Security Industry Association Announces 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship Winners

Ten security industry professionals and students will receive scholarships to be used toward continuing education, repayment of student loan debt and professional development.   

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named 10 recipients for the 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Scholarship – a program developed by the SIA Women in Security Forum to further educational opportunities and promote advancement for the widest spectrum of people possible in the security industry.

In the 2023 scholarship program – open to employees of SIA member companies and SIA student members – each honoree will be awarded $7,500 to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, conferences or webinars, SIA program offerings, repayment of student loan debt and/or other education or academic pursuits.

“The 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship honorees are an inspiring group of industry leaders, students and professionals, and SIA is proud to recognize them,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “This year’s class of scholarship winners are truly making an impact in our industry and demonstrate outstanding accomplishments, vision and commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in security. We celebrate their successes and look forward to supporting them and helping them thrive in their careers.”

The winners for the 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship are:

• Nike Coker, senior project manager, City of Toronto, Canada
• Alex Czoschke, learning and development manager, Arcules
• Deepa Veni Dhanasekaran, systems designer, Convergint
• Laura Garest, director, global and national systems integrators, Wesco
• Crystal Landeck, warehouse coordinator, Convergint
• Madeleine Mathias, graduate student, The Fletcher School at Tufts University
• Carmella Saia, graduate student, The George Washington University
• Alina Thai, graduate student, Georgetown University
• Hilary Turner, senior content writer, Eagle Eye Networks
• Rhette Wallach, senior principal product security engineer, Stryker

The 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship honorees were selected with the help of SIA’s Women in Security Forum scholarship subcommittee: chair Martha Entwistle of Eagle Eye Networks; Beth Anderson of Allegion US; Rebecca Bayne of Bayne Consulting & Search; Jim Black of Microsoft; Lynn de Séve of GSA Schedules; Tia Eskandari of Allied Universal; Stephanie Mayes of SiteOwl; Elaine Palome of Axis Communications; Kim Rahfaldt of AMAG Technology; Ania Ross of Wesco; and Gannon Switzer of Vector Firm.

“The SIA Women in Security Forum is pleased to award scholarships to 10 individuals whose exemplary achievements, ambitious professional goals and commitment to promoting diversity and equity in the security industry made them stand out among a highly competitive pool of deserving applicants,” said SIA WISF scholarship subcommittee Chair Martha Entwistle, senior manager of corporate communications at Eagle Eye Networks. “Now in its fourth year, the 2023 WISF Scholarship program has experienced a substantial increase in the number of applicants, doubling the number of submissions from prior years. We want to thank the AmplifiHER subcommittee members who dedicated their valuable time and effort to support, promote and fundraise for this important initiative. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to the SIA member companies whose generous contributions help to enable the progress of women in our industry and make this program possible.”

The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship program is made possible by the generous donations of SIA members and SIA member companies. The SIA Women in Security Forum would like to recognize the industry leaders who have donated to the 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship program, including:

Diamond Sponsors:

• Axis Communications
• Genetec
• Securitas

Emerald Sponsors:

• ADI
• Allegion
• Altronix
• BCD
• Intel
• Security-Net

Ruby Sponsors:

• Brivo
• Eagle Eye Networks
• GSA Schedules, Inc.
• i-PRO
• SALTO
• Wesco
• Zenitel

Sapphire Sponsor:

• VIRSIG

SIA also thanks media supporters, including SDM Magazine, Security Business Magazine, SecurityInfoWatch.com, Security Technology Executive and Security Today.

To learn more about the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship and 2023 awardees, visit the scholarship page.

In addition to this scholarship, the SIA Women in Security Forum offers a number of key programs and activities, including the SIA Progress Award, which celebrates individuals who advance opportunities for women in the security industry; the Power 100, an annual initiative showcasing 100 women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in global security; organizing keynote series events like the WISF Keynote Series Breakfast at ISC East and keynote breakfast at ISC West; co-leadership of the Security LeadHER conference in partnership with ASIS International; volunteer efforts that give back to the community; collaborative projects with other organizations that seek to empower women in the security and technology fields; sponsorship of the SIA Women in Biometrics Awards program; thought leadership and speaking opportunities; and engaging networking and professional growth events. Participation in the SIA Women in Security Forum is open to all employees of SIA member companies; learn more and get involved.

About SIA

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 learning and development, 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.