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.
![](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLH-2024-2.jpg)
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.
![](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLH-2024-3.jpg)
“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.
![](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLH-2024-1.jpg)
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.
![](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLH-2024-4.jpg)
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
![](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DFS_No-Tag-Color-01-1024x158.png)
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
![](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Bra-Recyclers-Logo.jpg)
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.
The 2024 Security LeadHER event, hosted by SIA and ASIS and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, will gather hundreds of industry leaders June 24-25 in Phoenix, Arizona.
ALEXANDRIA, Va./SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have announced the agenda and speaker lineup for their second annual Security LeadHER conference, an event designed to showcase women in security. Security LeadHER 2024 will be held June 24-25 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona.
This conference from ASIS and SIA will bring together security professionals committed to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.
On June 24, the Security LeadHER conference programming will include interactive workshops and lectures focused on personal wellness, professional growth and leadership development. Following these high-impact sessions, the event will kick off with a motivating keynote from Debby Stone, CEO of Novateur Partners, LLC – “Promote Yourself! Build Your Brand by Telling Your Story.”
On June 25, the conference program will begin with an impressive keynote presentation from author, two-time TEDx presenter and workplace performance expert Henna Pryor, on “Awkward and Upward! Your Surprising Secret Weapon for Taking More Risks at Work.” Throughout the day, sessions addressing managerial leadership, negotiation tactics, male allyship and more will take place. The conference will close with an inspiring keynote presentation from confidence coach and speaker Amanda McPherson entitled “Girl, Get Your Roots Done: Cultivating Unshakable Confidence from Within.”
This day-and-a-half program, featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters, will offer a variety of networking opportunities in addition to educational programming.
Day 1 (Monday, June 24)
- Promoting Wellness: Workplace Mindfulness and Tai Chi Workshop (Carolyn McGrath, Senior Director, Global Fire and Security Services, Johnson Controls)
- Offload Stress, Access Inner Calm – Nervous System Reset (Romay Nichols, Certified Somatic Breathwork Practitioner, In.Spire Somatics)
- Emotional Regulation for High Achievers (Mikki Bey, CEO/Life Coach, Mikki Bey Consulting)
- Security Women Actively Supporting Women (Emma Barkley, Strategic Sales Manager, JCI Security Products)
- Bringing Your Whole Self: The Power of Authenticity in Leadership (Maggi Heyer, Physical Security Director – Americas/EMEA, Seagate Technology)
- Imposter Syndrome: Identify, Address and Overcome (Julaine Simmons, Vice President of Security & Electronic Systems, M.C. Dean)
- Leading Across Generations: Managing the Multigenerational Workplace (Stefanie Adams, CEO, WNY People Development)
- Keynote: Promote Yourself! Build Your Brand by Telling Your Story (Debby Stone, CEO, Novateur Partners, LLC)
- Networking Reception at The Duce (525 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona)
Day 2 (Tuesday, June 25)
- Keynote: Awkward and Upward! Your Surprising Secret Weapon for Taking More Risks at Work (Henna Pryor, 2x TEDx and Global Keynote Speaker, Workplace Performance Expert, Author and Executive Coach)
- Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Guide to Leading With Influence (Lida Citroen, CEO, LIDA360)
- Spreadsheets, Struggles and Strategic Vision: Making the Transition From Tactical Management to Senior Leadership (Alyssa Nayyar, Director, Chief of Staff, Sibylline; Liz Lauzon, Global VSOC Team Manager, Sibylline; Melissa Lucid, Senior Manager, GSOC Operations, Sibylline)
- Secure Your Worth: Dynamic Negotiation Tactics for Women in Industry (Wendy Davison, Consultant, Group Nine)
- What is Male Allyship, and How Can We Get More of It? (Moderator: Chris Peterson, Founder and Principal, Vector Firm; Panelists: TBA)
- Keynote: Girl, Get Your Roots Done: Cultivating Unshakeable Confidence from Within (Amanda McPherson, Confidence Coach and Speaker)
“The partnership between the SIA Women in Security Forum and ASIS International’s Women in Security Community for Security LeadHER is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering women in the security industry,” expressed Alice DiSanto, vice president of global marketing at Rajant Corporation and chair of SIA’s Women in Security Forum. “As we embrace the theme of Leading Change, this groundbreaking event promises to ignite personal and professional growth, foster safe and inclusive workplaces and catalyze transformation throughout our industry.”
