Elevating Women’s Careers in Security—From First Role to Leadership
Women are entering the security profession in greater numbers, yet the path from first role to leadership is rarely straightforward or transparent. This discussion will bring together a panel of entry-level, midcareer and senior women security professionals, moderated by an early- career practitioner, for a candid conversation about building and sustaining a career in security.
Panelists will share how they broke into the industry, navigated a competitive job market, managed lateral moves and promotions and handled missteps and burnout along the way. They will reflect on what they wish they had known earlier about networking, unspoken corporate norms and evaluating roles and organizations. A core focus of the discussion will be “lifting as you climb,” including practical ways professionals can mentor, champion and advocate for emerging women and how early-career practitioners can position themselves to benefit from that support.
Attendees will leave with strategies for entering and advancing in security, actionable ideas for making teams more welcoming to women at all levels and motivation to intentionally bring the next generation along.
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Map at least three practical steps to enter or pivot within the security field, tailored to their current experience levels
- Apply specific networking, interviewing and personal branding techniques to improve their competitiveness for security roles and promotions
- Outline an actionable mentoring or sponsorship plan to support emerging women in security within their teams or professional communities
Speakers
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Rachael PaskvanFounder
Femme ForceRachael Paskvan is an accomplished security leader, entrepreneur and community advocate dedicated to empowering others through her work and platform, Femme Force. With over a decade of experience in the security industry, she has held global leadership roles, including overseeing executive protection and travel operations at Meta. Paskvan began her career as one of the few women in the bodyguard profession, providing protection at high-profile events worldwide. Beyond her corporate career, she is the founder of Femme Force, a platform amplifying women’s voices through a podcast, workshops and speaking engagements. Deeply committed to philanthropy and leadership development, Paskvan lends her time and expertise to initiatives that uplift communities and create opportunities for growth. Known for her resilience, vision and passion for inclusion, she continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
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Kara BrennionProgram Analyst, Product Security
AmgenKara Brennion is the program analyst for product security at Amgen, where she supports the company’s global strategy for brand protection, illicit trade and supply chain security. She works across functions to safeguard product integrity through intelligence-led solutions, threat monitoring, and response initiatives.
Brennion brings experience advising global and Fortune 500 organizations, with a focus on mapping complex supplier networks, uncovering hidden vulnerabilities and strengthening operational resilience. Prior to joining Amgen, she worked at the British Standards Institution (BSI) in supply chain security consulting and as an intelligence analyst specializing in smuggling, cargo theft and organized crime.
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Anastacia StoyanovMaster of International Policy Candidate and Graduate Assistant, School of Public and International Affairs
University of GeorgiaAnastacia Stoyanov is a Master of International Policy candidate at the University of Georgia, specializing in intelligence analysis, open-source intelligence and global trade. As a graduate assistant at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs, she brings a global perspective to the intersection of policy, intelligence and risk.
Stoyanov is passionate about connecting ideas across cultures and helping organizations navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Her speaking topics include geopolitical risk, intelligence innovation and the future of international policy, and as an emerging security professional, she is dedicated to learning from and contributing to the next generation of global thinkers.
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Stephanie PhillipsIntelligence Analyst
BSIStephanie Phillips is an intelligence analyst at BSI specializing in supply chain security and emerging technology risks. With a background in international security and regional studies, she brings expertise on how global trade and technology intersect with geopolitics.
Phillips holds a master’s degree in security studies from Georgetown University and dual bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and Arabic from the University of Georgia. Her research examines terrorism; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons; and the role of religion in global security.
A dedicated mentor, Phillips supports research associates, interns and early-career professionals entering the security field. She also advances language education for refugees through the nonprofit Paper Airplanes.