SIA RISE Scholarships
Young Professionals: What would you do with AN EXTRA $3,000?
The Security Industry Association (SIA) created the RISE scholarship program to support the education and career development goals of young security professionals just like you.
The RISE scholarship program is open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees of SIA member companies. The scholarship is intended to expand recipients' professional knowledge in the areas of business, human resources, information technology, marketing/sales, project management, security engineering and risk management.
Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) and earmarked for the RISE Scholarship.
Through this scholarship program, selected candidates will receive awards for $3,000 each. Scholarship funds can be used toward continuing education, student loan repayment and professional development programs such as training and certifications. This scholarship is a win-win for both you as the applicant and for your employer. (Not part of RISE yet? Learn more here.)
Applications are closed for the 2025 scholarship; stay tuned for details on next year's scholarship!
2025 Scholarship Awardees:
(View the full press release here.)
Ghaida Alkhateeb, Risk Manager, Regulatory Intelligence, Safety and Compliance, Amazon
Ghaida Alkhateeb believes growth is both a personal journey and a shared responsibility. As a risk manager with Amazon’s Regulatory Intelligence, Safety and Compliance organization in Arlington, Virginia, she advocates for continuous learning and professional development. Alkhateeb is passionate about empowering others, fostering inclusion and creating spaces where people can thrive with purpose and authenticity.
Shannon Berry, Manager, Legal Affairs, i-PRO Americas
Shannon Berry, manager of legal affairs at i-PRO Americas, is deeply humbled and honored to have been chosen for a SIA RISE Scholarship. Her passion is the law and helping disadvantaged and marginalized groups, especially the disability community, because her son, Asher, has Down syndrome. Berry is very grateful to SIA because this scholarship allows Berry to continue completing her Juris Doctorate and eases the substantial financial burden of law school. This will enable her to further her career as an attorney and to use her voice and influence to create effective change within the security industry and society.
Brittany Board, Director of Technology Partners, PSA
Brittany Board is the director of technology partners at PSA Security Network, where she manages strategic relationships with more than 200 security technology partners. She oversees product and pricing strategy, partner engagement and vendor enablement efforts to support PSA’s network of integrators. A Wyoming native and proud University of Wyoming alumna, Board is currently pursuing her MBA through the university while continuing to drive innovation in the security industry. With a background in digital media, cross-industry marketing and strategic partnerships, she brings a unique perspective to the evolving world of security technology and is passionate about driving operational efficiency and innovation in the industry through partnerships.
Penn Boatwright, Financial Analyst, Internal Controls and Sustainability, Securitas Security Services USA
Penn Boatwright is a financial analyst for internal controls and sustainability with Securitas and has been in the industry for the years. Prior to entering the security industry, she worked in client relations at a wealth management firm while earning her master’s in business analytics. At Securitas, Boatwright is currently the Summer Internship Program director and a member of the Women's Business Resource Group and coordinates local volunteering. In her free time, she loves traveling, volunteering at church and with animals, watching sports and being by the water, and her goal for 2026 is to learn sign language.
Joshua Bonilla, Northland Controls
Joshua G. Bonilla is an application engineer at Northland Controls and a student at Texas Tech University, pursuing studies in human-centered artificial intelligence. With experience supporting large global integration projects and developing security solutions for complex environments, he is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance outcomes and meet client needs. This scholarship will support Bonilla's continued growth in the industry as AI becomes increasingly integrated into security and automation solutions.
Jeff Buzan, Director of Product, Wallet and LEAF, Wavelynx
Jeff Buzan is the director of product: Wallet and LEAF at Wavelynx, where he leads product strategy for credential technologies in the access control industry. Over the past seven years, he has advanced through a range of technical and leadership roles—from test technician to product director—gaining hands-on experience in testing, sales engineering and partner integrations with major enterprise clients. Buzan is passionate about advancing innovation and interoperability in the security industry and is pursuing further education in product management. Originally from Massachusetts and now based out west, he enjoys snowboarding, soccer, biking and exploring the outdoors with his wife and their mini Australian Shepherd.
Mykaela Cederberg, Program Coordinator, Solutions Acceleration, Axis Communications
Mykaela Cederberg works in business development at Axis Communications. She began her journey with Axis as an intern while in college and joined the company full time after graduating in 2024. Cederberg is passionate about driving growth and innovation in the security industry and is excited to continue developing her skills and expertise through new learning opportunities.
