Security LeadHER Empowers Women in Security with Inaugural Conference: A Paradigm Shift in the Industry

Security LeadHER Conference Empowers Women in the Security Profession

ALEXANDRIA, Va. & SILVER SPRING, Md. – The inaugural Security LeadHER conference, dedicated to advancing, connecting, and empowering women in the security profession, concluded with resounding success. The event, held in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 12-13, brought together approximately 300 current and future “LeadHERs” of all backgrounds and genders for a groundbreaking and empowering experience.

A New Paradigm for the Industry

The Security LeadHER conference represented a significant paradigm shift in the security industry by providing a space for women to come together, share their stories, ideas, and knowledge, and elevate themselves both professionally and personally. With its focus on elevating women’s leadership and promoting diversity and inclusion, the conference aimed to dismantle barriers and biases that persist in the security profession.

Keynote Speakers Inspire and Empower

The conference programming featured renowned speakers who delivered powerful keynotes, providing attendees with invaluable insights and actionable guidance. Author, speaker, and consultant Eliza VanCort kicked off the event with a motivating keynote titled “Claim Your Success – Stand Tall, Raise Your Voice and Be Heard.” VanCort shared her personal journey of overcoming adversity and offered participants valuable communication and presentation skills to achieve their goals.

The conference concluded with a moving keynote from diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner Charity Blackwell. Through spoken word poetry and a captivating address, Blackwell explored the meaning of owning one’s legacy through work, inspiring attendees to make a lasting impact in their industry.

Program Highlights

The Security LeadHER conference featured two tracks – Leadership and Security & Innovation – with presentations from industry-leading subject matter experts. These sessions provided actionable guidance on a range of topics, from setting boundaries and addressing virtual threats to mitigating biases against women in security.

The conference also offered engaging activities, including a behind-the-scenes security tour of Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, a visit to the National Museum of African American Music, and a women’s self-defense class. These activities not only provided participants with fun experiences but also showcased the diverse facets of the security profession.

The Role of Digital Security

As technology continues to shape the security landscape, the conference dedicated a session to digital security. Attendees learned about anonymizing their digital footprint, protecting data in the cloud, and mitigating virtual threats and harassment. These discussions emphasized the importance of maintaining strong cybersecurity practices, both personally and professionally.

Editorial

The Security LeadHER conference represents a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse security profession. By providing a platform for women to network, learn, and empower themselves, the industry can tap into a wealth of talent that has often been overlooked or undervalued.

However, it is crucial to note that the goal of achieving gender equality in the security profession extends beyond hosting conferences and events. True progress requires systemic changes within organizations that address gender biases, promote women’s leadership, and provide equal opportunities for all. It is imperative that companies and industry leaders make concerted efforts to examine their practices, policies, and culture to foster a more inclusive environment for women.

Advice for the Security Industry

To create a more equitable industry, the security profession must take intentional and meaningful actions. Here are some recommendations:

1. Promote Diversity and Inclusion:

Companies should prioritize diversity and inclusion as core values. This includes actively recruiting and promoting women, creating mentorship programs, and fostering an inclusive culture that values the contributions of all professionals.

2. Provide Equal Opportunities:

Organizations must ensure that women have equal access to professional opportunities, including training, leadership positions, and high-profile projects. By eliminating systemic barriers, the industry can tap into a broader talent pool and benefit from diverse perspectives.

3. Address Unconscious Bias:

Training programs should address unconscious biases that can hinder women’s advancement in the security profession. By raising awareness and providing tools to mitigate biases, organizations can create a more equitable workplace.

4. Enhance Cybersecurity Practices:

The increased reliance on technology in the security profession necessitates a focus on cybersecurity. Organizations should prioritize digital security training and practices to protect sensitive data and mitigate virtual threats.

5. Support Professional Development:

Organizations should invest in professional development opportunities for women in the security profession, including conferences, workshops, and leadership programs. By supporting ongoing growth and skill-building, companies can help women advance their careers and reach their full potential.

The Security LeadHER conference sets a precedent for the industry and provides a platform for continued dialogue and action. It is essential that the security profession embraces this momentum and works collectively to create a more inclusive and equitable future.