Ilknur M Vonal
Ilknur Vonal is a visionary cybersecurity leader and the Founder & CEO of Harper Seven LLC (HP7.io) — a woman-owned technology firm redefining what it means to be secure by design and proactive by default.
With more than a decade of hands-on experience in cybersecurity, network defense, and information assurance, Ilknur has built her career around one powerful belief: that security should empower innovation, not limit it. Through Harper Seven, she leads a growing team dedicated to protecting organizations with AI-driven intelligence, proactive defense strategies, and compliance-focused solutions designed for today’s evolving digital landscape.
Her work bridges the gap between human insight and advanced automation — helping government agencies, healthcare providers, and private enterprises strengthen their resilience against emerging threats. Ilknur’s leadership reflects both technical excellence and a deep sense of purpose: to make cybersecurity accessible, intelligent, and human-centered.
Driven by passion, guided by innovation, and inspired by impact, she continues to pave the way for women in technology while shaping the next generation of secure digital ecosystems.
Ilknur holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems and Cybersecurity from ITT Technical Institute-Chantilly and maintains industry certifications including CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (CSCP). Fluent in both English and Turkish, she brings a global perspective to cybersecurity challenges. Passionate about innovation and continuous learning, Ilknur is dedicated to advancing the field of information security while mentoring others pursuing careers in tech.
• COMPTIA Security +
• ITT Technical Institute-Chantilly
• Award of Spirit
• Nationals Honors Society
What do you attribute your success to?
“Success isn’t about being the loudest in the room,” she says. “It’s about staying consistent, learning relentlessly, and lifting others as you rise.” I credit my success to resilience, purpose, and the people who believed in my vision. Building Harper Seven LLC has been a journey shaped by integrity, innovation, and empowerment — the same values that guide every decision I make. For me, success isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about showing up with consistency, learning relentlessly, and lifting others as you rise. Every challenge has been a lesson, every milestone a reminder that growth happens when you lead with passion and purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was simple but powerful: “Don’t wait for permission to lead.” Early in my career, I realized that leadership isn’t about titles or positions — it’s about taking responsibility, trusting your instincts, and creating impact wherever you are. That mindset shaped everything that followed, from building my technical foundation in cybersecurity to founding Harper Seven LLC. I’ve learned that growth begins the moment you stop asking “Am I ready?” and start saying “I’m willing to learn.” Every opportunity, every obstacle, is a chance to evolve — and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry: don’t wait for permission to take up space in a male-dominated field. Own your expertise, speak up confidently, and let your work and ideas make the impact you were meant to have.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that it remains male-dominated. This also presents an opportunity for women to break barriers, bring diverse perspectives, and shape the industry in meaningful ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are curiosity and intentionality—always asking why I’m doing something and striving to understand the bigger picture behind every action.