is a source of strength, and it fuels my commitment to open doors for others and show what’s possible.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Over the past eight years, I’ve built a career in cybersecurity consulting by helping global companies across industries strengthen their product security, especially with the growing risks introduced by AI. What I love most about my work is the chance to solve complex problems while making space for others who look like me to thrive in tech.
My passion to help others led me to join Hacker Proof HQ (HPHQ), a cybersecurity startup focused on educating and mentoring people of color who want to break into the field. We host monthly mentorship sessions across Cloud Security, AI, and GRC. So far, we’ve helped over 30 people build real skills and succeed in job interviews. One of my favorite parts of HPHQ is our monthly podcast show. We’ve featured inspiring leaders like Allie Joy Tsahey of Baddies in Tech and Yasmin Abdi of NoHack, who are doing incredible work to uplift women of color in cybersecurity. We also host tech networking events, including one with Microsoft at AfroTech 2024 and another in Atlanta in June, where over 150 students and professionals showed up to learn about the future of tech in the age of AI.
In the coming months, we’re launching an AI-powered job search platform that is designed to support newcomers and veterans in cybersecurity. It’s built to simplify the process and give people the tools they need to grow with confidence.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The first important skill to learn is resilience. When I first moved to the U.S. alone at 15 to start college, it was a defining moment in my life. I was navigating a new culture, a new system, and a new identity all at once. People around me thought I was too young to take that leap and questioned it, but I leaned on resilience to push through the challenges. Within four years, I had landed my first cybersecurity internship and secured a full-time offer at a Consulting firm. That early start taught me that resilience is not just about surviving change but growing through it.
The second is learning to extend grace. Over time, I’ve realized that everyone’s journey is different. We all grow at different paces, and expecting perfection can limit the space people need to evolve. I’ve made mistakes and was fortunate to be given second chances that shaped how I lead and collaborate today. Grace is a quiet strength, and it can truly transform relationships, both at work and beyond.
Lastly, prioritizing mental health has been essential. Working in Cybersecurity is demanding, and there are days when the pressure can be overwhelming. I’ve learned to step back when I need to and lean into the things that bring me joy like making coffee art, taking walks in the park, or spending time with loved ones. When I care for my mental well-being, I show up more focused, creative, and fulfilled.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe there’s value in both, and the best path often depends on where you are in your journey. Being known for a particular strength can position you as the go-to expert in that space. It gives you visibility and builds trust quickly. But at the same time, choosing to grow in areas where you aren’t as strong can lead to unexpected opportunities and even new passions.
In the span of my career, I’ve had to do both. The cybersecurity field is constantly evolving, and staying stagnant isn’t an option. For example, with the rise of AI-powered threats, traditional security methods are no longer enough. I’ve had to invest in learning how AI intersects with cybersecurity by taking GenAI and cybersecurity courses from EC-Council, and I recently earned the AWS Certified AI Practitioner credential. These were not areas I was initially strong in, but upskilling helped me stay relevant and better serve my clients.
For anyone building a lasting career, I’d say lean into your strengths, but stay curious. The willingness to grow beyond your comfort zone often leads to your most meaningful breakthroughs.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-onu/