Justin Detweiler, IT Support Specialist, SAGE Integration
Justin Detweiler is an IT support specialist at SAGE Integration, where he serves as the first point of contact for internal technical support. He is responsible for diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues, managing user accounts and ensuring a seamless onboarding experience by provisioning devices and access credentials. Detweiler also contributes to internal IT initiatives aimed at optimizing systems and workflows across the organization. He began his career at SAGE as an IT intern in May 2023 and transitioned into a full-time role in May 2024. Detweiler holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in computer information systems, along with certifications in Microsoft AZ-900 and Google AI Essentials. He is currently pursuing additional credentials, including CompTIA A+ and networking certifications, to further expand his technical expertise.
Ivan Esquivel, Northeast Sales Engineer and Technology Strategist, Genetec
Ivan Esquivel is a Northeast sales engineer and technology strategist recognized for his leadership in integrated security and intelligent system design. With more than a decade of experience bridging IT, cybersecurity and physical security, he has been instrumental in advancing unified security solutions that combine access control, video surveillance, analytics and automation. At Genetec, Esquivel collaborates with end users, consultants and integrators to build scalable, future-ready platforms that strengthen both security posture and operational efficiency. His career reflects a commitment to innovation, open architecture and the secure convergence of connected technologies. He continues to contribute to the industry as a mentor and speaker, sharing insights on topics such as zero-trust networking, secure Internet of Things deployments and the evolving landscape of unified security.
Josiah Everson, Technical Architect and Delivery Coordinator, dormakaba Americas
Josiah Everson is the incoming technical architect and delivery coordinator for dormakaba's global customer portal, where he will lead cross-functional delivery and technical strategy to enhance the customer experience at scale. Previously serving as customer experience manager, Everson has driven impactful initiatives across AI, automation and secure system design. With a background in computer science and a passion for cybersecurity, he is focused on advancing industry standards through applied cryptography, secure software development and AI-driven security. As a 2026 SIA RISE Scholarship recipient, Everson is committed to building resilient, future-ready solutions.
Caleb Fischl, Distribution Manager, i-PRO Americas
Caleb Fischl serves as distribution manager at i-PRO Americas Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas. With more than five years of experience in the security industry, he has developed expertise in distribution strategy, channel development and operational excellence. A former member of the Texas Army National Guard and a Lean Green Belt–certified professional, Fischl brings a mission-driven mindset and deep commitment to advancing technologies that enhance safety and protect communities. Through the SIA RISE Scholarship, he aims to expand his knowledge in process improvement and business analytics to further support innovation and responsible growth within the industry.
Madeline Gaddini, Partner Marketing Specialist, YourSix
Madeline Gaddini is a partner marketing specialist at YourSix, where she helps lead partner engagement, social media, events and marketing programs that strengthen relationships and drive business growth. With over three years of experience in the security industry, she’s energized by its innovation and collaboration—bringing a creative, hands-on approach to every project. Gaddini is passionate about storytelling, teamwork and bringing creative ideas to life through collaboration.
Carly Griffin, Brand and Solutions Marketing Manager, Allegion
Carly Griffin is a seasoned marketing and sales professional with over a decade of experience in brand and solutions marketing, software sales and product development. Currently serving as the brand and solutions marketing manager at Allegion, she leverages her expertise to drive brand strategy and deliver innovative marketing solutions for Schlage electronics. Known for her strategic vision, Griffin has a deep passion for building trusted and authentic brands that connect with their audiences and is committed to fostering growth and innovation in every role she undertakes.
Sahin Hoque, Solutions Consultant, ECC (Winner: Pierre Trapanese RISE Scholarship)
Sahin Hoque is a solutions consultant at ECC (Electronic Contracting Company), a systems integrator based in the Midwest. Before joining ECC, he entered the physical security industry as an account executive at Evolv Technology, and prior to that he spent over a decade in health care and B2B SaaS organizations in roles spanning sales, consulting, program management and customer success. Hoque lives in Kansas City with his wife and three-year-old son. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing tennis and cheering on his favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers, the Iowa State Cyclones and Arsenal F.C.
