Powerful Women, Powerful Industry!

To say I am beaming with pride today is an understatement, as the announcement yesterday – on International Women’s Day – of the inaugural Security Industry Association (SIA) annual Power 100 list is such a monumental step for an industry that I have been fortunate enough to report on these past six years – literally almost to the day.

As I mentioned in the Power 100 announcement, serving on the WISF Nominations Committee, I was truly amazed at the high number of quality nominations, which made the decision to honor just 100 so much more challenging. But I am honored to have been a part of the process, and super proud of the final list of incredible women who represent the inaugural Power 100!

I am also honored to have highlighted in our “Women in Security” and “40 under 40” sections of our website the incredible achievements of many of the women on the Power 100 list. What’s even more exciting for us here at Security Systems News, is that five of the women on the list are on the SSN Advisory Board, including Janet Fenner, Defined Marketing; Kasia Hanson, Intel; Antoinette King, Credo Cyber Consulting LLC; Min Kyriannis, Amyna Systems; and Christine Lanning, Integrated Security Technologies Inc.

Also, a special shout-out to former SSN Editor Martha Entwistle, Eagle Eye Networks, who led the publication for 10 years, always championing for more diversity and inclusion within the industry, then and now. I could go down the list and name so many who I have been fortunate enough to meet and be influenced by, including Maureen Carlo, Arcules, the first SIA WISF Chair who not only spearheaded SIA’s partnership with SSN for our Women in Security Series, which is growing and stronger than ever, but also has embodied true leadership and mentorship throughout the industry. Or Rhianna Daniels, Compass Integrated Communications, Inc., another great industry ally who is truly deserving, and like Martha, got her start here at United Publications! Or Kathryn Bartunek, Microsoft, whose fearless leadership and compassion has helped to raise this industry up! 

As I said, I can go on and on about this star-studded list of leaders, as it represents so much of what is great about this ever-evolving industry. Congrats from SSN to all the honorees!