Celebrating women in security

Just in case you weren't aware, March is National Women's History month, and a great reason to shine a light on the contributions women are making in the security industry today.

And just in case you weren't aware, Security Systems News has made it its business to celebrate women in security. In fact, for the past 10 years we have devoted an entire issue each year, usually in December, to highlight many of the leaders in the security industry who just happen to be women.

As I attend PSA TEC in Denver this week (look for my full wrap-up in the coming days), and listen and learn from the many female speakers here at the conference, there are reminders of the wonderful impact women are having on the security industry today. Leaders like Christine Lanning, president of Integrated Security Technologies—and the first woman on the PSA Board of Directors (congrats!)—Janet Fenner, director of new business development for Dahua, Sandy Jones, founder and principal for Sandra Jones & Company, Rebecca Bayne, president of BCSI, and Jennifer Phillips, national deployment program manager, PSA, to name just a few.

Another great reminder of how far we have come in this industry is the announcement from the Security Industry Association (SIA) last week—fittingly on International Women's Day—of the establishment of the SIA Women in Security Forum to support the participation of women in the security industry. Through programs, professional development and networking events, the committee will engage members, both men and women, who share this goal.

We at SSN applaud SIA for raising greater awareness to the importance of further supporting the participation of women in the security industry, as this is a very important step that we will look back on as sort of a watershed moment or milestone in the evolution of the security industry.

The inaugural steering committee for the SIA Women in Security Forum includes (listed alphabetically by company):

• Elaine Palome, Axis Communications
• Chelsea Render, Bosch
• Kelly Bond, Brivo
• Vicky Lowe, Convergint Technologies
• Janet Fenner, Dahua Technology USA
• Sherida Sessa, ISC Security Events
• Dawne Hanks, Milestone Systems
• Christine Hamberis, ScanSource
• Alice DiSanto, Sharp Intellos
• Maureen Carlo, Videotec Security

“It is an honor to serve on SIA's new Women in Security committee as it recognizes the countless women working in this industry, and our collective achievements and contributions," Dahua's Fenner said in the announcement. "It also presents a great opportunity to engage, mentor and help further empower a new generation of women executives in the physical security industry,”

Sharp's DiSanto added: “It is a privilege to serve a forum keenly focused on propelling women within the security industry. Providing a venue where future female leaders can strengthen their know-how, while networking and brainstorming around future solutions with peers can only improve competency and esteem.”

Palome of Axis Communications pointed out,. “Our success depends on the quality skill, and values of our employees. At Axis, we believe that a diverse and talented workforce is a key competitive advantage and that different backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences are important drivers of innovation. We are pleased to be taking part in this joint initiative with SIA,” said

Potential goals for the forum include:

• Create mentorship/sponsorship programs to advocate for advancement and build confidence in the workplace.
• Connect women in the industry through networking events.
• Develop a recruiting program for next generation female professionals and leaders.
• Initiate an ongoing dialogue between male and female leaders to enhance mutual understanding.
• Identify platforms that can provide visibility for women.
• Spearhead an issue that will create opportunities for women to work together and be at the forefront of a major initiative.

Membership is open to SIA members in good standing (nonmembers are eligible for up to 90 days). To get involved or to get more information, contact Kim Landgraf, SIA staff manager, at klandgraf@securityindustry.org.