What is the Women in Security Forum?
The Security Industry Association's (SIA's) 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 industry.
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.
Join the Women in Security Forum
Membership is free and is open to all SIA members. Not a SIA member yet? You can still join and will be subscribed to Women in Security Forum news, although you may not receive full member privileges.
Latest from Women in Security Forum
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WISF ambassadors will actively support local engagement with SIA’s Women in Security Forum. The SIA Women in…
Keep Reading »Security Industry Association Announces 2023 Women in Security Forum Scholarship Opportunity
SIA invites employees of SIA member companies and student members to apply for this program furthering educational…
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Introducing the WISF Speakers Bureau
Our newest initiative is developing a database of speakers so that industry events can draw diverse speakers. Add yourself as a speaker using our new tool or request a speaker from our database.
WISF Key Efforts and Activities
SIA Progress Award
The SIA Progress Award, launched in 2018 and sponsored by the SIA Women in Security Forum, celebrates individuals who advance opportunities and pave the way to success for women in the security industry through volunteerism, professional development and efforts that foster a diverse workforce.
SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship
The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship is designed to further opportunities for SIA members, support their professional development and educational goals and help them thrive in the industry. Through this new scholarship – open to SIA members and student members – each awardee receives funds to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, conferences or webinars, SIA program offerings, repayment of student loan debt and/or other academic or education programs.
SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100
The SIA WISF Power 100 is an annual initiative that showcases 100 women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in the global security industry. This recognition program honors women in security who model leadership, inspire others and shape and transform the industry. Honorees are invited to attend a special Women in Security Forum event at ISC West and be recognized during the trade show.
Essentials 4 Job Security Giveback
Each year, the SIA Women in Security Forum encourages those in the security industry and beyond to join us in supporting Dress for Success Southern Nevada at ISC West and helping women achieve financial independence. By supporting the Essentials 4 Job Security Giveback, WISF members personally made a difference in helping the women of southern Nevada build careers and become self-sufficient.
WISF Speakers Bureau
The WISF Speakers Bureau is a service that helps members bring a more diverse perspective to the security industry. Add your name to the Speakers Bureau and share your expertise or request a speaker and we’ll connect you to industry experts who can speak on industry topics and diversity, equity and inclusion.
SIA Women in Biometrics Awards
The SIA Women in Security Forum is an organizational supporter of the annual SIA Women in Biometrics Awards, a globally recognized program honoring distinguished female leaders in the biometric identity and security industry for their contributions; winners are recognized each year at SIA GovSummit.
SIA Women in Security Forum Ambassadors
The SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) is recruiting 10 volunteers to kick off the WISF Ambassador Program. Ambassador recruitment starts now for the launch announcement during ISC East 2023 in New York City. Strategically located across the United States, WISF Ambassadors will be integral in extending the relational reach and engaging our WISF members. Find details on our blog post here.
SECURE Perspectives
SIA's Women in Security Forum has introduced SECURE Perspectives, a column in partnership with Security Sales & Integration supporting the participation of women in the security profession. Each column profiles a successful woman in security, highlighting her background, perspectives on security trends and advice for women in the industry. Read this recent profile featuring Lyndell Kline of Boon Edam.
CAN Do Challenge
The CAN DO Challenge calls upon our friends throughout the security industry and beyond to help overcome America’s unprecedented hunger issue. Our CAN DO Challenge urges each of us to personally make a difference during the holiday season by donating a “can” or “do” an act – like deliver or serve a meal. CAN DO is about alleviating hunger as part of our industry’s collective commitment to human safety and well-being.
Security Systems News Women in Security Profiles
SIA's Women in Security Forum partners with Security Systems News on recurring profiles of women in the security industry. Read the most recent profile, featuring Alana Batschelet of Integrated Security Technologies.
Networking and Educational Events
SIA is working with industry partners to develop exciting networking and professional growth events for women in the security industry. Check out SIA's event calendar, and stay tuned for additional events to come.
Get involved in WISF
If you're already a member of WISF, we want you more involved, as this is more than a group – it's a movement! As you get more involved, you can access opportunities like professional development and networking events, raise your visibility in the industry by participating in speaking engagements and leading initiatives, learn from the forum's thought leadership pieces from female security luminaries and even help grow our movement through efforts in education, charitable giving, scholarship and more.
How Can I Get Involved?
Want to take the next step and influence change?
- Join a subcommittee
- PR and Marketing Subcommittee (Chair: Janet Fenner)
- Membership Subcommittee (Chair: Diana Hanna)
- Professional Development Subcommittee (Chair: Elaine Palome)
- Charitable Giving Subcommittee (Chair: Alice DiSanto)
- Scholarship Subcommittee (Chair: Martha Entwistle)
- Industry Outreach Subcommittee (Chair: Maureen Carlo)
- Awards and Recognition Subcommittee
- Nominate an advocate for diversity for the Progress Award
- Attend one of our events and connect with like-minded colleagues
- Inquire about thought leadership opportunities
- Follow us on LinkedIn for the most current and up-to-date information
Contact Elli Reges for more information and to get involved.