INDUSTRY FOCUS
Take Nothing for Granted
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Oct 01, 2021
Contemplating a topic in the
industry I have not given
space in the last 20 years, I
seem to be in a daze. Then
I received an email about
Women in Security. I dialed up a couple of
friends to get their take on what is a relatively
new organization.
What once was rare in terms of female
editorial contributions are now frequent.
I have noticed that Women in Security are
among the most brilliant and brightest
minds in the industry. Women are equally
passionate about today’s solutions and
growing technology trends. I am pleased
that this month we are publishing several
stories contributed from women.
I reached out to a couple of friends and
asked for an opinion on this topic. I think
you will agree, and I know you will enjoy
the contributed stories in Security Today
and our Campus Security & Life Safety
magazines.
“The high-tech industry includes many
intelligent and driven female leaders, and
more are entering the market today than
ever before. A variety of leadership development,
technology education, networking,
and mentoring opportunities is
critical to realizing the ongoing success
of women in the high-tech space but especially
in security,” said Rhianna Daniels
Hile, chief creative officer at Compass Integrated.
“SIA’s Women in Security group
helps women make deeper connections,
build new skill sets and engage in leadership
experiences. It has been rewarding to
see this group grow exponentially over the
years, and I think it has been a valuable
addition to the industry.
Women in Security captures the very
essence of progress.
Looking back at my first tradeshow,
maybe 21 years ago, there were few if
any women attending a male dominated
industry. Looking forward, the diversity
within the industry is a welcome sight.
Part of the SIA Women in Security
mission includes a security forum. The
Women in Security Forum is a group for
both women and men that offers programs,
professional development opportunities
and networking events with the
goal of supporting the involvement of
women in the security community
The mission of the forum is to engage
all security professionals to promote, recruit
and cultivate the leadership of women
for a more inclusive and diversified industry.
Another terrific part of this organization
is the annual scholarship program.
Six recipients received honors this year to
further educational opportunities and promote
advancement within the industry.
This article originally appeared in the September / October 2021 issue of Security Today.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.