SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship Spotlight: Nikki Williams, ICT

Nikki Williams of Integrated Control Technology (ICT) has built a career grounded in continuous learning, transparent leadership and a deep commitment to advancing the security industry. With support from the Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum (WISF) Scholarship, she has continued investing in her professional development while using her experience to support and create opportunities for others. We spoke with Nikki about her career journey, the impact of the scholarship and the lessons she hopes to share with the next generation of women in security. 

Tell us about yourself and your career journey. 

Nikki Williams: I’m the North American regional marketing manager for ICT, where I have the privilege of helping tell some of the stories of the people, partnerships, and technology shaping our industry. I’ve spent more than 17 years in marketing and communications, including over a decade in the security industry specifically. What I enjoy most about this field is that it’s ultimately about people. Security isn’t just about systems and technology—it’s about creating safer environments, supporting communities, and helping organizations operate with confidence. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about connecting technical innovation to real human outcomes and helping customers and partners succeed. Outside of work, I’m a lifelong learner, a proud advocate for the SIA Women in Security Forum and someone who believes that the strongest careers are built through relationships, curiosity and a willingness to keep growing. 

How did receiving the WISF Scholarship impact your career? 

NW: Receiving the Women in Security Forum Scholarship was both an honor and a confidence boost at an important point in my career. The scholarship provided access to education and professional development opportunities that helped me continue growing as a marketing leader while expanding my understanding of the broader security industry. What made the experience especially valuable was how immediately I could apply what I was learning. The courses I was able to take came into play right away in my day-to-day work, from strengthening how I approach artificial intelligence in marketing to becoming a more thoughtful and effective coach as a manager. Beyond the educational benefits, it was meaningful to know that other women in the industry saw potential in me and were willing to invest in my growth. That kind of support matters. It reinforces that there is a place for women to lead, contribute and help shape the future of this industry. The experience also strengthened my commitment to paying that support forward, whether that’s mentoring, sharing lessons learned or helping create opportunities for other women who are building their own careers in security. 

What advice would you give to women building a career in security? 

NW: My biggest piece of advice is simple: jump in! We need your voice in this industry. We need your talent, your perspective and the way you think. The security industry is evolving quickly, and that evolution depends on bringing more diverse voices and experiences into the conversation. Stay curious, ask questions and build relationships with people you can learn from. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from conversations with colleagues, mentors, customers and industry peers. Diversity makes us better as a community. It helps us solve problems differently, serve people more thoughtfully and build a stronger future for the industry. 

How can the industry better support women? 

NW: Support starts with creating opportunities and making sure women can see a path forward. For organizations, that means investing in mentorship, leadership development and education. It means intentionally inviting women into conversations, projects and leadership opportunities where they can contribute and grow. Sometimes the biggest difference comes from someone simply saying, “I think you’d be great at this.”

For individuals, support can be as simple as sharing knowledge, making introductions, advocating for someone’s work or encouraging them to pursue opportunities they may not have considered for themselves. One thing I’ve always appreciated about the WISF community is that it creates a sense of community. Careers grow faster when people feel supported, connected and seen. When we help each other succeed, we strengthen not only individual careers but the industry as a whole. We’re in this together—we need lift each other up. 

Nikki’s story is a reminder that investing in yourself, embracing community and supporting others creates lasting impact—not only for individual careers, but also for the future of the security industry. 

Applications are open for the 2026 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship! Don’t miss your chance; submit your application by Friday, Sept. 11. Learn more about the scholarship here, and make a donation to support the program here.