Security LeadHER 2025 fosters growth, engagement, community for women in security

ALEXANDRIA, Va., and SILVER SPRING, Md.—ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have closed out a successful third annual Security LeadHER conference, a unique event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.

The sold-out event was held June 9-10 in Detroit, gathering approximately 450 security professionals from across the United States and internationally.

Security LeadHER 2025 grew from the outstanding success of the 2023 and 2024 conferences, bringing together current and emerging leaders from all backgrounds and genders.

This year’s event – a two-day program featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters – offered inspiring keynotes, educational sessions and networking opportunities. The 2025 agenda featured a robust array of presentations and discussions addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the security industry and opportunities for leadership and career development, personal growth and more.

Session topics included transformational leadership, adaptability, best practices for team management, artificial intelligence in the security industry, architecting a purpose-driven life and career, beating burnout, empowering next-generation leaders, traits and “superpowers” of women in security and more.  

Additionally, attendees enjoyed motivating keynote presentations from Pamela Barnum, communications expert; Shayla Atkins, DE&I strategist, speaker and leadership expert; and Erin Stafford, keynote speaker and author. The event also featured a variety of networking opportunities throughout the day and a lively evening reception overlooking the waterfront, where attendees could build connections with peers and industry leaders.

“It is amazing to see the growth of Security LeadHER over the last three years,” said Candice Aragon, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum and chief experience officer at PSA. “With our largest registration to date, the energy at the event was magnetic! SIA and ASIS partnered to create an event that advances, connects, and empowers women in the security industry; LeadHER does just that. Life-long bonds were formed, and I can’t wait until next year!”

“Security LeadHER continues to exceed expectations in its third year, reinforcing its position as a premier industry event,” added Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “Bringing together more than 400 attendees from eight countries for meaningful learning, networking and professional development demonstrates the strength of this ASIS-SIA partnership. This event delivers measurable value not only for women in security but advances the entire security industry both today and for years to come.”

The next two Security LeadHER events take place June 15-16, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn., and June 14-15, 2027, in Austin, Texas! For more information and updates on Security LeadHER, please visit https://securityleadher.org.