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.