Recently, ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) hosted the third annual Security LeadHER conference aimed at advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.

The third installment of this event commenced in Detroit, Michigan, with guided tours (led by Detroit History Tours) highlighting prominent sports and entertainment facilities, alongside a historical tour celebrating the influential women who shaped the city’s development and legacy.

Detroit has always been a city that builds the future, and its boldest architects weren’t always wearing hard hats – sometimes they wore lab coats or business suits or simply carried unstoppable determination.

Detroit’s city seal captures the city’s most defining characteristic: resilience through devastation and renewal. The female figures on the seal represent the grief of destruction and the hope of rebuilding – a powerful reminder that security professionals understand both loss and recovery. These women embody Detroit’s ability to rise from ashes, much like today’s security leaders who must navigate crisis and emerge stronger.

The women sailors of the Detroit Yacht Club during WWII exemplified this spirit of adaptation and critical support. When the war effort demanded unprecedented pharmaceutical production for troops overseas, these skilled women stepped into vital roles maintaining operations at Parke Davis, one of Detroit’s major pharmaceutical companies. But their contribution went far beyond simply filling vacant positions. These women brought their maritime expertise – navigation skills, mechanical knowledge, and crisis management abilities honed on the Great Lakes – directly into wartime manufacturing and logistics. Their experience reading weather patterns and managing maritime emergencies proved invaluable in coordinating complex supply chains. Their work ensured that life-saving medical supplies reached battlefields without interruption, demonstrating that security isn’t just about defense – it’s about ensuring continuity when everything else falls apart.

In Detroit’s cigar factories, women workers didn’t just roll tobacco – they developed the precision and quality control standards that would later influence automotive assembly lines. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence became foundational principles that secured Detroit’s position as the Motor City.

Dr. Fannie Richards broke educational barriers as Detroit’s first African American public school teacher in 1865, fighting not just for her own right to teach but for integrated education throughout the city. She established Detroit’s first kindergarten program and spent four decades proving that quality education was the cornerstone of community security. Richards understood that protecting the future meant investing in minds, not just infrastructure – a principle that resonates with security professionals who know that human capital is the greatest asset of all.

These inspiring women of Detroit share something crucial with today’s security professionals: they saw challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to innovate, protect, and lead. They understood that true security comes from building something stronger, not just defending what already exists.

As you advance in your security career, consider that many of Detroit’s most significant contributions – with global impact – originated from women who challenged conventional boundaries. Rather than simply adapting to existing conditions, they fundamentally transformed their environments. For professionals in a field dedicated to mitigating risks, these pioneering women offer compelling examples of how visionary leadership can reshape entire industries and communities.

The security profession needs that same wild determination today.

Andy Cutler is the vice president of communications for ASIS International.

The third annual event, hosted by the Security Industry Association and ASIS International and designed to advance, connect and empower women in the security industry, gathered approximately 450 “LeadHERs” in Detroit, Michigan, June 9-10.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. & SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have closed out a successful third annual Security LeadHER conference, a unique event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The sold-out event was held June 9-10, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan, gathering approximately 450 security professionals from across the United States and internationally.

Security LeadHER 2025 grew from the outstanding success of the 2023 and 2024 conferences, bringing together current and emerging leaders from all backgrounds and genders. This year’s event – a two-day program featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters – offered inspiring keynotes, educational sessions and networking opportunities. The 2025 agenda featured a robust array of presentations and discussions addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the security industry and opportunities for leadership and career development, personal growth and more.

Session topics included transformational leadership, adaptability, best practices for team management, artificial intelligence in the security industry, architecting a purpose-driven life and career, beating burnout, empowering next-generation leaders, traits and “superpowers” of women in security and more.  Additionally, attendees enjoyed motivating keynote presentations from Pamela Barnum, communications expert; Shayla Atkins, DE&I strategist, speaker and leadership expert; and Erin Stafford, keynote speaker and author. The event also featured a variety of networking opportunities throughout the day and a lively evening reception overlooking the waterfront, where attendees could build connections with peers and industry leaders.

