Women in Security Profile: ‘A broader spectrum of diversity’ is needed, says Julaine Simmons

YARMOUTH, Maine—Julaine Simmons believes the security industry needs to take a more holistic approach to diversity, not only expanding the roles of women in the field but also adding experienced professionals in various areas, especially technology.  

“While it's crucial to have women in leadership and engineering roles, true diversity goes beyond that,” said Simmons, senior vice president, M.C. Dean. “It means having women in the field actively implementing software and hardware, leading projects and driving process improvements, but we also need to embrace a broader spectrum of diversity in every sense, whether that's diversity of thought, background or experience.”  

That experience, Simmons added, should increasingly be tech-related. 

“We're moving far beyond the days of analog systems and virtualized servers, and to stay relevant, we must build teams that are equipped with the expertise required for the modern enterprise,” she explained. “This means bringing in data scientists, skilled apprentices, software engineers, and IT-savvy professionals who can navigate the complexities of today's technology landscape.” 

As part of Security Systems News’ and the SIA Women in Security Forum’s continuing series highlighting the contributions of women in security, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Simmons:  

SSN: What are your current roles and responsibilities? 

Simmons: I oversee division operations, customer growth and employee development to keep M.C. Dean at the forefront of the security industry. I also serve as a program executive for federal agencies and commercial sector customers. Having worked with M.C. Dean for nearly 15 years, I have helped the company expand relationships with some of our top Department of Defense and intelligence community customers, advancing M.C. Dean's mission-critical capabilities. 

SSN: How did you get into the security industry? What motivates you to stay? 

Simmons: I began my career at Bell Labs, focusing on fiber optics, and then transitioned into startups within both the communications and security systems sectors.  

As I advanced in my technical leadership role on complex integration projects, my strong communication and collaboration skills naturally led me to program management for security systems. Along the way, I often found myself as the youngest person in the room, yet I was leading the discussions.  

What keeps me in the industry is the mission and sense of purpose behind it, ensuring the safety and security of people, information and assets. 

SSN: What has your journey been like in a male-dominated industry without much diversity? 

Simmons: Early in my career, not only was I the youngest person in the room, but I was also frequently the only woman. However, I was fortunate to have strong male allies and mentors who supported me when I raised my ideas. Being promoted early on provided valuable growth opportunities, though it also kept me in a constant state of discomfort, navigating both being a minority and stepping into roles that felt larger than me. But those challenges became some of my greatest sources of growth. 

SSN: What advice would you give other women thinking about getting into the security industry, or who are just getting started? 

Simmons: My advice for women considering or just starting out in the security industry is to lean in and do the work. Don't be afraid to ask questions and remember that listening is just as important as speaking. Above all, believe in yourself. Too often, we apologize or second-guess our abilities, but we belong here just as much as anyone else.