IEEE WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor series highlights a dedicated WIE volunteer who is well known for his/her notable contribution to IEEE WIE.

In this issue, we feature Kelly Onu, the IEEE WIE Co-Chair of the WIE Podcast Program, and a dedicated WIE volunteer.

IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?

Onu: “My journey with IEEE WIE has been a catalyst for both professional visibility and personal fulfillment. It has shaped my growth in three distinct ways:

  • Finding My Voice: Co-chairing the “WIE Rise Together” podcast since early 2025 has been a transformative experience. It transitioned me from a behind-the-scenes contributor to a public-facing leader, significantly sharpening my communication skills. Interviewing industry-leading WIE members has been eye-opening; their insights on navigating the AI-disrupted job market, balancing work-life dynamics, and building personal brands have been invaluable lessons that I now apply to my own career.
  • Expanding Horizons: WIE has taken me out of my cybersecurity silo. Connecting with diverse leaders has exposed me to fascinating advancements across the STEM spectrum, fostering a more holistic worldview that informs my technical work.
  • Fulfillment Through Service: Leveraging the robust WIE network has opened doors to unique conferences and opportunities, but the true reward is the ability to empower others. Amplifying the voices of talented women driving innovation is deeply fulfilling and reminds me daily why diverse representation in STEM matters.

IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?

Onu: “I am currently contributing expert guidance to the prioritization of MIT’s AI Risk Repository, a pivotal initiative set to publish foundational industry standards in January 2026.
This groundbreaking project unites top engineers, policy professionals, and researchers to comprehensively map responsibilities and vulnerabilities within the AI ecosystem. My contribution focuses on quantifying security risks, specifically those related to privacy, mass-harm cyberattacks, and secure adoption protocols.

I was drawn to this work not just for the technical challenge, but for the ethical imperative. Understanding these risks is crucial for protecting vulnerable and underserved communities who are often disproportionately impacted by unsafe AI outcomes. By establishing these essential guidelines, we are enabling organizations globally to make informed, safe decisions before deploying AI solutions.”

IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?

Onu: “”Early in my career as a cybersecurity consultant, I struggled significantly with “Imposter Syndrome.” Despite landing a great role, I lacked confidence and often hesitated to share my ideas during critical meetings.
I decided to bridge this gap through preparation and gradual exposure:

  • Deep Dives: I spent extra hours reading and upskilling to ensure my technical foundation was unshakeable.
  • The “Step-Up” Method: I adopted a gradual approach to visibility by starting with being more present in 1-on-1s, moving to speaking up in team calls, and eventually leading technical hands-on presentations.
    This deliberate practice turned my biggest weakness into my greatest asset. That journey from a silent observer to a confident communicator laid the foundation for where I am today: regularly speaking at major conferences and helping others find their voice.”

IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?

Onu: “In the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, stagnation is a security risk. I maintain a continuous learning loop through two primary methods:

  • Curated Consumption: I am an avid reader of IEEE Security & Privacy magazine and subscribe to industry-leading newsletters like IAPP, SANS, and WISP. These keep me grounded in current best practices.
  • Learning by Teaching: I firmly believe that speaking is the best way to learn. Preparing for industry summits forces me to conduct deep research and master emerging topics. For example, preparing for my recent presentation on Post-Quantum Cryptography required me to fully deconstruct the subject, ensuring I understood the cutting-edge threats driving our industry today.”

IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?

Onu: “Mentorship is the ultimate career accelerator. It allows young professionals to view their “dream roles” through a realistic lens, helping them navigate the corporate landscape while avoiding common pitfalls.
My approach to mentorship is action-oriented and accessible:

  • Strategic Partnerships: I’ve partnered with organizations like Black Girls in Cyber and Georgia Tech Mentor Jacket program to reach underrepresented talent.
  • Actionable Guidance: Through casual coffee chats, I tackle the “unwritten rules,” such as the certifications vs. degrees debate or how to pivot into security. I focus on tangible value, plugging mentees into the IEEE Virtual Career Fair or niche events like the RSA Conference.
  • The impact of this approach is real. Recently, one of my mentees secured an internship at a prestigious consulting firm after attending a conference I recommended. Witnessing that success was an incredibly proud moment and fuels my drive to continue lifting others as I climb.”