“It is amazing to see the growth of Security LeadHER over the last three years,” said Candice Aragon, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum and chief experience officer at PSA. “With our largest registration to date, the energy at the event was magnetic! SIA and ASIS partnered to create an event that advances, connects, and empowers women in the security industry; LeadHER does just that. Life-long bonds were formed, and I can’t wait until next year!”

“Security LeadHER continues to exceed expectations in its third year, reinforcing its position as a premier industry event,” said Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “Bringing together more than 400 attendees from eight countries for meaningful learning, networking and professional development demonstrates the strength of this ASIS-SIA partnership. This event delivers measurable value not only for women in security but advances the entire security industry both today and for years to come.”

Event organizers SIA and ASIS are profoundly grateful for the generous support of our sponsors who have made Security LeadHER 2025 possible and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security industry. Sponsors include Premier Sponsors Apple, dormakaba, HID and Verkada; Executive Sponsors Axis Communications, Boon Edam, Inter-Con Security, M.C. Dean, Salto, Securitas, Securitas Technology and Wesco; and Partner Sponsors Allegion, Genetec, GSA Schedules Inc., Prosegur Security, Resolver and SAGE Integration.

Save the dates for the next two Security LeadHER events, taking place June 15-16, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and June 14-15, 2027, in Austin, Texas! For more information and updates on Security LeadHER, please visit https://securityleadher.org.

About ASIS International

Founded in 1955, ASIS International is the world’s largest membership organization for security management professionals. With more than 34,000 members and hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS is recognized as the premier source for learning, networking, standards, and research. Through its board certifications, award-winning Security Management, and Global Security Exchange (GSX) – the most influential event in the profession – ASIS ensures its members and the security community have access to the intelligence and resources necessary to protect their people, property and information assets. For more information about ASIS International, please visit https://www.asisonline.org/.

About the Security Industry Association

SIA (https://www.securityindustry.org/) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,600 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.

Media Contacts

Emily Callahan
Communications Specialist
ASIS International
emily.callahan@asisonline.org
703-518-1511

Kara Klein                     
Associate Director, Marketing and Media Relations
Security Industry Association
kklein@securityindustry.org
301-804-4704

ASIS International and the Security Industry Association bring the landmark gathering to Detroit, Michigan, June 9-10

ALEXANDRIA, Va./SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org.

“Security LeadHER 2025 represents an extraordinary gathering where the industry’s established and emerging ‘LeadHERs’ converge to shape the future of security,” said Alice DiSanto, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum. “This carefully curated experience transcends the traditional conference model by creating meaningful connections across all security sectors. What makes this event remarkable is not just the world-class education, empowerment and insights participants gain, but also the robust network of relationships that forms when a community unites under one roof. The conversations that begin here ripple throughout organizations and across the industry long after the event concludes.”

Security LeadHER was born from a bold vision – to ignite change and build a more inclusive, empowered, and forward-thinking security community. It’s more than just an event – it’s a movement. Through powerful keynotes, dynamic networking and intimate breakout sessions, Security LeadHER creates space for real connection, fresh thinking and transformative growth. Here, security leaders come together to explore the trends shaping both the security industry and our world, exchange insights that spark innovation and champion a future where every voice is valued and the next generation of talent is inspired, empowered and equipped to lead.

“What distinguishes Security LeadHER is that we’ve created something far deeper than professional development—we’ve built a transformative space where authentic connections flourish,” said Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, ASIS Women in Security Community chair. “The energy in the room when hundreds of security professionals gather to genuinely support one another’s growth is remarkable. This event serves as both a catalyst and a compass, guiding established leaders while simultaneously elevating emerging voices who will define our industry’s next chapter. The relationships formed here drive innovation and excellence throughout the security profession.”

This immersive two-day experience is designed to transform security careers. Day 1 (June 9) offers four dynamic educational tracks – Leadership, Security Insights, Personal Excellence and Career Management – culminating with an electrifying keynote from renowned trust strategist Pamela Barnum, whose insights from her undercover police career have revolutionized how professionals build authentic connections.

