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.

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.

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.

“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!”

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

This inaugural event, hosted by ASIS International and the Security Industry Association and designed to advance, connect and empower women in security, will take place June 12-13 in Nashville, Tennessee.

ALEXANDRIA, Va./SILVER SPRING, Md. –  ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have announced the agenda and speaker lineup for the inaugural Security LeadHER conference, an event designed to showcase women in security. Security LeadHER 2023 will be held June 12-13 at the Hilton Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

This new conference from ASIS and SIA will bring together security professionals committed to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession, kicking off with a reception on June 12.

On June 13, the Security LeadHER conference programming will begin 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 will share her personal story, from kidnappings to a near-fatal head injury to becoming a No. 1 bestselling author, address some of today’s most important women’s leadership issues and offer participants concrete skills to achieve their goals professionally and in every aspect of their lives.

Additional programming will focus on two tracks – Leadership and Security & Innovation – featuring industry-leading subject matter expert presenters. Track session topics will include:

• The art of saying no
• Assessing virtual threats and harassment
• How to eliminate unconscious bias against ourselves as women in security
• Anonymizing your digital footprint
• How perfectionism sabotages career advancement
• Defending data in the cloud
• Leading by influence
• The science of sex and its impact on the industry

Speakers for Security LeadHER include:

• Keynote: Eliza VanCort, author, renowned speaker and sought-after consultant
• Patricia Arboleda, CEO and founder, executive and leadership coach, Arboleda Coaching
• Consuelo Brandon, senior consultant, Guidepost Solutions
• Robby Ann Carter, CEO, Robby Ann Carter Inc.
• Emily Keram, consultant and forensic psychiatrist
• Connie Moorhead, CEO, The CMOOR Group
• Nikki Nemarich, CEO and head of Americas marketing, Axis Communications
• Barbara Okumu, HR and administration manager, Lady Askari
• Angela Osborne, associate vice president, risk and emergency management solutions, Guidepost Solutions
• Belinda Othieno, finance manager, Lady Askari
• Kathleen Pucket, CEO, TK Associates
• Stephanie Prentice, safety, security and emergency management consultant, Complete Threat Preparedness
• Sandra Stibbards, owner and president, Camelot Investigations

“The SIA Women in Security Forum is honored to co-present Security LeadHER in partnership with ASIS International’s Women in Security Community,” said Elaine Palome, director of human resources, Americas, at Axis Communications and event co-chair for Security LeadHER. “In line with the event theme Leading Change, this unique inaugural event will help attendees propel their personal and professional growth, promote safe, inclusive workplaces and inspire change in our industry.”

“I’m thrilled to help lead the inaugural Security LeadHER conference, which will provide top-quality informative, engaging content to our attendees,” said Antoinette King, founder of Credo Cyber Consulting and event co-chair for Security LeadHER. “This year’s event program examines critical issues impacting women in the security industry, dives into important leadership and security topics and will engage security professionals in promoting, recruiting and cultivating a more inclusive, diversified industry.”

ASIS and SIA members are eligible for $100 discounts which allows registration for just $395.

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. Learn more and register here.

Security LeadHER 2023 is supported by Apple; Premier Sponsors dormakaba, Intel and Wesco; Executive Sponsors Axis Communications and Securitas; and Partner Sponsors Allegion, Altronix, 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 1,300 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
Director, 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

Submit your proposal to speak at the inaugural Security LeadHER event, June 12-13, 2023.

ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have opened the call for proposals for Security LeadHER – a new event dedicated to the advancement of women in the global security industry. The 2023 Security LeadHER conference will take place June 12-13 at the Hilton Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

A collaborative effort between the SIA Women in Security Forum and the ASIS Women in Security Community, Security LeadHER will bring together security professionals committed to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.

“On behalf of the SIA Women in Security Forum, I am thrilled to co-lead this inaugural event with Antoinette and ASIS International,” said Elaine Palome, director of human resources, Americas, at Axis Communications and event co-chair for Security LeadHER. “The theme for this event is ‘Leading Change,’ and attendees will have opportunities to meet influencers and industry experts face-to-face, break out of their comfort zones and reenergize! The thoughtfully curated content will be designed to encourage and support the growth of both current and future LeadHers. I hope you will consider submitting ideas during the call for proposals and attending this one-of-a-kind event in our industry. This is not your mother’s conference!”

“It is truly an honor to have been asked to be involved in the inaugural Security LeadHER conference jointly hosted by SIA and ASIS International. The success of this event lies in the content we provide to the attendees,” said Antoinette King, founder of Credo Cyber Consulting and event co-chair for Security LeadHER. “We are excited to open the call for proposals on Feb. 1 and expect to have many quality submissions to choose from. I am looking forward to learning from the sessions that are selected, and I know the selection committee will have their work cut out for them during the selection process. This is an event that is not to be missed.”

Session proposal submissions are open now through Monday, Feb. 20. Whether your passion is leadership, technology or trends, we encourage you to submit a speaking proposal here! 

Media Contacts:                                                

ASIS International
Andy Cutler  
Andy.cutler@asisonline.org
703-518-1514

Security Industry Association (SIA)
Kara Klein
Manager of Communications
kklein@securityindustry.org
301-804-4704

ASIS International and Security Industry Association (SIA) Partner to Advance Opportunities to Advance, Connect and Empower Women in Security

Security LeadHER event set for June 12-13, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee

Alexandria, VA/Silver Spring, MD (January 26, 2023) – ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA), the leading membership associations for the security industry, have announced a partnership to launch a new event designed to showcase women in security.  The event, titled Security LeadHER, will be held at the Hilton Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, and will kick off with a reception on June 12 with conference programming taking place on June 13. This conference will bring together security professionals committed to advancing, connecting, and empowering women in the security profession.

“We have done significant work to engage all security professionals to promote, recruit and cultivate the leadership of women for a more inclusive and diversified industry, and see this event as a way to advance this work,” said Kasia Hanson, chair, SIA Women in Security Forum. “We look forward to engaging a diverse group of professionals to collaborate with and see this as a preeminent educational, networking and engagement opportunity to strengthen our ability to create impactful and long-lasting change within the security industry.”

Beginning on February 1, Security LeadHER invites you to submit a proposal to present and share your expertise at the first-ever SIA and ASIS International conference dedicated to the advancement of women in the global security industry, designed to empower women in security and their allies while exploring global security topics, answering widespread questions, and discovering practical ideas driving today’s most successful women in security. Whether your passion is leadership, power skills, or diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), or you’d rather share your industry expertise around security innovation, technology, or trends, we encourage you to submit your speaking proposal. Beginning February 1, you will be able to submit your proposal at www.securityleadher.org.

“Our goal is to advance women in the security industry, see them succeed in their professional roles, and climb to the C-Suite inspiring industry leaders to take action to change this industry for the better,” stated Brittany Galli, chair, ASIS Women in Security Community. “We have known for decades that women are an underrepresented group within the security profession, and we aim to discuss the challenges and solutions to reach our goal – increasing the women in security data statistics far beyond its current 11%.”

ASIS and SIA members are eligible for $100 discounts which allows registration for just $395; the full non-member rate registration is $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 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 two tracks – Leadership, and Security Trends, featuring more than 30 industry leading subject matter expert presenters.

Space for this one-of-a-kind event is limited. To sign up for event updates and register, please visit securityleadher.org.

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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. Learn more about ASIS International at www.asisonline.org.

About Security Industry Association (SIA)

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,300 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 www.securityindustry.org.