Nuggets of Powerful Information from Women in Security Panel Discussion

For the first time, I was able to attend a women-in-the-industry-type of event at ASIS this year, a panel discussion with members of Women in Security and (ISC)2, a first combo session of this type for ASIS. An experience full of firsts, I figured there would no bra burnings in protest, but, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I felt like I was in for a treat, though.

The panel consisted of:

  • Richard Nealon, (ISC)2 Board Member; 
  • Diana-Lynn Contesti, (ISC)2 Board Member;
  • Dave Tyson, CPP, Senior Director, Global Information Security, Business Process, and Technology, SC Johnson & Son, Inc. and 2015 President, ASIS International; 
  • Shirley Pierini, CPP, PCI, Director Consulting, SMGI; and 2004 President, ASIS International;
  • Angela Tobon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, National Security Branch of the Atlanta Division, FBI; and
  • Marene Allison, VP and Chief Information Security Officer, Johnson & Johnson.

Gail Essen, CPP, PSP, Enterprise Security, Siemens, moderated the interactive discussion.

The following are nuggets of powerful information that I learned from the dynamic industry leaders regarding the security industry:

  • 97% - The percentage of the security industry who is male.
  • 3% - The percentage of the security industry who is female. Females make up 51% of the population. 
  • Women in Security is about bringing women together to discuss their strengths and help them with their weaknesses.
  • A leader needs a blend and balance of certain skills to progress in his/her career. 
  • It's beneficial to have every individual in an organization set goals and strive to exceed them that are specific to their function in the organization. 
  • Don't be afraid to take opportunities that present themselves. 
  • Keeping looking for opportunities. 
  • Don't be put down by what people think you are or think they know about you.

As I listened to the panelists speak their words of wisdom, I felt extremely connected to the industry that I represent: security. At the end of the day, male or female, it really doesn't matter. What matters is keeping people and assets safe and secure in a world filled with chaotic destruction.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Business Case for Video Analytics: Understanding the Real ROI

    For security professionals who may be hesitant to invest in video analytics, now's the time to reconsider. In a newly released Omdia report commissioned by BriefCam (now Milestone Systems), the research firm uncovered a compelling story: more than 85% of North American and European organizations that use video analytics achieve a return on investment within just one year. The study, which surveyed 140 end users across multiple industries, demonstrates that security technology is no longer just for security — it's a cross-organizational tool that delivers measurable business value far beyond traditional safety applications. Read Now

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

  • Study: Only 35 Percent of Companies Include Cybersecurity Teams When Implementing AI

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3