Day 2 (June 10) begins with visionary Erin Stafford’s powerful opening keynote about beating burnout and sustaining peak performance, followed by intimate breakout sessions where you’ll gain personalized strategies from industry experts. Our exclusive CEO/C-suite panel features candid conversations with security’s most influential executives, before the event closes with Shayla Atkins’ inspiring session that will send you home equipped with actionable tools for accelerating one’s career.

“SIA and ASIS have partnered to create a powerful platform where security’s women leaders gain both the tactical knowledge and strategic relationships necessary to shape industry direction,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Each year, attendees form meaningful connections and gain expert insights that help them transform their organizations, inspire innovation and ultimately redefine what leadership looks like in security. This collaborative approach amplifies our collective impact in ways neither organization could achieve independently.”

Security LeadHER welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and genders. Security LeadHER has been designed to be an open, friendly and welcoming environment, and attendees will have access to top-quality educational programming on key leadership issues and topics, impactful presentations from industry-leading experts and numerous opportunities for participants to connect, collaborate and experience lively social events and networking opportunities.

“When we unite the strengths of two premier organizations around a common purpose, we create something truly exceptional for our industry,” said William Tenney, CEO of ASIS International. “Security LeadHER exemplifies what’s possible when we move beyond institutional boundaries to address our profession’s most pressing needs. By combining ASIS and SIA’s distinct expertise and networks, we’ve designed an unparalleled experience that doesn’t just acknowledge challenges women face in security – it equips them with concrete tools, connections and opportunities to excel. The 2025 program reflects our unwavering commitment to developing leaders who will drive security innovation for decades to come.”

Security LeadHER 2025 is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, who share our commitment to advancing women in security, including Premier Sponsors Apple, dormakaba, HID and Verkada; Executive Sponsors Axis Communications, Boon Edam, Inter-Con Security, M.C. Dean, Salto, Securitas Security Services, Securitas Technology and Wesco; and Partner Sponsors Allegion, Genetec, GSA Schedules, Prosegur Security, Resolver and SAGE Integration, whose investments demonstrate their dedication to building a more diverse and inclusive security industry.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, and ASIS and SIA members save $200 on registration. Attendees can also access a discounted rate at the conference hotel, the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Space for this one-of-a-kind event is limited and was sold out in 2023 and 2024. To learn more about Security LeadHER 2025, sign up for event updates, view the full educational lineup, learn how your organization can support the conference and save your seat, please visit securityleadher.org.

About ASIS International

Founded in 1955, ASIS International is the world’s largest membership organization for security management professionals. With 34,000 members and hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS is recognized as the premier source for learning, networking, standards, and research. Through its board certifications, award-winning Security Management magazine, and Global Security Exchange (GSX)—the most influential event in the profession—ASIS ensures its members, and the security community have access to the intelligence and resources necessary to protect their people, property, and information assets. Learn more about ASIS International at asisonline.org.

About the Security Industry Association

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,600 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. Learn more about SIA at securityindustry.org.

Media Contacts:

Andy Cutler
Vice President, Communications
ASIS International
andy.cutler@asisonline.org
703-518-1514

Kara Klein
Associate Director, Marketing and Media Relations
Security Industry Association
kklein@securityindustry.org
301-804-4704

The 2025 Security LeadHER event, hosted by SIA and ASIS and created to advance, connect and empower women in security, will gather hundreds of industry leaders June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. & SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Born of a need to effect change and create a more enriching and inclusive security community, Security LeadHER offers impactful keynotes, lively networking, small group breakouts and many opportunities to help Security LeadHERs develop their skills, connect and collaborate.