“I’m honored to continue leading the Security LeadHER conference, building upon its successful debut,” expressed Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “This year’s conference delves deep into the pressing issues facing women in the security industry, offering enriching discussions on leadership, purposeful engagement and professional growth. Together, we’ll empower security professionals to foster diversity, inclusion and excellence throughout our industry.”
ASIS and SIA members are eligible for $200 discounts, which allow registration for just $495.
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! This day-and-a-half event is designed to be an open, friendly and welcoming environment. During Security LeadHER, there will be numerous opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate and experience lively social events and networking opportunities.
Space at this one-of-a-kind event is limited, and Security LeadHER sold out in 2023. Learn more and register at securityleadher.org.
Security LeadHER 2024 is supported by sponsors Allegion, Apple, Boon Edam, dormakaba, Genetec, GSA Schedules, Intel, Ontic, SAGE, Securitas Technology and Wesco.
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 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 asisonline.org.
About the Security Industry Association
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,400 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
The 2024 Security LeadHER event, hosted by SIA and ASIS and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, will gather hundreds of industry leaders June 24-25 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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 2024 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The second annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 24 – Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona.
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 2024 conference. Session proposals are wanted on topics such as:
- Strategies for career growth and advancement
- Positioning yourself for promotion
- Forging your path into executive leadership
- Inspiring change and leading by influence
- How to effectively negotiate
- Balancing your career, life, relationships and personal wellness
- Overcoming self-doubt (imposter syndrome)
- Creating a personal brand
- Managing and motivating next-generation women leaders
“Last June, SIA and ASIS partnered for the inaugural LeadHER conference in Nashville. Hundreds of women and men united to promote, recruit and cultivate women’s leadership in the security industry, making for palpable energy. The speakers and topics provided actionable recommendations that attendees could immediately put into play professionally and personally,” said Alice DiSanto, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum. “Now is the time to become part of the much-anticipated year No. 2 of Security LeadHER in Phoenix. Register now to attend. Throw your name into consideration to speak. Together, I am confident we will curate programming to transform your thinking about women in security.”
“As we again gather at this transformative security conference, we celebrate the spirit of progress, connection and empowerment that defines the incredible women shaping the future of our industry,” said Mary Gamble, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “This event is more than a conference; it is a powerful testament to the resilience, ambition, expertise and collaborative spirit of women in security. Together, we advance, connect and empower, forging a path towards a more supportive and inclusive future for us all.”
Speaker proposals are due Wednesday, Feb. 7; 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! This conference has been designed to be an open, friendly and welcoming environment. During Security LeadHER, there will be 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 2024 Security LeadHER conference, and ASIS and SIA members save $200 on registration. Attendees can also access a discounted rate at the conference hotel, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Space for this one-of-a-kind event is limited and was sold out in 2023. To learn more about Security LeadHER 2024, sign up for event updates and register, 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 the Security Industry Association
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,400 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
The second Security LeadHER event, hosted by SIA and ASIS and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, will gather hundreds of industry leaders June 24-25, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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 2024 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The second annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 24 – Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona.
“SIA and ASIS are proud partners in promoting, recruiting and cultivating the leadership of women in the security industry, and we are thrilled to work together again on the second annual Security LeadHER event,” said Alice DiSanto, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum, and Mary Gamble, CPP, incoming ASIS Women in Security Community chair. “We look forward to gathering hundreds of security industry leaders in Phoenix for Security LeadHER 2024, which will once again be a preeminent educational, networking and engagement opportunity that helps attendees thrive in their careers and inspires them to take action to create positive change in our industry.”
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! This conference has been designed to be an open, friendly and welcoming environment. During Security LeadHER, there will be numerous opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate and experience lively social events and networking opportunities. The educational programming will focus on top leadership, security and innovation issues and topics and feature impactful presentations from industry-leading subject matter experts.
Security LeadHER was established in 2023 by SIA and ASIS, and the inaugural conference was held this past June in Nashville, Tennessee. Approximately 300 current and future “LeadHERs” and attendees of all backgrounds and genders gathered for the first-ever Security LeadHER to learn about important women’s leadership issues, get helpful communication tips, explore cutting-edge technology and security trends and learn concrete skills to achieve their goals professionally and in every aspect of their lives. View takeaways from the 2023 event here.
