Security Industry Association Announces 2024 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship Opportunity

SIA invites security industry professionals and students to apply for this program furthering educational opportunities and advancement for a diverse security workforce.

Updated Sept. 3, 2024

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) is now accepting applications for the 2024 SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Scholarship, an initiative led by the SIA Women in Security Forum. The 2024 program will offer multiple scholarships worth $7,500 each that SIA members and students can use toward professional development and education.

SIA’s Women in Security Forum is a community for both women and men that works to promote, recruit and cultivate the leadership of women for a more inclusive and diversified industry. The WISF Scholarship program was created to further educational opportunities for the widest spectrum of people and empower all to join the SIA Women in Security Forum and thrive in the security industry.

“The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship is a key element of SIA’s efforts to grow and diversify the talent pipeline in our industry, and we are thrilled to present this opportunity for the fifth consecutive year,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We encourage professionals already in security and students interested in this cutting-edge field to apply and look forward to supporting the career and educational goals of the next class of scholarship awardees.”

Scholarship funds may be used toward:

  • Registration for SIA education or certification programs and/or conferences
  • Repayment of student loan debt
  • Registration for other industry education and certification programs
  • Tuition for courses that will lead to completion of accredited trade, vocational or academic degree programs related to the security industry
  • Registration for industry online learning programs

“The SIA Women in Security Scholarship is a shining example of SIA’s dedication to advancing women in the security industry,” said Tia Eskandari, senior director, national field service at Allied Universal Technology Services and co-chair of the SIA WISF AmplifiHER Subcommittee. “As a recipient of the scholarship in 2022, I was able to further my education and obtain key certifications that helped advance my career. Now, as co-chair of this year’s AmplifiHER subcommittee, I am dedicated to promoting similar opportunities for women to achieve their professional goals. I am excited to see who will be chosen to represent the class of 2024.”

In 2023, SIA awarded $75,000 in scholarships through the WISF Scholarship program to SIA members and student members across the industry.

This program is made possible by the generous donations of SIA members and SIA member companies. The WISF Scholarship Committee is currently seeking donors for the 2024 scholarship. Please visit the scholarship page for more information. Industry leaders who have already donated to the 2024 scholarship program include Diamond Sponsor Axis Communications; Emerald Sponsors Allegion, Altronix, Genetec and Security-Net; Ruby Sponsors Amazon, Boon Edam, Bosch, Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks, GSA Schedules Inc., HID, Intel, i-PRO, SAGE Integration, Securitas Technology, Windy City Wire and Zenitel; and Sapphire Sponsors Imperial Capital and SecuritySpecifiers.

“We want to thank the many companies who have already donated to the 2024 WISF Scholarship program for their ongoing support, generosity and leadership,” said Martha Entwistle, senior manager of corporate communications at Eagle Eye Networks and co-chair of the AmplifiHER Subcommittee. “However, our work is just beginning; we are actively seeking sponsors for the 2024 Scholarship program and invite all companies interested in fostering a highly skilled and diverse workforce to get involved by contacting us.”

In addition to this scholarship, the SIA WISF community offers a number of key programs and activities, including the SIA Progress Award, which celebrates individuals who advance opportunities for women in the security industry; the WISF Power 100, an annual initiative showcasing 100 women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in global security; top-quality keynote and breakfast events at ISC West and East; co-leadership of the Security LeadHER conference; volunteer efforts that give back to the community; collaborative projects with other organizations that seek to empower women in the security and technology fields; sponsorship of the SIA Women in Biometrics Awards program; thought leadership and speaking opportunities; and engaging networking and professional growth events. Participation in the SIA Women in Security Forum is open to all employees of SIA member companies; learn more and get involved.

Each applicant for the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be either 1) a SIA student member or 2) a member of the SIA Women in Security Forum and an employee of a SIA member company. Applications for the 2024 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be submitted by Friday, Aug. 9. Learn more about the program and apply here.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,500 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.