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Women in Security

SSN, SIA WISF team up again to spotlight women driving security forward

December 8, 2025SSN Staff

YARMOUTH, Maine, and SILVER SPRING, Md.—Security Systems News (SSN) and the Security Industry Association’s Women in Security Forum (WISF) are joining forces once again in 2026 to celebrate the women shaping the future of security. Through its yearlong profile series, SSN will spotlight leaders whose innovation, resilience, and vision are driving progress and diversity across the industry. SSN and SIA WISF began the partnership in 2021 and in 2022, expanded coverage beyond...

2026, Allied Universal Technology Services, Andrea Gural, Brooke Erickson, Cadisha Miceli, Candice Aragon, Carolina Restelli, Danielle Tabachnick, Hannah Brauer, Katie Krug, PSA Security Network (PSA), Sahiti Ravi, Security Systems News (SSN), Sharon Hong, SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), Stephenie Haldane, Tanji Fountain, Tanya Turner, Tia Eskandari

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Women in Security

SIA opens call for nominations for 2026 Women in Security Forum Power 100

December 1, 2025SSN Staff

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened the call for nominations for the 2026 SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Power 100. Now in its fifth year, this annual initiative, presented by the SIA Women in Security Forum community, honors 100 women in the security industry whose outstanding accomplishments and success stories are breaking barriers, redefining the faces of leadership and showcasing the innovative contributions women bring...

2026, International Women's Day, ISC West, Power 100, Security Industry Association (SIA), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), WISF IlluminateHER Subcommitee

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Women in Security

Lauren Van Metre leads WIIS into a new security era

October 13, 2025Cory Harris, Editor

WASHINGTON—When Lauren Van Metre recently became president and CEO of Women in International Security (WIIS) in July, she brought decades of experience navigating the evolving global security landscape. Van Metre’s career began at the Pentagon and the State Department in the 1990s, a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics. “I started my career at the Pentagon and at the State Department, working in an era in the '90s where we were dismantling a sort of...

Lauren Van Metre, Layla Hashemi, National Democratic Institute, Pentagon, U.S. State Department, Women in International Security (WIIS)

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Women in Security

“If we truly want new talent, we must look beyond conventional pipelines,” says Elli Reges

September 29, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

SILVER SPRING, Md.—As the security industry continues to engage in open and honest conversations about diversity, it’s equally important to examine education and experience preferences as part of that dialogue, says Elli Reges, Ph.D., director of learning and development for the Security Industry Association (SIA). Reges notes that many roles within the security field don’t require a college degree, and there are ample opportunities for individuals who have gained skills through...

Elli Reges, National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), Security Industry Association (SIA), Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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Women in Security

Women in Security Profile: ‘It is about real influence’

September 3, 2025Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor

NEW YORK—The security industry must ensure that diverse voices have genuine power in decision-making, says Denise Niles, vice president of business development at Advanced Electronic Solutions (AES).  “It is about creating not just seats at the table, but real influence,” she said. “We need to be intentional about who we are developing, promoting and empowering, especially in leadership. That means investing in mentorship, creating hiring pipelines, and rethinking...

Advanced Electronic Solutions, ASIS NYC, Denise Niles, Moms in Security Global Outreach (MISGO), Security Systems News (SSN), SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF)

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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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