Security LeadHER is seeking engaging, informative and motivational speakers and sessions for the 2025 conference. Session proposals are wanted on topics such as:

• Strategies for career growth and advancement
• Crafting your personal leadership style
• Harnessing artificial intelligence for strategic advantage
• Overcoming mindset blocks to achieve success
• Navigating work-life balance to prevent burnout
• Embracing digital transformation for women in tech
• Managing teams and mentoring next-generation leaders
• Cultivating male allyship and the future of diversity, equity and inclusion

“Mark your calendars and lend your voice! Security LeadHER 2025 is calling for speakers who inspire, empower and innovate,” said Alice DiSanto, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum community. “After an incredible attendance growth last year, this year promises to be our most impactful yet. Join an exceptional gathering of women and men shaping the security industry’s future – leaders, change makers and visionaries. From front-line responders to business owners and everyone in between, this is your chance to contribute to a dynamic conversation, share your expertise and connect with a diverse network dedicated to advancing the security landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to make your mark – register to attend and submit a speaker proposal today!”

“Security LeadHER is more than just a conference – it’s a movement that empowers, inspires, and connects women across the security industry. It’s about building a community where we support one other, share our experiences, and champion the next generation of leaders,” said Mary Gamble, Esq, MBA, CPP, ASIS Women in Security Community chair. “Together, we’re shaping the future of security with confidence and collaboration.”

Speaking proposals are due Friday, Jan. 31; learn more and share your idea here.

Security LeadHER welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and genders. If you support our mission of advancing women in the global security industry, then this event is for you! Security LeadHER has been designed to be an open, friendly and welcoming environment, and attendees will have access to top-quality educational programming on key leadership issues and topics, impactful presentations from industry-leading experts and numerous opportunities for participants to connect, collaborate and experience lively social events and networking opportunities.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, and ASIS and SIA members save $200 on registration. Attendees can also access a discounted rate at the conference hotel, the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Space for this one-of-a-kind event is limited and was sold out in 2023 and 2024. To learn more about Security LeadHER 2025, sign up for event updates, learn how your organization can support the conference and save your seat, please visit the event website.

About ASIS International

Founded in 1955, ASIS International is the world’s largest membership organization for security management professionals. With 34,000 members hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS is recognized as the premier source for learning, networking, standards, and research. Through its board certifications, award-winning Security Management magazine, and Global Security Exchange (GSX) – the most influential event in the profession – ASIS ensures its members and the security community have access to the intelligence and resources necessary to protect their people, property, and information assets.

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.

At Security LeadHER 2024, Lida Citroën, CEO of LIDA360, highlighted how to authentically build trust, articulate your value proposition, define your leadership strategy and become visible to make your voice heard.

ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) recently closed out a successful second annual Security LeadHER conference, a unique event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The sold-out event took place June 24-25, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together more than 400 security professionals from seven countries.

Security LeadHER 2024 – a day-and-a-half program featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters – offered inspiring keynotes, educational sessions and networking opportunities on a variety of topics in leadership, career development, negotiation, allyship and more. One highlight was “Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Guide to Leading With Influence,” a dynamic presentation from Lida Citroën, CEO of LIDA360.

“Each day, women around the world wake up and realize their potential isn’t fully utilized, their contributions are stifled, and their voices are not heard,” said Citroën. “Many of these same women take brave and bold steps to change their lives and build their reputation, career and legacy in ways that make the rest of us marvel at their confidence, ingenuity, and success. Now is your turn!”

Citroën shared 10 key rules of leading with influence:

1. Be courageous and push past fear. Courage doesn’t happen for you or to you. You need to find the strength to be the leader you’re meant to be.
2. Be real, and let others see the true you. Realness is not the same as telling people everything about you, as you’re allowed to keep some thoughts and experiences private. People relate to leaders who are real, and real people are flawed. Being able to show those flaws is key to having influence.
3. Be credible to authentically earn trust. When your actions and values align, and you walk the talk in all you do, others trust and rely on you.
4. Be of service to have lasting impact. Being of service to others takes the focus off yourself and onto who you serve and what they need from you.
5. Be inclusive of others wherever and however they are. Someone with influence brings others in, listens to them, learns from them and knows where their own expertise and others’ overlaps and where it diverges.
6. Be consistent in who and how you are. Influence is not about perfection, but it is about consistently showing up as the same person with the same values and passions (both online and in person).
7. Be agile to learn and grow. To have influence means having a learning and agile mindset and being open to changing markets, new needs, new audiences and new technologies where your influence must live to thrive.
8. Be a storyteller to share your “why.” Storytelling enables you to connect your history and vision to others by highlighting shared values, goals and experiences and showing your humanity in ways that inspire others to act.
9. Be visible to stand out. It’s time to get in front of the room, come out from the shadows, speak your mind, share your ideas and confidently assert your voice.
10. Be a brand to make lasting impact. Building your sense of identity with intention means you’re driving how others experience you. Building and living your personal brand gives you the platform and criteria for leveraging your voice and influence in more meaningful and impactful ways.

