Arctic Wolf is proud to honor this year’s Black History Month with a company-wide theme of Perseverance, designed to honor the triumphs, contributions, and achievements of the Black community around the world, and celebrate Black excellence within Arctic Wolf. We’ve planned a series of activities throughout the month of February to honor the achievements of Black people through history while celebrating and amplifying members of Arctic Wolf’s Black Excellence Allyship Movement (BEAM). Today, we’re sharing the perspective of Mostafa Shawky, a Security Operations Manager and member of our Black Excellence Allyship Movement.
Tell us about your background and heritage.
I am originally from Egypt and immigrated to Canada in September 2019 with my family, becoming a Canadian citizen in 2023. I’m married to Maiada Emara, who is also part of the Pack as a CSE2. We have four wonderful kids: three daughters (21, 18, and 9) and a son (15). As a family, we love to travel and embrace people from different cultures. We’re passionate about making a positive impact on the world, a value we strive to instill in our children. Volunteer work has always been a priority for us, and it’s heartwarming to see our older kids following in our footsteps. Growing up in Egypt, I learned the importance of always welcoming others with a big smile and doing everything we can to bring joy to others. This practice has become an integral part of who I am, and it continues to make me happy to this day.
What is your role at Arctic Wolf? What drew you initially to the cybersecurity field?
I’m leading cSOC TSE2 team. My interest in cybersecurity grew from a desire to protect people and end cyber risk. Back in 2012, I was leading a NOC team when I heard about one of the biggest cyber attacks in the world. That’s when I realized how crucial cybersecurity is. It sparked my interest, so I started talking to my seniors, and we began building our security operations center (SOC) team to monitor and protect our customers.
How have you grown personally and professionally as a member of the Pack?
I moved from being a CSE4, supporting enterprise customers, to a leadership role in the SOC. It’s been an amazing journey, helping me grow both professionally and personally. Seeing the impact we make as a team has been inspiring, and I’m grateful for the chance to lead, learn, and work with such a talented group.
Photo of Mostafa Shawky
How have you experienced the benefits of having a diverse workplace?
A diverse workplace brings fresh perspectives and fosters deeper connections. It reminds me of how my family embraces different cultures. Each unique background adds strength and creativity to the team, making us all better together.
What’s one thing your coworkers may not know about you?
I’m a pretty good soccer player and a huge Liverpool fan! I’ve always loved the game and staying active. I also believe in the power of teamwork. “Teamwork makes the dream work!”
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to honor the perseverance of those who fought for change. It’s a reminder that strength and resilience can overcome any obstacle, inspiring us all to keep pushing forward no matter the challenges.
What advice do you have for people looking to break into the cybersecurity industry?
Just stay curious and don’t be afraid to dive in! Cybersecurity is all about problem solving, and you’ll face challenges along the way, but that’s part of the fun. Keep learning, ask questions, and stay persistent. There’s always room for those who are passionate and want to make an impact.
Additional Resources
Learn more about Pack Unity and Pack Unity Alliances.
