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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘Inclusiveness is no longer an afterthought for this industry, but a must,’ says Tiffany Renz

July 2, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

LANCASTER, Pa.—Tiffany Renz truly believes the security industry has turned a corner when it comes to addressing diversity. “My opinion is that the industry as a whole is finally doing a better job addressing diversity, especially these last few years,” says Renz, North American director of sales for HID’s Secure Issuance FARGO division. “Having been in it for 16-plus years, I see the changes that have been happening, and it could not make me happier.” Renz...

ASIS International, AsureID, HID, HID FARGO Connect, IDenticard, Secure Issuance FARGO division, Security Industry Association (SIA), Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), Tiffany Renz

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Women in Security

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

June 11, 2025SSN Staff

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...

ASIS International, Candice Aragon, Erin Stafford, Mary Gamble, Pamela Barnum, Security Industry Association (SIA), Shayla Atkins

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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘We'll see significantly more diversity in the next few years,’ says Beth Burnsed 

May 28, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

YARMOUTH, Maine—Beth Burnsed cites two key factors that she says will increase diversity in the security industry. “Attracting more diversity starts with acceptance and openness,” says Burnsed, senior manager for communication and marketing programs for Genetec. “It ultimately comes down to being a good human - be kind and open to others, regardless of background, race, gender, or other attributes. As more women feel empowered in their roles, their drive and enthusiasm...

Beth Burnsed, Genetec, Jordan Burnsed, Security LeadHER, Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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Women in Security

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

May 6, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

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...

Bell Labs, Julaine Simmons, M.C. Dean, Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), United States Department of Defense (DoD)

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Women in Security

2025 Security LeadHER conference program announced

April 14, 2025SSN Staff

ALEXANDRIA, Va., and SILVER SPRING, Md.—ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional...

Alice DiSanto, ASIS International, Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, Don Erickson, Erin Stafford, Mary Gamble, Pamela Barnum, Security Industry Association (SIA), Security LeadHER, Shayla Atkins, SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), William Tenney

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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘I see women raising the bar,’ says Lisa Sobek

March 31, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

YARMOUTH, Maine—Lisa Sobek is a relative “newbie” in the security industry, but she has already seen the impact that women have made in a male-dominated field. “I have the privilege of learning from and working alongside some truly inspiring women in the security industry,” said Sobek, senior channel marketing manager at Allegion. “Whether at Allegion or through my involvement with Security Industry Association (SIA) committees, I see women raising...

Allegion, Lisa Sobek, Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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Women in Security

SIA announces 2025 WISF Power 100 honorees

March 7, 2025SSN Staff

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the 2025 honorees for the SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Power 100. This initiative, presented by the SIA Women in Security Forum, honors 100 women in the security industry each year whose outstanding accomplishments and success stories are breaking barriers, redefining the faces of leadership and showcasing the innovative contributions women bring to the industry. The 2025 WISF Power 100...

Alexandra Mercz, Alice DiSanto, Alisha Hippert, Allison Robinson, Ally Happel, Amanda Edwards, Amber Peacher, Amy Root, Ana Bayona, Andrea Gural, Andrea McCabe, Angie Muci, Anna Yates, Anne Baker, Antara Jha, Aubrey Winetsky, Audra Streetman, Blair Dawson, Brianna Ramos, Brittany Galli, Brooke Erickson, Bryn Menzel, Cadisha Miceli, Caitlin Sarian, Candice Aragon, Candice Zelaya, Carrie Woods, Catherine Plumridge, Cheryl Strizelka, Christin Kinman, Christina Park, Christine Gelatt, Clare Hilton, Dakota Mackie, Danae Arce, Daniela O’Sullivan, Darien Long, Debi Sumner, Debra Moran, Deidre Stocker, Denise Niles, Dianne Burke, Dina Mathers, Dora Cortes, Ellie Hughes, Emma Lincoln, Erin Wilson, Estie Kearney, Heather Harper, Iliana Fernandez, ISC West, Ishva Kanani, Jackie Paryz, Jemima Briggs, Jenna Hardie, Jennifer Beckage, Jenniffer Barrera Cabarcas, Jenny Mashkowski, Jenny Walters, Jessica Anderson, Kate Maxwell, Katharine Hunter, Katherine Ledesma, Kathleen Ford, Kathleen Soca, Katie Domansky, Katie Henry, Katie Krug, Katie Money, Katie Spangler, Lori Hudnall, Lorna Clamp, Lucile Houellemont, Lucy Antonia Hodgson, Maggie Ober, Maria Castellanos, Mariam Rogers Walker, Marissa Vacek, Martina Dimitrova, Meagan Brylikowski, Nicola Oakie, Penny Belluz, Power 100, Rita Lawrence, Robin Marshall, Sabrina Drigout Stainburn, Sabrina Wilson, Security Industry Association (SIA), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), Svetlana McCully, Tami Williams, Tanya Turner, Tasha Birdwell, Tatiana Abramek, Teri Green, Tia Hopkins, Tracey Boucher Brown, Tristin Vaccaro, Uliana Barbysheva, Victoria Hanscomb, Victoria Hayes, Virginia Ramsey, Vivian Odii, Yanet Quinn, Yazmina Rawji

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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘Women need to empower each other to know they belong at the table,’ says Emma Barkley

March 4, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

YARMOUTH, Maine—Emma Barkley, strategic sales manager for JCI Security Products, believes that there are several key elements that could increase diversity in the security industry. “This past summer, I had the pleasure of leading a workshop at the Security LeadHER Conference called ‘Security Women Actively Supporting Women,’" she said. “While it's common for women to say they support each other and participate in groups like WISF, we need to ask ourselves:...

Emma Barkley, Johnson Controls (JCI) Security Products, Security LeadHER, Security Systems News (SSN), Shelly Zalis, SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘We need to shift our thinking about diversity to one of opportunity and growth,’ says Nikki Williams

January 29, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

YARMOUTH, Maine— Nikki Williams, North American regional marketing manager at Integrated Control Technology (ICT), cites two factors that can serve as catalysts for increased diversity in the security industry. “We need to shift our thinking about diversity to one of opportunity and growth,” she explained. “Diversity will only fuel the evolution of the security industry for the better. There’s so much talent out there in the next generation of security...

Integrated Control Technology (ICT), Nikki Williams, Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘The industry needs to apply outside-the-box thinking when it comes to recruiting diverse talent,’ says Candice Aragon   

January 7, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

YARMOUTH, Maine—While Candice Aragon, chief experience officer at PSA Network, has seen an upsurge in the number of women attending security industry events, she knows there is more work to be done around diversity. Aragon serves as vice chair of the Security Industry Association’s (SIA’s) Women in Security Forum (WISF) and has witnessed firsthand the dramatic shift taking place when it comes to the diverse representation at conferences and trade shows. “I...

Candice Aragon, PSA Security Network (PSA), PSA TEC, Security Industry Careers Guide, Security LeadHER, Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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