Before venturing into politics, she spent about two decades working in different fields.[2] She is chief executive officer at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology as well as the Executive Director at Cats FM and Miri Marriott Resort & Spa.[4] She is also a shareholder of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad and the Non-Independent & non-executive director of Sarawak Cable Berhad.[2][4] She is also the Chairman of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM) Wanita Bahagian Sarawak.[4]
Hanifah is married to a Singaporean businessman Datuk Syed Ahmad Alwee Alsree since 2000. In 2017, her wealth was estimated at RM 309 million, making her one of the richest women in Malaysia.[2]