The inaugural Security LeadHER event, developed in partnership by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ASIS International, saw approximately 300 attendees convene in Nashville on 12 – 13 June. According to SIA and ASIS, the event was dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.

Program

The association highlight that this year’s Security LeadHER program kicked off on 12 June with a variety of 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, wrapping up with a networking reception at Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ.

On 13 June, 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.”

VanCort shared her personal journey from childhood kidnappings to a near-fatal head injury to becoming a number one bestselling author, addressed some of today’s most important women’s leadership issues and offered 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 unconscious biases against women in security, anonymizing digital footprints, protecting data in the cloud, leading by influence and the science of sex and its impact on the industry.

The conference closed with a keynote from diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner, spoken word artist, emcee and poetry specialist Charity Blackwell.

Success of the event

“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!”