Security Industry Association Announces 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship Winners

By Kara Klein, Associate Director of Marketing and Media Relations, Security Industry Association on August 30, 2022 | , |
2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship Winners: Kike Adegoke-Ode, Lily Chen, Tia Eskandari, Sophie Faaborg-Andersen, Sydney Freeman, Kathryn Maly, Taylor Scala

Seven 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 seven recipients for the 2022 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 2022 scholarship program – open to employees of SIA member companies and SIA student members – each honoree will be awarded $10,000 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.

“SIA is thrilled to present seven Women in Security Forum scholarships this year and congratulates the 2022 honorees for their accomplishments, vision and commitment to furthering diversity within the security industry,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We are proud to foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive security industry through efforts like this unique scholarship program and look forward to supporting the honorees’ future successes and empowering them to thrive in their careers.”  

The winners for the 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship are:

  • Kikelomo Adegoke-Ode, network systems engineer, Metro-INET Division, City of Roseville, Minnesota
  • Lily Chen, student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Tia Eskandari, director of service, Allied Universal Technology Services
  • Sophie Faaborg-Andersen, graduate student, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
  • Sydney Freeman, senior communications specialist, ADT
  • Kathryn Maly, supply chain process engineer, BCD
  • Taylor Scala, student, Lynn University; intern, Axis Communications

The 2022 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; Rebecca Bayne of Bayne Consulting & Search, Inc.; Jim Black of Microsoft Corporation; Dhira Bluestone of PAE National Security Solutions;  Lynn de Séve of GSA Schedules, Inc.; Kevin Friedman of Maize Marketing; Margie Gurwin of Content Creation Partners; Angela Hackett of Eagle Eye Networks; Stephanie Mayes of SiteOwl; Elaine Palome of Axis Communications; Kim Rahfaldt of AMAG Technology; Gannon Switzer of Vector Firm; and Rachel Wyatt-Swanson of Convergint Technologies.

“WISF is thrilled to award scholarships to these highly accomplished individuals, chosen from a large and impressive pool of applicants, to pursue their ambitious plans to further their professional development and enrich the security industry,” said WISF Scholarship Subcommittee Chair Martha Entwistle. “We also want to recognize the scholarship committee members who worked tirelessly to promote the scholarship program and evaluate the record number of applications received in 2022.” 

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 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship program, including:

Diamond Level Donors:

  • Axis Communications
  • Genetec
  • BCD

Emerald Level Donors:

  • Altronix
  • Intel
  • Securitas
  • Security-Net

Ruby Level Donors:

  • Aiphone
  • Brivo
  • Eagle Eye Networks, Inc.
  • Zenitel

Sapphire Level Donors:

  • Arcules
  • Credo Cyber Consulting
  • GSA Schedules, Inc.
  • ProdataKey
  • Sentinel Consulting
  • VIRSIG

The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship program is also indebted to the 2022 scholarship program affiliates: 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 2022 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; top-quality keynote and breakfast events at ISC West and East; volunteer efforts that give back to the community; a virtual education series; collaborative projects with other organizations that seek to empower women in the security and technology fields; sponsorship of the Women in Biometrics Awards, which recognize distinguished female leaders in the biometric identity and security industry; 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 1,200 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.