DNSFilter's Women Leaders Recognized in CRN's 2026 Women of the Channel List

Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity

In an inspiring announcement, DNSFilter, a leading cybersecurity firm, has had three of its prominent figures honored in CRN's 2026 Women of the Channel list. This recognition celebrates female leaders from various sectors who have significantly impacted the IT ecosystem. The honorees include Kate Trojanowski, Virginia McKeon, and Wasam (Sam) Youssef, each known for their dedication and significant contributions to the channel business at DNSFilter.

Honorees and Their Contributions

Kate Trojanowski, Vice President of Product
With over 15 years of experience in the technology industry, Trojanowski has been pivotal in enhancing DNSFilter's product strategy by integrating partner feedback. Her strategic initiatives include the relaunch of the beta program which has fostered earlier feedback and improved product webinars aimed at bolstering partner enablement across the DNSFilter and Zorus audiences.

Virginia McKeon, Partner Development Manager
Having eight years in the MSP channel, McKeon has been instrumental in driving partner growth through a relationship-first approach. She is committed to guiding MSPs effectively through onboarding procedures, pricing strategies, and advocating for partner needs within the organization.

Wasam (Sam) Youssef, Partner Success Manager
Over the past year, Youssef has successfully managed a portfolio of over 220 MSP partners, ensuring their onboarding processes, facilitating contract renewals, and achieving impressive year-to-date Net Revenue Retention (NRR) numbers of 113%. Her focus on nurturing partner relationships has been crucial in driving significant business results.

Impactful Recognition

Jennifer Follett, VP of U.S. Content and Executive Editor at CRN, expressed her pride in recognizing these women's remarkable achievements. She noted their exceptional leadership and innovative strategies that have fostered growth and success across the channel, significantly benefiting their organizations and the broader IT community.

Trojanowski articulated the importance of this recognition, stating, "This acknowledgment holds immense value, particularly in a year dedicated to laying the foundation for partner-led growth. Building solid foundations between product and channel has always been a priority for me. When MSPs have insight into our roadmap, it fosters mutual success, and I aim to maintain that connection in the years to come."

Similarly, McKeon emphasized the role of trust in MSP relationships, stating, "This recognition reflects the partners I work with daily. My goal has been to establish myself as a long-term resource, and I am proud to represent DNSFilter in our collaborative efforts within the channel."

Youssef echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to work alongside accomplished colleagues. She shared how witnessing MSP partners grow from onboarding to confident deployments energizes her work, underscoring that fostering partner relationships reaps significant rewards in business outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Women of the Channel will be publicly recognized beginning May 4 on CRN's website. This recognition not only honors these women but also serves as an inspiration to many emerging leaders in the tech industry. DNSFilter continues to show its commitment to leveraging talent and fostering a robust channel partnership ecosystem in today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

About DNSFilter

DNSFilter is dedicated to ensuring cybersecurity across every click, utilizing AI-driven content filtering and threat protection to offer solutions that outpace competitors. Trusted by over 43,000 organizations worldwide, DNSFilter guarantees firms secure operations regardless of employee locations. To learn more about DNSFilter, visit dnsfilter.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company leads in channel growth, supporting technology brands to achieve success across strategic channels. With an array of services including premier media brands and strategic consulting, TCC enables technology vendors and solution providers to thrive in a dynamic marketplace. For further insights, visit thechannelco.com.