“Women today must create powerful and strong personal brands that are influential and impactful, honoring their gifts, authenticity and talents to become recognized and perceived the way they desire,” said Citroën.

See more highlights from Security LeadHER here.

Security LeadHER 2025 will be held June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan. For more information and updates on Security LeadHER, please visit https://securityleadher.org.

Security LeadHER keynote speaker, author and executive coach Henna Pryor highlighted ways to speak up, be courageous and foster personal and professional growth.

Last month, ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) closed out a successful second annual Security LeadHER conference, a unique event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The sold-out event took place June 24-25, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together more than 400 security professionals from seven countries.

Security LeadHER 2024 – a day-and-a-half program featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters – offered inspiring keynotes, educational sessions and networking opportunities on a variety of topics in leadership, career development, negotiation, allyship and more. One highlight was the Day 2 opening keynote from Henna Pryor, a two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, workplace performance expert, author and executive coach, on the topic “Awkward and Upward! Your Surprising Secret Weapon for Taking More Risks at Work.” Pryor highlighted how – in our increasingly online world – we are losing the skills of relating to others, building trust and connection and enduring the critical friction and messiness we get from being in proximity to each other.

“The weakening of our social muscles is slowly destroying our ability to take smart risks at work – like collaborating with colleagues, initiating tough conversations, speaking up and sharing ideas,” Pryor said. “We want our ideas to be heard, but we don’t always speak them into the room.”

If you deliberately practice dealing with awkward situations, you can move past your fear, continue learning and find success. In an inspiring and dynamic presentation, Pryor shared tips for moving from wishful thinking to execution when it comes to embracing discomfort and taking risks in order to succeed.

Pryor recommends using the acronym “SUCK” when practicing working through awkward or uncomfortable situations in the workplace:

S: Look for the SMALL.

• Look for “awkward” in a small, safe space.
• Engage in “bad idea brainstorms” to foster creativity.
• Embrace and seek out “small talk.”

U: And just a bit UNCOMFORTABLE.

• Expressed social discomfort has benefits. Your lack of perfection puts other people at ease.
• When you’re uncomfortable, detach emotion from though by asking, “Is there really evidence to support that thought?”
• Befriend the butterflies – they are an opportunity for your social muscles to get stronger.

C: To cross the CRINGE CHASM…

• Identify the awkward moments with higher stakes (not threatening ones, just enough to bring a little heat).
• Celebrate your “training” instead of the outcome.
• Celebrate each time you use the jump muscle (for example, draw a star in your notebook each time you engage in a tough conversation, no matter how it went!).

K: KEEP PERSPECTIVE as you go!

• Remember, when you feel awkward, that you’re not at the center of other people’s worlds and that they aren’t thinking about what you do as much as you are.

 “New learning pathways, new neural pathways only have a chance to happen when we do something, get feedback, and do it again,” Pryor said. “It’s the only way that they grow. And the only way to build those pathways is getting down and dirty in the awkward.”

See more highlights from Security LeadHER here.

Security LeadHER 2025 will be held June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan. For more information and updates on Security LeadHER, please visit https://securityleadher.org.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) and ASIS International (ASIS) thank everyone who joined us at the 2024 Security LeadHER conference! This event, created for you by SIA and ASIS and held June 24-25 in Phoenix, Arizona, gathered 400+ current and future “LeadHERs” for insightful workshops, impactful keynotes and lively networking opportunities.

