Women of Ontinue: Meet Ouafae Hannaoui

At Ontinue, we know that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology – it’s about the people behind it. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women of Ontinue who are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Throughout this series, you’ll hear directly from them about their career journeys, the challenges they’ve tackled, the advice they have for aspiring professionals, and what excites them most about this industry.

Each week, we’ll spotlight a different woman in cybersecurity, sharing her unique perspective and leadership. Join us as we highlight the voices driving change, innovation, and excellence in our field.

This week, we’re spotlighting Ouafae Hannaoui, Director of Global Field and Alliances Marketing.

What does a typical day in your role at Ontinue look like? 

My days are a mix of strategy and execution, working closely with sales, marketing, and our partners – especially Microsoft – to drive customer value. I focus on field enablement, pipeline growth, and creative go-to-market initiatives, while also prioritizing coaching and mentoring, which I find incredibly rewarding. 

What is one challenge you’ve faced in your cybersecurity career, and how did you overcome it? 

One challenge I faced was learning to feel confident in spaces where I didn’t always feel like I belonged, especially in technical conversations. Early on, I sometimes doubted myself. But I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, building great teams, and focusing on results. Embracing what made me different, instead of trying to fit in, made all the difference. 

What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in cybersecurity? 

Don’t wait for permission! Step in, speak up, and know that your perspective is needed more than ever. You don’t need to be “technical enough” to get started. Cybersecurity is broad, and there’s room for so many skill sets: strategy, operations, communications, analytics, and more. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Say yes to stretch opportunities, even if you feel 80% ready. You’ll grow faster than you think. Most importantly, own your value, because this industry thrives on diverse thinking and bold leadership. 

Is there a person—mentor, leader, or peer—who has had a significant impact on your career? How did they influence you? 

I’ve had several incredible mentors, but one who stands out is Ogi Stanovcic. He helped me see leadership not as a title, but as an approach. He encouraged me to think bigger, act decisively, and build teams grounded in collaboration, empathy, and accountability. His guidance has shaped my leadership style and reminded me that it’s possible to drive results while also creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. 

What excites you the most about the future of cybersecurity and your role in it? 

Cybersecurity is at a turning point. What used to be a back-office function is now central to business resilience. What excites me most is how AI and automation are transforming how we protect organizations, and how we can now be more proactive instead of just reactive. I’m proud of the work we’re doing at Ontinue to redefine MXDR—not just as a service, but as a true partner in our customers’ success. And personally, I’m excited to keep opening doors for others, especially women, to step into leadership roles and shape this industry’s future. 

Let’s build the future of cybersecurity together!