Syamly Jacob, Technical Infrastructure Program Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Syamly Jacob was born in India, was raised in the United Arab Emirates and has been living in the United States for the past seven years, so she has had her share of cultural transitions along the way, which has shaped her adaptability and deepened her appreciation for collaborative, global work environments. As a technical infrastructure program manager at AWS, she leads large-scale, cross-functional initiatives that drive infrastructure scalability and operational excellence. Before joining AWS, Jacob was a senior project manager at Zbeta, where she served as a security design consultant for data centers and partnered closely with clients to develop and implement comprehensive physical security strategies for mission-critical facilities. It was during her time at Zbeta that she was introduced to the RISE Scholarship Program, which aligned closely with her goals of continuous learning, leadership growth and empowering others in the technology space.
Jheena Johnson, Physical Security Project Coordinator, Northland Controls
Jheena Johnson is a project coordinator in the physical security industry who takes pride in supporting projects that keep people and workplaces safe. She coordinates installations, manages vendors and ensures every detail comes together seamlessly. Passionate about growth and lifelong learning, Johnson is currently preparing to earn her Security+ certification to strengthen her technical foundation and advance in the field.
Ella Ortenberg, Revenue Strategist, HiveWatch
Raphaela (Ella) Ortenberg is a revenue strategist at HiveWatch, where she's been developing strategies to bridge marketing, customer success and sales functions. She is looking forward to completing her studies at Arizona State University and continuing to bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for continuous learning to the physical security industry. Ortenberg's Google Ads, SEO and B2B Demand Generation certifications reflect her commitment to expanding her professional knowledge in marketing and sales, areas she continues to develop through hands-on work in demand generation, rev ops and sales enablement. The RISE Scholarship supports her ongoing pursuit of professional development programs that strengthen her ability to contribute to HiveWatch's growth and the broader security industry. Outside work, Ortenberg mentors ASU writing students and fosters rescue dogs, experiences that remind her of the value of teaching and learning simultaneously.
Yogi Patel, Regional Sales Manager, Axis Communications
Yogi Patel is a regional sales manager at Axis Communications, driving growth across the Houston, Texas, region through innovative security and video technology solutions. With over 15 years of experience in physical security, technology integration, and strategic partnerships, he is passionate about leveraging AI-driven systems to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Beyond work, Patel is a devoted husband, father and active member of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, balancing a family-first mindset with a forward-looking approach to leadership and technology.
Hannah Sengvilay, Door Hardware Specification Consultant, Allegion
Hannah Sengvilay is a door hardware enthusiast, dedicated student and lifelong learner. Balancing a full-time job with full-time study for the past four years has strengthened her adaptability and drive for excellence in everything she does. Guided by one of Allegion’s "Have a passion for excellence," core value, Sengvilay works to implement solutions that maximize safety, security and operational efficiency. This scholarship will help her complete her bachelor’s degree sooner by easing tuition costs, so she can keep moving forward without interruption and direct all her focus towards all things door hardware.
Audrey Singer, Project Operations Manager, Brivo
Audrey Singer is the product operations manager at Brivo, where she drives strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives. With seven years at Brivo, including experience in project management and sales, she brings a deep understanding of the business, and her background also includes various roles at environmental and art nonprofits, offering a diverse perspective.
Divya Uppal, Digital Marketing Specialist, Genetec
Divya Uppal is a digital marketing specialist at Genetec, where she leads strategic initiatives across digital channels, leveraging platforms like Marketo and CRM to drive campaign optimization, lead nurturing and marketing automation. She brings a data-driven approach to digital strategy and is deeply committed to continuous learning, innovation and impactful communication.
Marissa Vacek, Managing Director, Swell Marketing Agency, PSA
Marissa Vacek is the managing director of Swell Marketing Agency, part of the PSA Security Network, where she leads with purpose, creativity and a passion for empowering security integrators through strategic, data-driven marketing. Since Swell’s launch in 2023, Vacek has transformed the agency into a trusted resource for integrators and technology partners seeking modern, affordable and measurable marketing solutions. With over a decade of marketing experience, she has built her career on a foundation of innovation, relationship building and results. Vacek has led marketing sessions at PSA TEC and participated in marketing panels at ISC West, and her insights have been featured in Security Sales & Integration, SecurityInfoWatch and Commercial Integrator. Her leadership has earned her recognition as both a Security Systems News Emerging Leader Under 40 (2025) and an SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 honoree, celebrating her impact, innovation and advocacy for women in the security industry.
