Women in Security Feature: Ceres Silva, Eagle Eye Networks

YARMOUTH, Maine—Ceres Silva has more than 12 years experience in the security industry, recently joining Eagle Eye Networks to help expand their Canadian sales’ presence. Prior to this position, she successfully contributed to the sales development of worldwide recognized manufacturers such as ISS, Morpho and Pelco.

“Intercultural competence, fluency in four languages and a deep understanding of customers’ needs allows me to be a consultancy aid for critical security designs,” she points out. “I am an advocate for diversity in security, passionate about technology and innovation.”

Silva is an active member of ASIS (Toronto chapter) and CANASA, council member of SIA’s Women in Security Forum and founding member of Immigrant Women in Business. As an advocate for women in security, Silva is “eager on helping young girls to get into technology … connecting women professionals with companies that put diversity and inclusion first and provide an environment of belonging.”

At Eagle Eye Systems, she assists businesses and customers to leverage Eagle Eye Networks’ “true cloud video surveillance system and artificial intelligence (AI) to make their businesses more efficient and safer in this rapidly changing landscape,” she explained. “I share the expertise I have gained from working with customers to help transform their system by focusing on the areas that are most important to enterprises when it comes to choosing a partner – not just a vendor.”

The following is an exclusive interview with SSN:

SSN: How did you get into/what inspired you to get into the security industry?

SILVA: After finishing my International Business degree, my first entry-level position was as an Inside-sales for an access control manufacturer. I fell in love with the electronic security world and how fast the market changed. I have moved from the inside to the outside sales role, to eventually regional manager and now sales director

SSN: What has your journey been like in a primarily male-dominated and historically non-diverse security industry and what has been done to get more women into leadership roles?

SILVA: As an immigrant woman, I know how challenging it can be to work in a male dominated world … being a woman in security you always have to prove yourself more than a man would ever have to.

I am passionate contributor and advocate for a more diversified industry, mentoring young females to learn what are the great rewards to work in the IT/security market despite its challenges. But I believe we are getting way further along in promoting diversity than just a few years ago. Currently, I am an active member of the women in security forum from SIA, very engaged in the CANASA (Canadian Security Association) women events and I am a founding member of the Immigrant women in business networking in Canada (https://immigrantwomeninbusiness.com).

SSN: What have you found most challenging working in the security industry and how did you overcome it?

SILVA: The most challenging is having to convince old school security integrators and former police/loss prevention managers that the world is now online, that the technology has shifted, that more women are involved in IT. It seems that every time I walk into a meeting, I have to proof myself to what I know, to what I am talking about. Men feel emasculate when a woman knows more about a security / IT topic than them

SSN: Have you had any role models who have helped you out along the way that you would like to mention?

SILVA: Amanda Ball (current AXIS central manager) was my first female manager when I started in the industry. She was my mentor, and always strived for me to be highlighted on my accomplishments. I would also like to mention Jacquelyn Hall-Davies (Vice President at Bosch) for being a strong woman and for having told me that I should be myself to gain respect in this industry and not change to please anyone

SSN: What advice would you give other women thinking about getting into the industry or just starting out in the industry?

SILVA: Women are detail oriented, smart and good listeners. These are all soft skills that combined with technical background/graduation makes a perfect security/IT professional.

SSN: What are your views on the industry moving forward, from both from a diversity perspective and a technology and business perspective during these unpredictable times?

SILVA: I believe we will see more and more women in our industry as during times of uncertainty we tend to be more resilient than man. We are also multitasking and always face with challenges both at home and in our careers. Security will always be an essential service, even during unpredictable times, thus I am positive about our future in this industry.

For more information on SIA's WISF please click here.