What is the SIA Women in Security Forum?
Our Mission: The Women in Security Forum supports the participation and retention of women in the security industry and provides opportunities that fosters growth and advancement. Through programs, professional development and networking opportunities, the Forum engages members, both men and women, who share this goal.
Our Vision: To engage all security professionals to promote, recruit and cultivate women’s leadership for a bolder presence within the industry.
Video: Why You Should Join and Get Involved in WISF
Join the Women in Security Forum
Membership is free and is open to all SIA members. Not a SIA member yet? You can still join and will be subscribed to Women in Security Forum news and receive invitations to our events and programs, although you may not receive full member privileges.
Now Accepting Applications for Grants to Attend Security LeadHER!
SIA is pleased to offer competitive grants to support WISF members in advancing, connecting and empowering their careers and lives at Security LeadHER. Don't wait; applications are due March 21!
Get to Know Us
The SIA Women in Security Forum is led by an incredible group of volunteers committed to advancing opportunities for women in our industry.
Executive Committee
Meet the officers of our WISF Steering Committee
Alice DiSanto, chair
Candice Aragon, Vice Chair
Kasia Hanson, Past Chair
The WISF is all about opportunities to connect and volunteer. Learn about our subcommittees here – and get involved in this community!
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Awards & Recognition
- The SIA Progress Award celebrates individuals who advance opportunities and pave the way to success for women in the security industry through volunteerism, professional development and efforts that foster a diverse workforce.
- The SIA WISF Power 100 is an annual initiative that showcases 100 women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in the global security industry. This recognition program honors women in security who model leadership, inspire others and shape and transform the industry. Honorees are invited to attend a special Women in Security Forum event at ISC West and be recognized during the trade show.
- The SIA Women in Security Forum is an organizational supporter of the annual SIA Women in Biometrics Awards, a globally recognized program honoring distinguished female leaders in the biometric identity and security industry for their contributions; winners are recognized each year at SIA GovSummit.
Scholarships & Grants
- The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship is designed to further opportunities for SIA members, support their professional development and educational goals and help them thrive in the industry. Through this scholarship – open to SIA members and student members – each awardee receives funds to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, conferences or webinars, SIA program offerings, repayment of student loan debt and/or other academic or education programs.
- The NavigateHER Event Grants Program offers competitive grants for WISF community members to attend the annual Security LeadHER conference. This program is designed to support the career growth and development of individuals who lack financial backing from their employers or require additional monetary assistance to enable their participation in the event.
Charitable Giving
- The CAN DO Challenge calls upon our friends throughout the security industry and beyond to help overcome America’s unprecedented hunger issue. Our CAN DO Challenge urges each of us to personally make a difference during the holiday season by donating a “can” or “do” an act – like deliver or serve a meal.
- Each year, the SIA Women in Security Forum encourages those in the security industry and beyond to join us in supporting Dress for Success Southern Nevada at ISC West and helping women achieve financial independence. By supporting the Essentials 4 Job Security Giveback, WISF members personally made a difference in helping the women of southern Nevada build careers and become self-sufficient.
Events & Conferences
- Security LeadHER is a can't-miss a day-and-half event presented by ASIS International and the Security Industry Association and dedicated to the advancement of women in the global security industry. Learn more and join us for the next event June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan!
- SIA is working with industry partners to develop exciting networking and professional growth events for women in the security industry. Check out SIA's event calendar, and stay tuned for additional events to come.
SIA Women in Security Forum AmbassadHERs
- Strategically located across the United States and Latin America, WISF AmbassadHERs are integral in extending the relational reach and engaging our WISF members.
Spotlighting Women in Security
- SECURE Perspectives, a column in partnership with Security Sales & Integration, profiles successful women in security, highlighting their backgrounds, perspectives on security trends and advice for women in the industry. Read this recent profile featuring Jessica Waddle of Gallagher Security.
- SIA's Women in Security Forum partners with Security Systems News on recurring profiles of women in the security industry. Read the most recent profile, featuring Nikki Williams of Integrated Control Technology.
Get involved in WISF
If you're already a member of WISF, we want you more involved, as this is more than a group – it's a movement! As you get more involved, you can access opportunities like professional development and networking events, raise your visibility in the industry by participating in speaking engagements and leading initiatives, learn from the forum's thought leadership pieces from female security luminaries and even help grow our movement through efforts in education, charitable giving, scholarship and more.
How Can I Get Involved?
Want to take the next step and influence change?
- Join a subcommittee
- Nominate an advocate for diversity for the Progress Award
- Attend one of our events and connect with like-minded colleagues
- Inquire about thought leadership opportunities
- Follow us on LinkedIn for the most current and up-to-date information
Contact Elli Reges for more information and to get involved.
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