Kelly Onu

 1. What do you do?

As a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Ernst & Young, I help Fortune 500 organizations protect their most critical assets by embedding security into their system designs and operations. I lead secure-by-design initiatives and application security strategies for companies across a wide range of industries. 

Outside of my professional work, I am deeply committed to addressing the gender and diversity gap in technology. In cybersecurity, women still represent less than 25% of the workforce. I actively mentor aspiring professionals and serve on nonprofit boards focused on cybersecurity education and access. My goal is to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the next generation of tech leaders.

2. What’s the coolest part of your job?

With the growing presence of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats have become more sophisticated and less predictable. I enjoy being at the forefront of this transformation, helping organizations manage these risks and build stronger, more resilient systems. 

I also appreciate the variety that each day brings. On some days, I advise executives on AI security best practices; other times, I collaborate with development teams to strengthen software defenses or mentor future cybersecurity professionals. This field challenges me to keep learning, stay agile, and use both technical and strategic thinking to make a real impact.

3. Why are you passionate about it?

Cybersecurity has fascinated me from a young age. I was always the curious kid who liked to explore how things worked by building and taking apart gadgets. That early curiosity sparked a lifelong interest in problem-solving and protecting interconnected systems. 

What I love most about cybersecurity is how it blends creativity, logic, and human behavior. It’s about thinking ahead, understanding how attackers operate, and designing systems that are secure from the start. This field constantly challenges me to think critically, adapt to new technologies, and stay one step ahead. I feel fortunate to do work that excites me and contributes to a safer digital world.

4. Which skills from your IAC degree have helped you be successful in this career?

My time in the cybersecurity program at the Ivan Allen College helped me build a strong foundation in both the technical and policy sides of cybersecurity. 

I specialized in cybersecurity policy, which gave me valuable insight into how laws, regulations, and organizational governance intersect with technology. That knowledge is essential when advising clients on secure practices in complex, regulated environments. In my master’s thesis, I created a framework for managing software supply chain security risks and developed policy recommendations for organizational security governance. The research and strategic thinking I honed during that project continue to shape how I approach real-world problems today. 

The global nature of the program was also a huge asset. Collaborating with students from different backgrounds prepared me for the diverse and distributed teams I work with now. In a world where cybersecurity challenges are increasingly global, that experience was invaluable.

5. What’s your #1 tip for students and alumni interested in your field?

Atlanta is a growing tech hub, and Georgia Tech offers a unique advantage through its strong connections with industry, faculty, and alumni. Join programs like Mentor Jackets, attend campus networking events, and connect with professors and alumni who are making an impact in the field. These relationships can lead to internships, career guidance, and lasting mentorship.