Space for this one-of-a-kind event is limited. To learn more about Security LeadHER 2024, sign up for event updates and register, 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 the Security Industry Association
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,400 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
Security LeadHER recently wrapped its groundbreaking inaugural conference, taking place June 12-13, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. This first-ever event, hosted by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ASIS International and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, gathered hundreds of industry leaders for top-quality networking, impactful keynotes, insightful content on key leadership and innovation topics and fun activities.
At Security LeadHER 2023, attendees learned about important women’s leadership issues, got helpful communication tips, explored cutting-edge technology and security trends and learned concrete skills to achieve their goals professionally and in every aspect of their lives.
ASIS and SIA have created a takeaways report sharing the top inspiration, education and empowerment from the conference. Check it out to relive Security LeadHER and learn more about being brave, being direct, being consistent, being a powerful communicator and being your own advocate, and share with other “LeadHERs” in your life, too! We hope to see you again next year!
This first-ever event, hosted by the Security Industry Association and ASIS International and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, gathered hundreds of industry leaders in Nashville June 12-13, 2023.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. & SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) closed out the inaugural Security LeadHER conference this week, celebrating a successful and groundbreaking first event held June 12-13 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.
![Security LeadHER](https://securityleadher.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/di4_3327_52974399399_o-1024x682.jpg)
Approximately 300 current and future “LeadHERs” and attendees of all backgrounds and genders gathered for Security LeadHER 2023. This year’s Security LeadHER program kicked off on June 12 with a variety of fun and engaging activities, including a behind-the-scenes security tour of Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, a tour of the National Museum of African American Music and a women’s self-defense class, and wrapped up with a lively networking reception at Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ.
On June 13, the Security LeadHER conference programming began with a motivating keynote from author, renowned speaker and sought-after consultant Eliza VanCort on how to “Claim Your Success – Stand Tall, Raise Your Voice and Be Heard.” In this dynamic presentation, VanCort shared her personal journey from childhood kidnappings to a near-fatal head injury to becoming a No. 1 bestselling author, addressed some of today’s most important women’s leadership issues and offer participants valuable communication and presentation guidance and concrete skills to achieve their goals professionally and in every aspect of their lives.
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Additional programming focused on two tracks – Leadership and Security & Innovation – featuring presentations from industry-leading subject matter experts. Track sessions gave actionable guidance on topics such as confidently saying no and setting boundaries, addressing virtual threats and harassment, mitigating our unconscious biases against women in security, anonymizing your digital footprint, protecting data in the cloud, leading by influence and the science of sex and its impact on the industry.
The conference closed with a moving keynote from diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner, spoken word artist, emcee and poetry specialist Charity Blackwell. Attendees enjoyed the immersive spoken word performance and keynote address exploring the meaning of owning your legacy through your work.
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“The inaugural Security LeadHER event is a wrap, and what a success it was! My mind is full of new ideas, my LinkedIn account is full of new connections and my heart is full of gratitude for all the hard work done by the SIA and ASIS communities to make this event something to remember,” said Elaine Palome, director of human resources, Americas, at Axis Communications and event co-chair for Security LeadHER. “It was so inspiring to see more than 300 women and their allies gathered together to share stories, ideas and knowledge. We are already thinking about next year’s event and hope you will join us.”
“Our inaugural Security LeadHER event was a smashing success. The energy in the room was palpable,” said Antoinette King, founder of Credo Cyber Consulting LLC and event co-chair for Security LeadHER. “Our opening keynote was delivered by Eliza VanCort. Eliza’s insights on communication were incredibly helpful, and I walked away with many new communication tools. The education sessions were super insightful. Our closing keynote, Charity Blackwell, was simply masterful. I left the conference with so much excitement for the future of our industry!”
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View featured photos from the event on the Security LeadHER homepage.
Security LeadHER 2023 was made possible in part thanks to the generous support of Featured Sponsor Apple; Premier Sponsors dormakaba, Intel and Wesco; Executive Sponsors Axis Communications and Securitas; and Partner Sponsors Allegion, Altronix, Boon Edam, Brivo, GSA Schedules, Inc., IDEMIA, Prosegur and SAGE Integration.
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 the Security Industry Association
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,400 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 Contact
Kara Klein
Associate Director, Marketing and Media Relations
Security Industry Association
kklein@securityindustry.org
301-804-4704
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