Profile of a SIA RISE Scholarship Winner: Erica McBride-Rapp of Allegion
Read our interview with McBride-Rapp, a 2017 winner of the RISE scholarship, and learn how you can apply for this year’s award!
Applications are now being accepted for scholarships offered through the Security Industry Association’s (SIA’s) RISE program. The SIA RISE scholarship provides young security professionals with funds for professional development courses and/or academic programs. Learn how you can apply for one of 10 $3,000 scholarships here!
SIA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Erica McBride-Rapp: I’m currently living in Cincinnati, Ohio, and about to relocate to Colorado Springs, Colorado, this fall. I enjoy road cycling and the outdoors. I went to Ball State University for my undergraduate degree and am now attending Michigan State University to earn my master’s degree in supply chain management.
SIA: What has your career path been?
EM: I started with Allegion in 2014 as a global logistics intern and have loved it here ever since. After I graduated college, I started as a sourcing specialist in a new dedicated group for Allegion’s $73 million sourced products business, and I was later promoted to associate commodity manager for sourced products, taking on the responsibility of managing our global accessories business. In August 2017, I was given the opportunity to be one of the first members to go through Allegion’s new supply chain leadership program, a two-year rotational program with 6-month rotations in four different functional groups within our global integrated supply chain organization. I am currently an operations supervisor at our manufacturing plant in Blue Ash, Ohio, manufacturing door frames.
SIA: How did you use the RISE Scholarship funds, and how did the award benefit your security career?
EM: I am using the funds from my scholarship to pay for my graduate school tuition. This award has helped me continue my education in supply chain management, which will help support my growth in business and manufacturing operations for security products.
SIA: What advice do you have for future RISE Scholarship applicants?
EM: Keep striving to better yourself in your business and personal endeavors. Never be afraid to get involved inside your company or external networking; business truly is what and who you know.
SIA: How has RISE helped you in your career thus far?
EM: RISE has allowed me to meet my fellow young professionals in the security industry and has introduced me to multiple companies.
Are you a young security professional under 40? Join SIA’s RISE program. We’re a group of up-and-comers in the security industry trying to help each other grow our careers, expand industry knowledge, further professional development and have some fun together. Get started by filling out the form on the SIA RISE page, or contact SIA staff liaison Bryan Miller at bmiller@securityindustry.org to get involved. While you’re at it, stay in touch with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).
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