Elevating Women’s Careers in Security – From First Role to Leadership
Women are entering the security profession in greater numbers, yet the path from first role to leadership is rarely straightforward or transparent. This discussion will bring together a panel of entry, mid, and senior women security professionals, moderated by an early career practitioner, for a candid conversation about building and sustaining a career in security. Panelists will share how they broke into the industry, navigated a competitive job market, managed lateral moves and promotions, and handled missteps, and burnout along the way. They will reflect on what they wish they had known earlier about networking, unspoken corporate norms, and evaluating roles and organizations. A core focus of the discussion will be “lifting as you climb”, including practical ways professionals can mentor, champion, and advocate for emerging women, and how early career practitioners can position themselves to benefit from that support. Attendees will leave with strategies for entering and advancing in security, actionable ideas for making teams more welcoming to women at all levels, and motivation to intentionally bring the next generation along.
- At the end of the session, participants will be able to map at least three practical steps to enter or pivot within the security field, tailored to their current experience level.
- At the end of the session, participants will be able to apply specific networking, interviewing, and personal branding techniques to improve their competitiveness for security roles and promotions.
- At the end of the session, participants will be able to outline an actionable mentoring or sponsorship plan to support emerging women in security within their teams or professional communities.”
Speakers
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Brennion, KaraSupply Chain Security & Resilience ConsultantKara Brennion is a supply chain security consultant who helps global and Fortune 500 organizations map complex supplier networks, identify concealed security vulnerabilities, and enhance end to end operational resilience. Drawing on extensive expertise in open-source intelligence and data management, she focuses on uncovering supplier risks that have the potential to disrupt security, business continuity, and compromise brand integrity. She conducts comprehensive resilience and security audits to help organizations meet evolving regulatory requirements, including CTPAT standards. Kara holds a master’s in security and Intelligence from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a bachelor’s in creative writing from the University of Arizona.
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Stoyanov, AnastaciaMaster of International Policy candidate
Anastacia Stoyanov is a Master of International Policy candidate at the University of Georgia, specializing in intelligence analysis, open-source intelligence, and global trade. As a Graduate Assistant at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs, she brings a global perspective to the intersection of policy, intelligence, and risk. Anastacia is passionate about connecting ideas across cultures and helping organizations navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Her speaking topics include geopolitical risk, intelligence innovation, and the future of international policy. As an emerging security professional, she is dedicated to learning from and contributing to the next generation of global thinkers.
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Phillips, StephanieIntelligence Analyst
Stephanie Phillips is an Intelligence Analyst at BSI specializing in supply chain security and emerging technology risks. With a background in international security and regional studies, she brings expertise on how global trade and technology intersect with geopolitics. She holds a master’s degree in security studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and dual bachelor’s degrees in international Affairs and Arabic from the University of Georgia. Her research examines terrorism, CBRN weapons, and the role of religion in global security. A dedicated mentor, Stephanie supports research associates, interns, and early-career professionals entering the security field. She also advances language education for refugees through the nonprofit Paper Airplanes.