Ronald Zuniga, Product Marketing Manager, Hanwha Vision LATAM
Ronald Zuniga is product marketing manager for Hanwha Vision, leading positioning and go-to-market initiatives for next-generation video solutions across Latin America. A mechatronics engineer with a master's degree in applied artificial intelligence from Tec de Monterrey, he focuses on developing high-value ideas with a curious mindset. Outside work, Zuniga enjoys guitar and music production, film and swimming.
2025 Scholarship Donors
Support the RISE Scholarship!
SIA's RISE Scholarship depends on the generous support from companies like yours. Help students and young professionals learn and grow their skills by making a tax-deductible donation through FAST earmarked for the RISE Scholarship.
Video: Past Awardee Ashley Means Shares Why You Should Apply for a RISE Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP BASICS
- $3,000 scholarships for continuing education, professional development and student loan repayment.
- Open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees of SIA member companies worldwide.
How the Scholarship Can Be Used
Recipients may choose to apply the scholarship to any of the following courses or programs:
- SIA program offerings (e.g., Security Project Management training seminars, Securing New Ground conference, SIA GovSummit conference)
- Courses/programs/events related to information technology (IT), physical security, or cybersecurity
- Relevant courses or professional development programs offered by reputable associations, colleges, universities and private education firms related to your role and career in the security industry.
- Repayment of student loans
Official Rules and Requirements
A complete application, including all necessary supporting documentation (as described below), must be submitted by the deadline. All application packets will be submitted electronically, without exception. Applications not submitted by the application deadline will not be considered; there will be no exceptions made to this requirement.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must meet all requirements set forth below to be considered eligible as a scholarship recipient.
- Each applicant must be either 1) a SIA student member or 2) a RISE program member and an employee of a SIA member company. (Not a RISE member yet? Start by visiting our RISE information page or emailing Katie Greatti. Unsure if your employer is a SIA member? Check our member directory or contact membership@securityindustry.org.)
- Each applicant must have at least 1 year of professional experience in the security industry.
- Each applicant must be a full-time employee of a SIA member company or be a SIA student member; have worked for the employer a minimum of six months at the time of the deadline and be in good standing within the employer organization.
- Applicants must submit a complete, signed application, together with all supporting documentation, including essays and 1-2 references, by the deadline. The completion of the application form does not create an obligation on the part of SIA to award a scholarship to the applicant.
- Current officers, directors and key employees of SIA and the immediate families of SIA officers, directors and key employees are not eligible to receive scholarships under the program.
Application Process
Each applicant must complete the application and include supporting documentation as follows:
- The application form, completed with accurate and up-to-date information.
- An essay answering the following questions:
- Please write a personal statement on why you chose to apply for the RISE scholarship, how the money earned would be utilized, and how this scholarship will make a lasting impact on the future of your career in the security industry? (20 points)
- In what ways have you taken initiative to grow your expertise in the security field outside of formal education or job responsibilities?(20 points)
- What sort of impact do you hope to make in the next 5-10 years to push the security industry forward?
- How can organizations create a workplace culture where diverse talent feels welcomed, valued, and motivated to stay?(20 points)
- If you were to host a podcast, who would be your first guest and what would you talk about? (20 points)
- At least one professional reference (preferably two). Please provide the name, title, email address, and phone number for each reference.
Scholarship Selection Committee
The Scholarship Selection Committee (the “Committee”) will consist of volunteers from the SIA RISE committee. Committee members are volunteers and perform their duties without compensation, financial or otherwise. If the Committee is reviewing the application of an applicant who is an employee of the Committee member’s company, or if the Committee member is otherwise conflicted with respect to the applicant, the Committee member shall recuse him or herself from all deliberation and voting regarding the applicant’s application.
Selection Process
- Only those applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit their completed applications and supporting documentation on or before the deadline (“qualified applications”) will be considered in the selection process.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a complete and signed application, along with all the supporting documentation, which must be received on or before the deadline. The Committee accepts no responsibility for incomplete applications, applications not in proper form, lost applications or any other submission not in compliance with these requirements or the instructions provided with the application.
- The Committee shall review each application and award points based on the applicant grading criteria set forth below. As noted above, a committee member with a conflict with respect to any applicant shall not participate in the review or grading of that applicant’s application and supporting materials.
- The scholarship award will be based on the Committee’s scores of the overall quality of the application and the scholarship essays. The five applications receiving the highest scores shall be awarded scholarships. In the case of a tie, the SIA CEO will make the final decision.