ASIS and SIA have created “Inspiration, Education and Empowerment From Security LeadHER 2024.” In this high-impact report, relive Security LeadHER with key takeaways to help you “Advance, Connect and Empower.”

Check it out to relive Security LeadHER and get expert insights from our inspiring presenters, and share with other “LeadHERs” in your life, too!

Save the date for Security LeadHER 2025 – coming up June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan. We hope to see you again next year!

Worth. Wellness. Influence. These words appeared in the session titles and speakers’ themes of the 2024 Security LeadHER conference. What I synthesized beyond these titles, through my mind, body and spirit, were mantras of “You Are Wholly Valuable,” “You Prioritized Delivers Optimally” and “You Have Full-Spectrum Impact.” Our individual audience-member experience is unique to each of us, yet my hunch is the takeaways are something we share. We left Security LeadHER bettered with personal and professional next steps to be realized and unleashed. 

How to put this into action? Having had the privilege of delivering closing LeadHER remarks, I was compelled to make myself vulnerable to the audience of 400+ and, symbolically, take that leap on behalf of everyone in the room. As the LeadHER of the Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum (WISF) community, I believe I owe that to you. Realizing and unleashing what I characterized as a possible “flopportunity” (a fabulously fun way of reframing a failure as an opportunity in disguise), I said that the next few minutes, I would use the physical event stage to demonstrate how we, as LeadHERs, step out daily onto life’s stage to hit the mark.

What happened next? I took a trip back in time – in hopes that the audience then did and you reading now can do – to a moment when you too turned the corner full of Worth, Wellness and Influence. I returned to the day I was 12 years old and sang my first solo. It was the middle school talent show. The song was “You Light Up My Life” popularized by Debby Boone. With a mouth full of braces and no track record of prior soloist success, I stepped up to what could have been a pivotal “flop” only to experience making the cover of our hometown paper, singing my heart out (braces and all).

Here’s the kicker – I retook the risk on stage at LeadHER. With knees shaky and vocal cords far from warm, I called upon my younger self and mustered up an acapella chorus of that song again for the LeadHER audience. Whew. (“I did it!” said my internal voice.) Flop or Opp? You, be the judge 😊.

In reflection, without that 12-year-old’s flopportunity, I may have missed out on the years of joyous performances that followed, from solos to musical productions. Also of great importance were my closest advisors at the time, my parents, did everything to give me an “out” and talk me down from potential failure. The evening of the show, I could see them slumped in their seats. As I sang, with each note in tune and every lyric correct, they sat a little taller becoming cheerleaders and fans of this newfound talent.

Here’s the point – you, too, can and will “light” the rooms you enter. You too can and will overcome close advisor naysaying. Don’t believe it? We all have a past flopportunity. Maybe yours was decades ago as a child or last week at an office meeting. Harness what happened when you took the leap and came out the other side. You stood bright and those around you illuminated. With our collective LeadHER insights, we are fortified to do more and do it more often.

Demonstrate your Worth, Wellness and Influence. Take the proverbial stage of life with the know-how from LeadHER. Share it with others who could not attend. Invite all to Security LeadHER 2025, taking place June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan. Let’s keep the flopportunities flowing as they lead to bolder days for women in security.

Alice DiSanto serves as vice president of global marketing at Rajant Corporation and is chair of the SIA WISF community.

The 2024 event, hosted by the Security Industry Association and ASIS International and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, gathered 400 “LeadHERs” in Phoenix June 24-25.

ALEXANDRIA, Va./SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have closed out a successful second annual Security LeadHER conference, a unique event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The sold-out event took place June 24-25, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together more than 400 security professionals from seven countries.

Security LeadHER 2024 builds on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, gathering attendees of all backgrounds and genders. This year’s conference – a day-and-a-half program featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters – offered inspiring keynotes, educational sessions and networking opportunities. The 2024 agenda featured a diverse range of presentations and discussions addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the security industry. Session topics included the power of authenticity in leadership, addressing and overcoming imposter syndrome, managing the multigenerational workplace, fostering male allyship in the security industry, negotiation tactics and more. Additionally, attendees enjoyed motivating keynote presentations from Henna Pryor, two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, workplace performance expert, author and executive coach at Pryority Group; Debby Stone, CEO and executive coach at Novateur Partners; and Amanda McPherson, confidence coach and speaker.

