002.2026 Community Spotlight: Antonela Conti, Project Manager and Admin for X41D-Sec
We started working with Antonela immediately after she started for X41D-Sec. X41 had been working with OSTIF for a few years at this point, and both organizations were at pivotal points of expansion. It was to our luck that Antonela filled the position of Project Manager and we’ve since worked on over a dozen reports, many projects, and hundreds of issues together.
Please provide a quote about your relationship or work with OSTIF. What do we do together and what does it mean to you?
Working with the OSTIF has been a great way to learn that collaborating is the most important part of improving security. The company I work for, X41 D-Sec, has been able to contribute independent security audits for open source projects sponsored by the OSTIF that are critical to the wider ecosystem.
How did you get involved in open source?
My introduction to open source came through cybersecurity. Joining X41 D-Sec gave me the opportunity to contribute in a different way—not by writing code, but by helping coordinate security reviews and making sure projects receive the support they need to run smoothly and make an impact.
What open source communities are you involved in?
Most of my involvement is through X41 D-Sec’s collaborations with open source projects and organizations such as the OSTIF. I enjoy working with project maintainers, foundations, and security researchers to help coordinate the different audits. I also enjoy participating in community events and conferences where people can exchange ideas and learn from one another.
How do you define your relationship with OSTIF?
It’s rewarding to know that thanks to the work the OSTIF does, we can help maintainers strengthen software that millions of people rely on every day. Since I joined this field, the collaborations with the OSTIF have always been wholesome and I really enjoy working alongside an organization that truly values openness, trust, and community.
Who is someone you admire in open source? What do you admire about them?
Rather than a single individual, I would like to express my admiration to my colleagues and collaborators. Many dedicate countless hours to projects that millions depend on, often without much recognition.
Why do you work in open source? Is there a person, event or community that inspires you?
I like to think that improving one project can have a domino effect across the entire ecosystem. All of my colleagues come from different backgrounds and cultures, and seeing how we can all come together to solve problems to benefit everyone is the most inspiring thing. Being part of that collaborative effort is incredibly motivating.
What do you want our community to know about you or your work?
I have a degree in Translation, so finding ways to bring different cultures together has always been my greatest passion. As a Project Manager, my role is often behind the scenes—connecting teams, coordinating efforts, and helping security projects run smoothly. It’s rewarding to contribute to initiatives that strengthen open source software, and I’m always excited to collaborate with people who share that goal.
Follow along with Antonela’s work at X41D-Sec