- Scholarship selection shall be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law. Conversely, an applicant will not be selected solely based on one or more of the categories identified above.
- The decision of the Committee is final and not subject to review.
Award Redemption
Each recipient must enroll in the approved course within 12 months of being awarded the scholarship and coordinate with SIA for course fee payment. SIA will reimburse awardees for the course/program enrollment up to the $3,000 value of the scholarship. If the course/program costs more than $3,000, the recipient is responsible for the balance. If the cost of the course/program is less than the $3,000 scholarship award, the recipient will have a credit to use on related professional development within a 12-month period.
The scholarship money covers course entry fees or program attendance fees but will not cover study materials, travel costs or any other items related to the course.
DONOR PROGRAM
- Funding of the scholarship program is achieved through contributions by individual members of SIA and member corporate support.
- Unless specifically designated by a donor, contributions will be made toward the general scholarship fund.
Tax Deductibility Status
The SIA RISE Scholarship is made possible with the generous support of our donors. Your donation to FAST, earmarked for the RISE Scholarship, is tax deductible.
Stories From Past Awardees
"[Receiving the RISE Scholarship] has helped [my professional growth] because I am able to have further stress relief to focus on other areas to improve myself in learnings, conferences, etc. I also am able to voice my experience to others in my company."
–Natalie Fetsko, dormakaba
"[This scholarship] has strengthened my commitment to the industry. I felt valued and supported by SIA, which in turn has led me to pursue more volunteer opportunities."
–Hannah Brauer, i-PRO Americas
"[Receiving the RISE Scholarship] has helped me to meet more people, learn more about the industry and receive a certification [SIA's Certified Security Project Manager credential] that has helped me progress in my career."
–Olivia Doherty, Northland Controls
"[Earning the RISE Scholarship] helped show that I was willing to grow, and that was seen by my upper management and has helped them fast-track me to leadership positions."
–Esteban Pastor, ZKTeco USA
"Receiving the scholarship had a significant impact on my professional growth by allowing me to repay my student loan for two postgraduate programs earlier than expected. This lifted a major financial burden and enabled me to focus fully on advancing my career in the security industry, equipping me with the skills and confidence to pursue long-term growth and leadership opportunities."
–Aishwarya Anil Gandhe, Genetec
"Receiving the scholarship allowed me to attend my first AcceleRISE, which created so many opportunities for me to grow my network. Perhaps the most impactful is that I met my mentor at this conference."
–Tristin Vaccaro, Vaccaro Copywriting & Marketing Solutions
"The impact [of receiving the RISE Scholarship] has been massive ... I learned how valuable personal development and furthering education was to my career goals, and the scholarship gave me an easy avenue to pursue my first classes since university. It was also the catalyst for seven years as part of [RISE], which has impacted my career in countless positive ways."
–Erin Grippo, Brivo
"[The RISE Scholarship] has helped me to pursue my master's and [opened] the door for more opportunities in my career. I am so thankful for the scholarship!"
–Itzel Portillo, Allegion
"My doctorate research focuses on how to help small businesses improve their security posture on a limited budget. I've used this research to try and help improve the security posture of integrators, manufacturers and other industry partners."
–Will Knehr, i-PRO Americas
"[Receiving the RISE Scholarship] has put me in a place where I can be more confident about my financial situation and therefore can take better care of myself, which directly makes me perform better at work."
–Shay Tucker, Allegion
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have been chosen for a SIA RISE Scholarship. My passion is the law and helping disadvantaged and marginalized groups, especially the disability community, because my son, Asher, has Down syndrome. I am very grateful to SIA because this scholarship allows me to continue completing my Juris Doctorate and eases the substantial financial burden of law school. This will enable me to further my career as an attorney and to use my voice and influence to create effective change within the security industry and society.”
–Shannon Berry, i-PRO Americas
"Being selected for the RISE Scholarship is both an honor and an opportunity to refine my leadership skills, learn from a community of accomplished professionals, and continue contributing to a more diverse and inclusive tech initiatives."
–Syamly Jacob, Amazon Web Services
“This scholarship will help me complete my bachelor’s degree sooner by easing tuition costs, so I can keep moving forward without interruption and direct all my focus towards all things door hardware.”
–Hannah Sengvilay, Allegion
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