The event also featured multiple networking breaks, a networking lunch and a lively evening reception at The Duce, providing ample opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry leaders.

“Following the tremendous success of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to see Security LeadHER 2024 sell out with over 400 attendees from seven countries,” said Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “This partnership between ASIS and SIA has proven to be a catalytic force to develop and promote the success of women in the security industry and will have a positive impact for years to come.”

“The second annual Security LeadHER conference was nothing short of spectacular. It was inspiring to see so many established and emerging women leaders in one room, and the energy was palpable,” said Alice DiSanto, vice president of global marketing at Rajant Corporation and chair of SIA’s Women in Security Forum. “Our expert speakers addressed the most pressing personal and professional issues facing women in security and shared actionable tools and tactics for leadership development, collaboration and risk taking to cultivate a bolder presence. This conference is unlike any other in our industry, and the 2024 event fostered connectedness, enriched lives and grew engagement among the ‘LeadHERs’ in security. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”

As part of this year’s Security LeadHER conference, our amazing community of “leadhers” contributed to the Greater Phoenix Area by supporting Dress for Success Phoenix and the Bra Recyclers by accepting donations on-site during Security LeadHER 2024.

Event organizers SIA and ASIS are profoundly grateful for the generous support of our sponsors who have made Security LeadHER 2024 possible. Their commitment to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security industry is truly commendable. These organizations are not just sponsors; they are catalysts for change in our industry, actively promoting diversity and inclusion. Their investment in Security LeadHER demonstrates a shared vision for a more equitable and dynamic security sector. Together, we are paving the way for the next generation of women leaders in security. Sponsors include Premier Sponsors|Apple, Dorma Kaba, HID, Intel, Wesco, Executive Sponsors|Axis Communications, Salto, Securitas Technology, Partner + Bag Sponsor | Allegion, Partner Sponsors | Assa Abloy, Boon Edam, Genetec, GSA Schedules, Inc., i-Pro, Ontic and Sage Integration.

Security LeadHER 2025 will be held June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan. For more information and updates on Security LeadHER, please visit https://securityleadher.org.

About ASIS International

Founded in 1955, ASIS International is the world’s largest membership organization for security management professionals. With more than 34,000 members and hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS is recognized as the premier source for learning, networking, standards, and research. Through its board certifications, award-winning Security Management, and Global Security Exchange (GSX) – the most influential event in the profession – ASIS ensures its members and the security community have access to the intelligence and resources necessary to protect their people, property and information assets. For more information about ASIS International, please visit https://www.asisonline.org/.

About the Security Industry Association

SIA (https://www.securityindustry.org/) 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.

Media Contacts

Andy Cutler
Vice President, Communications
ASIS International
andy.cutler@asisonline.org
703-518-1514

Kara Klein                     
Associate Director, Marketing and Media Relations
Security Industry Association
kklein@securityindustry.org
301-804-4704

As part of this year’s Security LeadHER conference, we want to rally our amazing community of “leadhers” and give back! To make this happen, ASIS and SIA are supporting Dress for Success Phoenix and the Bra Recyclers by accepting donations on-site during Security LeadHER 2024!

Here’s how you can be part of our efforts to give back to these two great organizations!

Dress for Success

Dress for Success Phoenix empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools needed to help women thrive in work and in life.

How You Can Help

The organization is encouraging us to bring the following items to match their current needs:

• New travel toiletries
• New or gently used handbags

The Bra Recyclers

The Bra Recyclers raises awareness about the social and environmental benefits of recycling lingerie. They believe that by working together with retailers and consumers, they can make a positive impact on the planet.

How You Can Help

Bring the following to participate in The Bra Recyclers’ efforts:

• New or gently used bras
• New underwear

Donations will be accepted on-site at Security LeadHER 2024, with central drop-off locations while you’re at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown for the conference.